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President Ilves presented Order of the Cross of Eagle to General Breedlove, Supreme Allied Commander Europe

29.03.2016

The Baltic-Polish security space and collective defence of NATO were the main issues that were discussed at the meeting of President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and General Philip Breedlove, Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO Allied Command Operations.

Preparations for the alliance's Warsaw Summit and the impact of the decisions passed at the summit on enhancing the security of the region were also discussed.

President Ilves presented General Breedlove – who is about to complete his term as Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO Allied Command Operations – with Order of the Cross of Eagle, 1st Class, in recognition of his actions in ensuring NATO's collective defence and the security of a democratic Europe in general. The decision to award the decoration was made this year by the Head of State, on the eve of Independence Day.

General Breedlove responded to the Russian-backed annexation of Crimea and military activities in Ukraine in a fast and decisive manner, becoming one of the most influential shapers of the security policy of our region at NATO. He also took part in finding a permanent solution for the air security of the Baltic states, and it was his decision as the Commander of U.S. European Command to deploy additional fighters in March 2014 to support the air security of the Baltic states.

President Ilves also recalled that General Breedlove has considerably enhanced the credibility and visibility of NATO on land, air and sea.


Office of the President
Public Relations Department