Central and Eastern European countries marked the 20th anniversary of the largest expansion of the NATO military alliance. Countries such as Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined NATO on March 29, 2004, bringing the total membership of the Alliance to 26. These nations began accession negotiations soon after the collapse of the Soviet Union and were invited to join at the Prague Summit in November 2002. The event was commemorated with military aircraft flying over the Lithuanian capital Vilnius and officials gathering at the main airbase hosting Spanish and Portuguese fighter jets tasked with NATO air policing missions in the Baltic region. Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda expressed gratitude for the alliance, stating that they will never be alone again.
Since joining NATO, these countries have often warned about the threat of Russia, citing their national trauma of Soviet occupation as evidence. Despite Western nations sometimes dismissing their concerns, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has validated their fears. These countries have responded robustly, offering help to Ukraine with equipment and money, and advocating for increased sanctions on Russia. Most of these former Soviet Republics that joined NATO spend more than the required 2% of GDP on defense. Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis highlighted the threat from Russia and emphasized the need for a “renewal of perspectives” within the alliance. He stated that Russia poses a serious long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security and that the strengthening of the eastern flank will remain a top priority.
The seven countries are marking the anniversary with a mix of solemn events and shows of force, as well as some levity with open-air concerts and exhibitions. Adm. Emil Eftimov, Bulgaria’s defense chief, reflected on the decision made by the Bulgarian people twenty years ago to join NATO as the right choice given the current security situation. NATO was originally established in the aftermath of World War II. As the anniversary is being celebrated, there is a sense of unity and strength among the member countries, with a shared commitment to facing challenges together. The Eastern European nations within NATO are reaffirming their dedication to the alliance and emphasizing the importance of collective defense in the face of evolving threats.
