the NATO integration unit in Lithuania (NFIU), acting as part of the allied mechanism of defense readiness, goes under the command of the Dutch side. This was reported in the Ministry of Defense of Lithuania.
The command of the command was held on Thursday in the Vilnius Town Hall. Colonel of the Armed Forces of Denmark Peter Nielsen, who headed NFIU since 2021, transferred the authority to the new leader – Colonel of the Army of the Netherlands Merlen Haliger.
The Minister of National Defense of Lithuania Doville Shakalena, speaking at the ceremony, noted that the work of the unit helps to strengthen the interaction of the Allies and ensures practical readiness for coordinated actions if necessary.
“The NATO integration unit has become an important element of our collective defense. It strengthens the possibilities of joint response and symbolizes close cooperation between allied countries,” the minister said.
The NATO integration unit has been operating in Lithuania since 2015 and is part of the Union Plan of Action to ensure readiness. Currently, it is in its composition to military personnel from 12 NATO countries.
Lithuania remains the only country of the alliance where the NFIU command is traditionally transmitted to an allied officer.