RIGA, Latvia – Foreign Ministers from seven Eastern European nations are commemorating 20 years of membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In a joint statement, they hailed the alliance’s role in safeguarding their freedom and security, particularly in the face of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The statement, co-authored by the foreign ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, highlights the significance of March 29, 2004, when their nations formally joined NATO. This marked a turning point, moving them out of a period of uncertainty and into the protective embrace of the alliance.
The ministers acknowledge the dark history of the 20th century that fueled their pursuit of NATO membership. They credit the principle of “Never Alone!” as a driving force in their rapid societal transformations to meet the alliance’s standards.
Since joining, these nations emphasize a strengthened sense of security and prosperity, while acknowledging the collective responsibility to confront shared threats. They underscore the importance of collective defense as a core function of NATO.
The statement also acknowledges the contributions these nations made prior to formal membership, including deployments alongside Allies in Afghanistan and peacekeeping missions in the Balkans. They emphasize solidarity as a cornerstone of their approach to security.
While celebrating this milestone, the ministers acknowledge the somber backdrop of the war in Ukraine. They express unwavering support for Ukraine until victory and emphasize the importance of holding Russia accountable for its actions. They also call for a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace” as a necessary outcome.
Looking ahead, the ministers reaffirm their commitment to NATO’s open-door policy, citing the recent accessions of Finland and Sweden. They reiterate the right of every European nation to choose its own security arrangements, free from external interference.
The statement concludes by highlighting the importance of burden-sharing within the alliance, urging all members to invest at least 2% of GDP in defense. They emphasize the need for continued technological advancement and collaboration with like-minded partners.
The upcoming NATO summit in Washington is framed as an opportunity to celebrate the alliance’s 75th anniversary and recommit to its core principles. The ministers conclude with a message of unity and a toast to a successful future for NATO.