Tallinn, Estonia – On Thursday, May 9, 2024, the Hudson Institute will host a discussion reflecting on Estonia’s 20-year membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and will feature prominent speakers including Ambassador Kyllike Sillaste-Elling, the Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Daniel Kochis, a Senior Fellow at the Center on Europe and Eurasia.
Estonia joined NATO on March 29, 2004, marking a significant milestone in the country’s history. The country’s foreign minister at the time stated, “Ever since regaining our independence, one of the main tasks of every government of Estonia has been the security of our nation. Today, I can say that we are much closer to a peaceful and confident feeling in our hearts.”
NATO’s influence in Estonia extends beyond security. The alliance has helped establish a framework that spurred economic growth, inward investment, and entrepreneurial vibrancy, which are now hallmarks of Estonia’s identity.
Estonia has proven itself a serious defense actor, consistently living up to its Article III commitments to maintain and develop its security capacities. Estonian forces have been some of the most active contributors to NATO missions. Estonia also remains one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters, materially and financially aiding Kyiv’s fight for freedom.
The discussion will explore insights policymakers should draw from Estonia’s 20-year NATO success story, how Estonia’s experience can guide aspirant nations like Ukraine through the membership process, how Tallinn’s views on NATO have shifted over the past two decades, and what the alliance needs to do to maintain credible deterrence at a time of heightened threats.
The event promises to be an enlightening conversation on the Estonian experience in NATO. Those interested in attending can register here.
