The conference served as a platform for all stakeholders concerned to shape the future of the NATO Force Integration Units (NFIUs) in accordance with the guidelines set out by the most recent NATO Summit. With the decisions taken in Warsaw in June, NATO has confirmed its readiness to protect almost one billion citizens living within its borders. An important aspect of increasing security in and around Europe has been making its presence felt along the Alliance’s Northeastern border. This also relates to the vital role of the Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast and the NFIUs as its subordinated entities.
“The new initiatives agreed in Warsaw – like the enhanced Forward Presence – will require adaptation and evolution even of our newest structures, such as the NFIUs. – stated General Salvatore Farina – Each of these small headquarters are unique and specifically organized to carry out tasks in the best possible way. This conference was also a very valuable venue where experiences and lessons learnt by the NFIU Commanders and staffs were shared and will be exploited in the future.”
The NFIUs headquartered in Poland and the three Baltic States have been active since September 2015. Exactly one year later, another two – Hungarian and Slovakian – have followed. As a result, within the strategic region of NATO there are six NFIUs operating under the command of the Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast. The establishment of NFIUs has marked an important step in developing NATO’s deterrence and defence posture. At the same time, it has demonstrated a common determination and commitment of the Allied nations to keep Northeastern Europe safe.
“I would like to emphasize that security is a team effort. – stressed Lieutenant General Manfred Hofmann – Together with the NFIUs, our forward enablers, we have officially become NATO’s Regional Custodian of Security in the Northeastern flank. We are ready to support the battalion-sized battlegroups in further enhancement of safety of the region in the legitimate and proportionate way.”
With the launch of NFIUs, NATO has provided its outermost regions with a variety of military experts prepared to support the rapid deployment of thousands of troops in every possible aspect at any time. Fulfilling their mission in the heart of Northeastern Europe, the NFIUs have raised a lot of interest among the nations concerned. After only a year of collaboration, they have proven to be great supporters and important partners of their host countries.
“I am very pleased with the professionalism of subject matter experts available for me through the NFIU. Due to their specific knowledge, I am able to access a wealth of long-standing experience which is very beneficial for the Lithuanian Armed Forces.” – said Major General Vitalijus Vaiksnoras, the Chief of Joint Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Last but not least, the Vilnius conference also aimed at enhancing partnership between NATO and civilian organizations of Lithuania. Therefore, General Hofmann has signed the Memorandum of Understanding with Lithuanian Social Research Centre. This reflects NATO’s confidence that combining military commitment with civilian efforts contributes to the security of Northeastern Europe.
