Letter

GI M IN ISTÈRE DES ARM ÉES

Armée de Terre Chef d'état-major de l'armée de Terre

Liberté Ésdlité Frateruité

Paris, 22îd April2025

General, I ndrek (handwritten)

I sincerely thank you for your invitation to come to Estonia during the NATO Exercise HEDGEHOG 2025. lt bears testimony of the very profound bonds uniting our Armies and confirms our understanding of the common challenges ahead of us.

The year 2025 is marked by the uncertainties weighing on the conflict in Ukraine and the necessity to redefine a robust, credible and, if necessary, fully autonomous European defence. This is the spirit in which France, alongside its allies, has been continuing and strengthening its involvement on the Eastern flank of Europe.

ln that context, the commitment of the French Army in Estonia is a strong symbol. lt comes within the scope of the bilateral cooperation between our land forces, but also the multilateral cooperation between NATO allies. Therefore, the deployment of additional capabilities on the Estonian territory and the strategic signaling manoeuvre carried out on the occasion of Exercise HEDGEHOG 25, contribute to asserting our will to work together towards peace and security. These actions also show our competitors the robustness and determination of the alliance they might be confronted with.

I attach major importance to this exercise and I have therefore designated the Commander of the Land Force and Operations, Major General Bertrand Toujouse, to represent me and convey the message of strategic solidarity of the French Army.

Sincerely yours (handwritten)

General Pierre Schill

The General Commander of the Estonian division

60, boulevard du Général Martial Valin CS 21623 - 75509 Paris Cedex 15