On Thursday, several central and Eastern European countries celebrated the 20th anniversary of their membership in NATO, marking the largest expansion of the military alliance. Countries like Lithuania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined NATO in 2004, strengthening the Alliance to 26 members. These nations have consistently warned about the threat of Russia, citing their history of Soviet occupation. The recent invasion of Ukraine has validated their concerns, leading them to provide support to Ukraine and advocate for stronger sanctions against Russia.
Since joining NATO, these countries have exceeded the defense spending requirement of 2% of GDP, showing their commitment to security. Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis recently announced his bid to become the next leader of NATO, emphasizing the ongoing threat from Russia and the need to strengthen the eastern flank of the Alliance. The anniversary was marked with solemn events and displays of military strength, as well as cultural celebrations like open-air concerts and exhibitions.
The defense chief of Bulgaria, Admiral Emil Eftimov, praised the decision to join NATO twenty years ago, calling it the most appropriate choice given the current security situation. As these countries reflect on their NATO membership, they continue to emphasize the importance of a united front against external threats. The anniversary serves as a reminder of the shared commitment to security and stability in the region.
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