Toespraak minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius bij ceremoniële overdracht Duits-Nederlandse legerkorps 1GNC

Minister Pistorius, Boris, Minister Pevkur, Hanno, Minister Melnis, Raivis, Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz, Wladyslaw, distinguished military leaders: General Donahue, General Gerhartz, Lieutenant General Mirow, and Lieutenant General Parylak, Mayors of Valga & Valka, dear Allies and friends,

It is a privilege to be here today in Valga-Valka. Few places in Europe carry a story as powerful as this town. A town where a border runs through the middle, yet does not divide. A town that reminds us that cooperation is stronger than division.

Standing here, you can cross from one country into another in seconds. For many Europeans, that feels normal. But peace, freedom and open borders are not accidents of history. They are achievements that endure only if we are willing to defend them.

That is why we are here today. Today, the First German-Netherlands Corps takes over from Multi-National Corps North-East as it assumes responsibility for NATO’s regional plans in Latvia and Estonia. An important step in strengthening NATO’s eastern flank – a new link in the chain connecting nations, forces, and capabilities. It sends a clear message: our Alliance is adapting, strengthening and preparing for the future. And it reflects a Europe that is stepping up and taking greater responsibility for its own security.

Because the security environment around us is changing rapidly. Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to cast a long shadow over our continent. Hostile activities on NATO’s eastern flank have become a daily reality –ranging from cyber-attacks and disinformation to pressure in the air, at sea, and in the grey zone.

For the people of Latvia and Estonia, these threats are not abstract. You know from history what it means to lose your freedom. You know what it means to live under occupation.

That is why I want to say clearly today: your borders are our borders. Germany, the Netherlands and all fourteen nations contributing to 1GNC, stand firmly alongside you – not only in words, but in presence, readiness and action.

This is part of a broader Allied effort across NATO’s eastern flank. NATO’s Forward Land Forces embody credible deterrence every day: Allies standing shoulder to shoulder, integrated and ready. In the Baltic Sea, Allies are deepening cooperation to protect critical infrastructure, secure vital sea lanes, and strengthen resilience. This week, I confirmed that the Netherlands will extend its contribution to the Multinational Battlegroup Lithuania for another two years.

For more than thirty years, the First German-Netherlands Corps has shown what European military integration can achieve. What began as a bilateral initiative has grown into one of NATO’s most successful multinational formations.

Earlier this year in Münster, I saw this in action: soldiers from Germany, the Netherlands and fourteen Allied nations working together as one team. Military integration – not an ambition, but delivering security today.

Let me also underline the importance of the close cooperation between 1GNC, the armed forces of Estonia and Latvia, and the other Allied forces already present in the region. Our security is built on partnership, and every exercise, every mission and every shared effort  strengthens our collective defence.

To the women and men of the First German-Netherlands Corps: thank you. You take on an important new responsibility, and I wish you every success in this mission.

To Multi-National Corps North-East; thank you for your outstanding leadership. You are a cornerstone of NATO’s deterrence and defence posture in this region. As you continue your vital mission in Poland, Lithuania and the strategically important Suwalki Corridor, I wish you every success.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Valga-Valka is a symbol of Europe: different nations, languages and histories, united by shared values and a shared future. That is also the story of NATO.

We invest in readiness because readiness preserves peace. We strengthen deterrence because deterrence prevents conflict. Today’s transfer of responsibility is another expression of that commitment. To Estonia, to Latvia, to the Baltic region, and to NATO as a whole.

Thank you.