At a reception Monday at the Stenbock House, seat of government, for members of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup, Ratas thanked allies attending for their contribution, noting that their visible presence in Estonia, effective cooperation with the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) and regular exercises on land, sea and air provide assurance that Estonia is now better protected than ever, spokespersons for the government said Monday.

This is a testament to NATO's strength, and has increased the security and safety of the entire region, Ratas added, noting that EDF personnel and other officials who have facilitated the adaptation of NATO allies to serving in Estonia and the Baltic States and the continuation of training, also deserve recognition. 

The reception was attended by members of First Battalion of the U.K.'s Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (First Fusiliers) along with personnel from the Danish Guard Hussar Regiment (Gardehusarregimentet), along with a NATO representative from Iceland. 

The eFP has been based at Tapa, east of Tallinn, since early 2017. It's core currently centers on First Fusiliers, an armored infantry battalion, nearing the end of their rotation in Estonia. Denmarks' Guard Hussar Regiment is also an armored infantry unit.  

The eFP is separate and distinct from NATO Baltic air policing duties, based at Ämari. 

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