EURO DEFENCE EXPO 22.09. - 25.09.2026

MESSE ESSEN GmbH Post[acI 100165 J 45001 Essen 1 Germany Mr. Erkki Keldo Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications (Majandus- ja Kommunikatsiooniministeerium) Suur-Ameerika 1 10122 Tallinn Estonia

Essen, June 2026

Invitation to the Premiere of Euro Defence Expo 2026

Dear Minister Keido,

The international security order is undergoing profound change. Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as recent developments in the Middle East, make it clear that peace, security and stability are by no means a given.

Against this backdrop, security and defence policy issues are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, it is clear how vital close cooperation between government institutions, the armed forces, industry and society in Europe is — whether in the protection of critical infrastructure, in cyber security or in civil protection. The common goal of the Western community of nations is to protect the free and democratic order and to strengthen the foundations of a values- and rules-based international order.

The Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX), which wiII take place for the first time in Essen from 22 to 25 September 2026, will provide an international platform for this purpose. We expect around 300 exhibitors, as well as high-ranking representatives from the armed forces, government agencies, politics and

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industry, to attend the new international trade fair for the defence industry to Postanschrift Postfach 1001 65

discuss current developments and challenges in the field of security and 45001 Essen 1 Germany

defence. Hausanschrift Messeplatz 1 45131 Essen Germany

In conjunction with Security Essen, the leading trade fair for civil security, Fon +49(0)201.7244-5241-522

which is taking place in parallel, the event will specifically bring together civil and military perspectives to foster a holistic understanding of security.

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U-Bahn-Linie 11 In addition, the Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC) — a NATO Centre

Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrates of Excellence — will be hosting its annual conference at the exhibition centre OberburgermeisterThomasKufen

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at the same time. More than 400 high-ranking participants from over 30 NATO member states and partner nations are expected to attend.

At Messe Essen, we see ourselves as hosts of an open, responsible and legally compliant dialogue on issues of security and defence. EUDEX aims to contribute to promoting professional exchange on the challenges of our time and to bringing different perspectives into dialogue with one another.

It would be a particular honour for us to welcome you in person to Essen for the first Euro Defence Expo. We cordially invite you to attend.

To register, please use our registration platform at:

https://delegationen.eurodefenceexpo.de/en/

Should you have any queries or require further details, our Head of Protocol —

Mr Andreas John — wiII be happy to assist you and your team by telephone on +49 201 7244-431 or by email at andreas.john©messe-essen.de.

Sincereiy, MESSE ESSEN GmbH

Oliver P. Kuhrt JuHa Jacob CEO Head of Project EUDEX