German-Netherlands Corps takes over tactical command on NATO's eastern flank in Latvia and Estonia

On June 30, a NATO transfer of command authority ceremony will take place in Valka–Valga, during which the 1 German-Netherlands Corps (1GNC) will take over tactical command responsibility for NATO land forces in Latvia and Estonia from the Multinational Corps North East (MNC NE). The new command arrangement will take effect on July 1.

With this decision, NATO strengthens its command capabilities, allied presence, and deterrence capabilities in the Baltic region. The changes are part of the NATO Force Model, which aims to maintain more allied forces at a higher level of readiness and ensure faster response times in the event of potential threats.

Following the assumption of command authority, the German-Netherlands Corps will assume command & control of NATO and national defence land units stationed in Latvia and Estonia. This will include directing military exercises, preparing forces for operations, regional defence planning, as well as integrating allied reinforcements if necessary. Until now, these functions were performed by the Multinational Corps North East.

The changes are part of the NATO command structure reform introduced after the 2023 Vilnius Summit to ensure faster and more efficient mobilization of allied forces. In a short period of time, the German-Netherlands Corps has established close and professional cooperation with the National Armed Forces, demonstrating the ability to effectively coordinate joint tasks to strengthen regional security.

"With this takeover of command, we assume clear responsibility for Estonia and Latvia. We lead the forces assigned to this region, prepare them to work together, and ensure the rapid integration of reinforcements. Anyone who wants to defend Estonia and Latvia must be able to lead forces on the ground – that is exactly what we are doing. Latvia and Estonia can rely on the Alliance," emphasizes the Commander of the German-Netherlands Corps, Lieutenant General Peter Mirow.

Moving forward, the German-Netherlands Corps and the Multinational Corps North East will operate in mutually complementary areas of responsibility. The German-Netherlands Corps will assume responsibility for Latvia and Estonia, while the Multinational Corps North East will remain responsible for Poland and Lithuania.

The ceremony will be attended by German Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, Dutch Minister of Defence Dilan Yeşilgöz, and General Ingo Gerhartz, Commander of NATO Joint Force Command Brunssum.

The German-Netherlands Corps is a high-readiness headquarters that, in peacetime, crisis and conflict, can command an international force of approximately fifty thousand personnel. The headquarters has significant operational experience – it has previously led International Security Assistance Force operations in Afghanistan, as well as repeatedly stood on standby for the NATO Response Force. The corps was established in 1995, and Germany and the Netherlands provide its leadership on a rotational basis. Currently and up to early 2028, command rests with Germany.

Information prepared by:
Communication Department
Information Analysis and Management Directorate
Joint Headquarters of the Latvian National Armed Forces
E-mail: prese@mil.lv
Tel: +371 25710446