10 European countries from the Joint Expeditionary Force wanted a strengthened partnership with Ukraine

The Prime Minister of Norway noted that the coalition member states "have a lot to learn" from the experience that Ukraine gained during the war

Artem Dzheripa

News editor at LIGA.net

May 9, 20:00

Meeting of JEF member countries in Oslo on May 9, 2025 (Photo: Lise Aserud / EPA)

The member countries of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) have agreed to invite Ukraine to an enhanced partnership. This was announced by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre following the organization's summit in Oslo, the country's government reports.

During the Oslo summit, one of the main issues on the agenda was continued support for Ukraine, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in the event via video link.

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"We have agreed to invite Ukraine to an enhanced partnership with the Joint Expeditionary Force. Russia's war against Ukraine has created the most serious security situation in Europe since World War II. We stand firmly in support of Ukraine," the Norwegian Prime Minister said.

The politician noted that JEF member countries "have a lot to learn" from the experience that Ukraine gained during the war.

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JEF is a security coalition formed in 2015 and led by the United Kingdom, which also includes Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Estonia (Nordic and Baltic countries). The alliance has a total of 10 states.

The alliance was created as a maneuverable defense force capable of rapidly deploying troops in response to crises in Northern Europe. The JEF can also provide troops to assist in international operations led by NATO, the UN or other organizations. The coalition aims to complement cooperation with NATO, strengthen collective security in the region and enhance common defense capabilities.

Støre added that a closer partnership between Ukraine and the organization "will be essential for strengthening security and stability in our corner of Europe."

"Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, and this is what we are doing now. Today's meeting confirmed our close ties in the field of security policy, and we agreed to strengthen our joint efforts to promote security and stability in Northern Europe. The JEF can provide an effective and rapid response in crisis situations and serves to strengthen NATO's defense capabilities," the politician noted.

During the Oslo summit, British Prime Minister Starmer announced the largest ever package of sanctions against 100 tankers of the Russian shadow fleet.
Dutch Prime Minister Schoof said that Russia could increase its military strength on the border with Northern Europe for a new war within two to three years.
At the event, President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is preparing to meet with the leaders of the "coalition of the willing" countries, whose members plan to deploy military contingents in Ukraine after the war.