Central and Eastern European countries marked the 20th anniversary of their inclusion in NATO by celebrating the largest expansion of the military alliance. In Vilnius, Lithuania, military aircraft flew over the city, and officials gathered at an airbase hosting Spanish and Portuguese fighter jets that conduct NATO air policing missions in the Baltic region. President Gitanas Nauseda expressed confidence in Lithuania’s security, knowing that the country will never be alone again with the support of the NATO alliance.
Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined NATO in 2004, bringing the total membership of the alliance to 26. These countries, which had started accession negotiations soon after the collapse of the Soviet Union, often warned about the threat of Russia, based on their national trauma of Soviet occupation. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has been seen as a vindication of these fears, prompting these countries to provide robust responses, including financial and material support for Ukraine, and a push for stronger sanctions against Russia.
Most of the former Soviet Republics that joined NATO at the turn of the millennium spend more than the required 2% of their gross domestic product on defense. Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis emphasized the ongoing threat from Russia when announcing his bid to become the leader of NATO. He stressed the need for a “renewal of perspectives” that Eastern Europe can provide and highlighted the importance of strengthening the eastern flank of the alliance in response to Russia’s long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security.
In commemorating the anniversary of their NATO membership, the seven countries organized solemn events and displays of military strength, as well as more lighthearted activities like open-air concerts and exhibitions. Bulgarian defense chief Adm. Emil Eftimov reflected on the significance of his country’s decision to join NATO twenty years ago, calling it the most appropriate decision made in recent history given the current security situation. These countries continue to emphasize the importance of their NATO membership as a key element in ensuring their security and stability.
NATO was established in the aftermath of World War II as a collective defense organization to promote stability and security in Europe and North America. The inclusion of the central and Eastern European countries in 2004 marked a significant expansion of the alliance, strengthening its capabilities and reach. The anniversary serves as a reminder of the commitment of these countries to collective security and their determination to work together within the NATO framework to address common challenges and threats.
