Listeners to the 74e Defence Policy" major of the 1re Integrated National Session visited the Republic of Estonia from 15 May to 18 May 2022.
This visit is part of the annual theme of "resilience", which guides the activities organised throughout the year. Given the current context, the delegation's visit to the Baltic is a strong gesture of political support for Estonia and our allies.
On their arrival in Tallinn, the IHEDN auditors were welcomed by Mr LamourouxFrench Ambassador to Estonia. At this meeting, listeners and Mr Lamouroux discussed Estonia's main domestic and foreign policy issues, as well as the country's culture and history.
The auditors also had the opportunity to learn about the consequences of the war in Ukraine on Estonia's defence posture and the security situation in the Baltic. Speeches by senior representatives of the Estonian Ministry of Defence, the Estonian Defence Forces and the NATO Force Integration Unit (NATO) helped to raise awareness of the major military and security issues of the day. The day concluded with a presentation on the missions and activities of the Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE), which highlighted the importance of the efforts made by Estonians and their allies in the field of cyber defence.
The following day, the 'defence policy' major paid its respects at the Memorial to the Victims of Communism in Maarjamäe, where students laid a wreath of flowers on behalf of France and the IHEDN.
The day also provided an opportunity to discuss Estonia's geopolitical situation, the Estonian government's communications strategy for its population and the integration of the Estonian Defence Forces into NATO. These discussions were made possible by the valuable participation of eminent representatives from the Estonian Government, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Estonian Defence Forces. Interested in Estonia's naval culture and its long-standing relationship with maritime affairs, the audience was offered a tour of Tallinn's Maritime Museum.
Accompanied by the Director of IHEDN, the Lt-Gen Benoît DurieuxThe auditors were received at the Baltic Defence College in Tartu. There they discussed the challenges of regional cooperation in the military field, with particular reference to the training of Baltic officers. The day also provided an opportunity to explore the issue of resilience in the Baltic and to meet a member of the Estonian Defence Industry Association.
