Security around the Baltic Rim: Concepts, Actors and Processes

International conflict prevention: The case of the Baltic region

“…From the Baltic side, Nordic-Baltic cooperation in the area of defence is seen as a considerable opportunity to improve Baltic military structures while awaiting NATO membership. In this perspective, several significant projects have been implemented during the nineties: the Baltic Battalion (BALTBAT), created to operate under the auspices of the United Nations for authorised peacekeeping activities, has allowed the national infantry of the three Baltic states to participate in international peacekeeping missions with Nordic units 39 and is expected to be restructured as a light infantry battalion capable of participating in NATO-led Peace Support Operations; 40 the Baltic Squadron (BALTRON), a combined multinational Baltic naval squadron designed for activities such as mine clearing, control of territorial seas, NATO interoperability; the BALTNET or Baltic Airspace Surveillance Network, with the purpose of setting up a comprehensive defensive radar network throughout the region; and the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) which provides education and training to joint staff officers according to NATO disciplined standard procedures.…”