23 WHITE Cooperation of the three Baltic states (3B). The basis for the defence cooperation between Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia is membership in NATO and the EU, geographical proximity, similar size of the armed forces, and shared threat perception which became more tangible after the conflict in Ukraine Northern Group 3B NB 8 Multilateral cooperation in the area of defence Lithuania attaches a high priority to consultations on essential defence issues with the other Baltic states as well as shaping common positions in NATO and the EU. In 2013, a Non-Permanent Baltic Joint Staff Element was established with the task to exchange information relating to the security situation in the region, to analyse possible threats to the Baltic countries, to prepare contingency plans and to coordinate defence actions. The three Baltic countries closely cooperate in providing Host Nation Support to Allied forces deployed in the region. For example, the Baltic states organise regular “Baltic Host” exercises, focusing on coordinating the procedures of Host Nation Support for eventual NATO reinforcement. In February 2017, the three Baltic states agreed to simplify the procedures of the Allies’ arrival and movement within the Baltic countries. The issuing of arrival and movement permits in the Baltic states since the end of 2017 Usual procedure Military units of NATO and the EU members Up to 15 days Urgency procedure NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force Up to 24 hours NATO eFP units Up to 48 hours Other units of NATO and the EU members Up to 5 days The Baltic countries regularly contribute with military units to the NATO Response Force and participates in common exercises seeking to promote the ability of Baltic states’ armed forces to coordinate their actions during crisis. Since 1998, the Baltic Naval Squadron (BALTRON) has periodically participated in the activities of the NATO Standing Naval Mine Countermeasures Group. In 2014, BALTRON became a bilateral project between Latvia and Lithuania. The Baltic Defence Col- PA P E R