In November 2015, the United Kingdom reaffirmed its leading role in the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) with the participation of 10,000 Troops from: Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Norway.
The Joint Expeditionary Force is combined of a highly trained Military personnel to be Deployed at a short notice, for countering a wide range of International crisis, with Combat Power, Conventional Deterrence and Humanitarian Assistance. Described by the UK MoD.
“We are Stronger together and have agreed to attach Forces to the JEF when the time is right. The Force will allow the UK and our Allies to share knowledge, skills and resources, and will mean we can deliver a rapidly deployable, flexible and integrated joint Force.” explained Defence Secretary Michael Fallon November 30, 2015 © UK M0D
On July 29 of this year, the UK-led High-Readiness Force commenced its inaugural high level training with the ‘Exercise Joint Venture’ in the Cornwall/UK. The Exercise aimed to enhance the Joint Expeditionary Force with a new Training and sharing of Land, Air and Sea skills and capabilities with the Armed-Forces from Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom.
“Exercise Joint Venture has been a significant milestone in the delivery of the Joint Expeditionary Force. The Standing Joint Force Headquarters is proving new ground, in the way the UK and Coalition Partners are able to deliver real and concerted Military effect in a complex and ever-changing World. I look forward to the Standing Joint Force Headquarters playing its part in bringing the Joint Expeditionary Force to full operating capability by the end of 2018.” Stated Major General Stuart Skeates. July 29, 2016 © UK M0D
UK Flag courtesy of U.S European Command
On July 14, Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen visited Danish Troops stationed in Afghanistan in the NATO Mission. Minister Jensen highlighted the occasion of his visit had been, first of all to say thank you to all Danish Troops serving in the NATO Resolute Support. And also to assess the situation in Afghanistan directly.
Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen with the Danish Troops in NATO Resolute Support in Afghanistan. July 14, 2016 © MFA of Denmark
Denmark is one of the main Troops and Financial contributors to Afghanistan from ISAF Mission to NATO’s Resolute Support. In Mai 2016 Danish Parliament ratified the Government’s plan on strengthening Danish Contingent in NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and the increase of the Financial aids continuing throughout 2020.
Additional: Denmark will bolster its Military Support to Afghanistan
By Catherine Stella Schmidt (Copyrighted material)
August 3, 2016 © US Mission NATO
Norway increases support for stabilising NATO’s Neighbouring areas, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway.‘Stability in Europe’s Neighbouring areas is important for our Security. We are therefore providing NOK 10 million over three years for NATO’s efforts to Promote Stability in vulnerable countries to the south and east of the Alliance.’
‘NATO has long experience in helping countries in its Neighbouring areas to develop their Security and Defence sectors. This has made an important contribution to stability in Europe after the Cold War. Now the Alliance can use this experience in other areas, such as North Africa and the Middle East,’ stated Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende. July 9,2016 © MFA Norway
With this new measure Norway is the lead Country of a new Trust Fund and personnel to support Capacity Building in Georgia by financing the Joint Training and Evaluation Centre until 2020.
In addition, at NATO’s Summit in Warsaw, Prime Minister Erna Solberg announced to increase the contribution of Norway to NATO’s Trust Fund for Capacity Building in the Defence sector, along with a contribution of about NOK 1 million a year to NATO’s Trust Fund to increase women’s participation in the Jordanian Armed Forces.
Belgium–the Leadership to reckon……and the Land that will represent European Ideals
Indicated by the UN 2015 Annual Statistic Report on UN Procurement.
News from MFA of Belgium News from Belgian Armed-Forces
News from Belgium Mission to the UN
The Sea Breeze 2016 has been launched in the Black Sea, with the main objectives of enhancing:
There are 13 participant Nations from: Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Lithuania, Italy, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Ukraine, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States in this Training Exercise to maximize their joint capabilities. The United States also provides most required Military assets to execute this Training.
Additional Reference: Sea Breeze 2016 Opening Ceremony July 25
‘The devastating impact of landmines doesn’t stop when the violence ends. Emergency workers are left unable to reach the places where they’re needed, refugees can’t return home and farmers can’t access their land. Before peace and stability can return, these deadly things have to be cleared away.’ Explained Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Minister Lilianne Ploumen July 20, 2016 © The MFA of the Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the largest donors when it comes demining, and wants to see Landmines eradicated within 10 years. The Dutch government will provide its full support in 3 Major Demining Projects in 13 Countries in the Word. Announced the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In the last last 4 years, Worldwide, the Netherlands has:
News from PM Mark Rutte
News from MFA of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
News from Dutch Armed-Forces
Denmark – with Norway, Sweden, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands is part of an exclusive group of countries. Announced by the MFA of Denmark
The countries are the only ones to live up to the UN’s goal of giving at least 0.7 percent of the GNI in development aid. These are the findings of a preliminary report for 2015 published today by the OECD, an international economic cooperation organisation.
“We can be proud to belong with this group of countries that live up to the UN’s goal. We were part of it last year and this year, and we will be part of it again next year,” expressed Minister for Foreign Affairs Kristian Jensen.” April 13, 2016 © The MFA of Denmark
Additional Reference: Denmark and WFP sign Strategic Partnership agreement at World Humanitarian Summit
July 29, 2016 © U.S Army Europe
Counter-ISIL Coalition Conference in Washington DC
Minister of Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop has attended in the Counter-ISIL Coalition Conference in Washington DC on July 21
“I will represent Australia at the first joint Counter-ISIL Coalition Foreign and Defence Ministers’ meetings in Washington on 21 July. I will be joined by my colleague, the Minister for Defence Marise Payne.”
“I will also take part in a panel discussion with leaders of the international security community on the importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation in the fight against ISIL. As part of Australia’s ongoing commitment to Peace and Stability in Iraq and announce that Australia will provide a further $15 million in Humanitarian and Stabilisation Assistance. This will include $5 million to Clear Landmines from Civilian areas, $5 million for the World Food Programme for urgent food relief, $3 million for UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and $2 million for the UN Iraq Humanitarian Pooled Fund.
This additional assistance brings Australia’s Humanitarian Response to the Iraq crisis to $60 million since 2014. Since 2011, Australia has also provided $213 million in response to the Syrian crisis, and we have committed a further $220 million for Humanitarian Relief in Syria and neighbouring countries over the next three years.” Stated Minister of Foreign Affairs Bishop July 20, 2016 © DFAT of Australia
Additional: Speech by Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop to Counter-ISIL Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting, Joint Plenary Session Intervention. Department of State Washington D.C, 21 July 2016
Defense Secretary Ash Carter met with Minister of Defense of Australia Marise Payne July 20, 2016
US-Europe World Affairs 