Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are collaborating to establish a joint military mobility area, with the long-term ambition of creating a “military Schengen zone” across Europe. This initiative aims to streamline border crossings and standardize movement and transport procedures during peacetime.
Strengthening Regional Defence
According to Estonia’s Defence Minister, Hanno Pevkur, this military mobility area is a key step in bolstering the countries’ defence capabilities. The ultimate goal, Pevkur stated, is to establish a “military Schengen zone” throughout Europe. The defence ministers of the three nations also affirmed that the Baltic Defence Line has evolved into a modern, cross-domain defence concept.
Estonia is currently focused on completing the construction of military bases, barriers, and storage facilities. All primary containment equipment has reportedly been delivered and stored, and a standard bunker has been tested in the country’s southeastern region. A major call for tenders is planned for this year, with continued construction of containment ditches anticipated in 2026.
Pevkur emphasized that the Defence Line is now “an essential element in ensuring the security of the eastern flank of NATO and the EU.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the military mobility area?
The aim is to harmonise peacetime border crossings and movement and transport procedures.
What is the Baltic Defence Line?
The Baltic Defence Line has evolved into a modern, cross-domain defence concept, and is considered essential for the security of NATO’s eastern flank and the EU.
Which country currently leads the cooperation format?
Estonia is presiding over the cooperation format of the defence ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in 2025.
As this initiative progresses, it could lead to further discussions about standardized military protocols and increased interoperability between European armed forces. It remains to be seen how widely this concept of a “military Schengen zone” will be adopted across the continent, and what challenges may arise in its implementation.
