JEF and Ukraine Expand Partnership

For the first time, Ukraine participated in a defence ministers' meeting within the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). At the same time, the JEF countries and Ukraine signed an updated agreement granting Ukraine the status of "Extended Partner".

Ukraine's Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal participated on 5 November in the defence ministers' meeting within the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) in Bodø (northern Norway). According to a press release from Ukraine's Ministry of Defence, he attended at the invitation of the defence ministers of Norway and the United Kingdom. During the meeting, an updated Memorandum of Understanding (CMOU) was signed, confirming Ukraine's new status as an "Extended Partner" to JEF.

In a joint statement from the JEF countries, it is noted that this is the first time a state outside JEF has been granted this status. According to the statement, the aim is to deepen the relationship with Ukraine and create conditions for cooperation in areas such as exercises, interoperability, and crisis preparedness.

In statements from the Norwegian and Danish defence ministries, the strategic importance of Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea region for JEF cooperation is also emphasised. Norway particularly highlights that the agreement formally opens up for enhanced partnerships with countries outside JEF and strengthens the ability to act quickly and in coordination. According to Denmark's Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, this is another step in providing long-term support to Ukraine.

According to Ukraine's Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine's contribution to JEF is not only military but also technological and industrial. He mentions joint exercises, air defence, drones, protection of critical infrastructure, and combating hybrid attacks as possible areas of cooperation. At the same time, he expresses hopes for Ukrainian access to European technology and production resources as a basis for joint production.

– Ukraine is ready to contribute to achieving common goals. Together, we can deter aggression and secure a peaceful and stable Europe for future generations, says Shmyhal in the statement from Ukraine's Ministry of Defence.