On 25 February 2026, the students, staff and leadership of the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) came together to celebrate the College’s 27th anniversary alongside the Independence Days of Lithuania and Estonia. This February also marks four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The ceremony took place at BALTDEFCOL premises, where the opening speech was delivered by the Commandant of the BALTDEFCOL, Brigadier General Alvydas Šiuparis. The Commandant emphasised the importance of our history and the window of opportunity after World War I for Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia to achieve self-determination, freedom and sovereignty, and the need to safeguard these values for future generations. The subsequent speeches were delivered by the Estonian Deputy Senior National Representative, Commander Taavi Urb, and the Lithuanian Senior National Representative, Lieutenant Colonel Tomas Stankevičius, who reinforced the importance of unity and of working together.

The event brought together representatives of NATO and partner nations to share reflections and engage in conversations that highlighted the hard-fought independence of the Baltic States. It created a welcoming atmosphere for meaningful discussions, deepening students' connections.

The celebration itself serves as a reminder that Baltic unity is not only an historical achievement but also an ongoing bond nurtured by cooperation, respect, and a collective commitment to regional security, especially amid the pressures and uncertainties Europe currently faces.