Several central and Eastern European countries are marking the 20th anniversary of the largest expansion of the NATO military alliance. This expansion saw formerly socialist countries become members of the bloc. Military aircraft flew over the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, and officials gathered at the main airbase hosting Spanish and Portuguese fighter jets involved in NATO air policing missions in the Baltic region to commemorate the event.
President Gitanas Nauseda of Lithuania emphasized the importance of NATO's support, stating that despite Russia's actions contributing to instability and threats globally, Lithuania finds reassurance in the strong Alliance family standing by its side.
In 2004, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined NATO, increasing the Alliance's membership to 26. These countries, which had started accession negotiations soon after the Soviet Union's collapse, were invited to join at the Prague Summit in November 2002. Their concerns about Russia, rooted in their history of Soviet occupation, have been validated by Russia's recent actions, particularly the invasion of Ukraine.
Since joining NATO, these countries have consistently met defense spending requirements, with most exceeding the 2% of GDP threshold. Their proactive responses to the Russian threat, including providing support to Ukraine and advocating for stronger sanctions against Russia, have underscored the importance of their membership in the Alliance.
As the anniversary is commemorated, there is a mix of solemn events and displays of strength, along with cultural celebrations such as open-air concerts and exhibitions. Leaders from these countries, like Romania's President Klaus Iohannis, have highlighted the ongoing threat posed by Russia and the need for NATO to prioritize the security of its eastern flank.
Reflecting on the decision to join NATO, Bulgaria's defense chief Adm. Emil Eftimov described it as the most appropriate choice made in recent history given the current security landscape.
NATO, established in the aftermath of World War II, continues to evolve in response to emerging security challenges, with the contributions of Central and Eastern European countries playing a crucial role in shaping the Alliance's future.
