Baltic Military Conference kicks off in Vilnius

Today, the international Baltic Military Conference begins in Vilnius. The conference addresses key military strategic issues-from strengthening NATO deterrence and defense to enhancing the capabilities of allies and partners, with the aim of effectively responding to evolving threats and ensuring NATO's collective defense.

This year's conference theme is "Building a Fortress of Strength." It highlights the strengthening of Europe's defense capabilities, the challenges of a new era of warfare, and the need for a coordinated response to the actions of hostile states.

This is the only international strategic-level conference of its kind in Lithuania, providing a unique platform for cooperation and high-level discussions. It aims not only to analyze geopolitical challenges but also to shape a shared vision for the future of defense. The event also contributes to strengthening a common posture by increasing political and military preparedness with partners, while outlining key priorities for the agenda of the upcoming NATO Summit.

"Vilnius is not an accidental place to talk about defence - we are on NATO's eastern flank, next to Belarus, Kaliningrad and the Suwalki Corridor. Russia remains a long-term threat, and we must be ready to make hard decisions. More capabilities, more readiness, more production. We need to open history books more often to remember what tools are needed to stop dictators. This conference is not about discussions for the sake of discussions - participants should return home with at least one concrete decision on how we will strengthen ourselves and weaken the adversary" says Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas.

Among this year's speakers are Chair of the European Union Military Committee General Seán Clancy, Deputy Chief of the German Armed Forces Lieutenant General Nicole Schilling, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation General Aurelio Colagrande, Germany's Permanent Representative to NATO Dr. Detlef Wachter, and other high-ranking military officers and defense policymakers.

"Europe must take greater care of its own defense. Only by acting together can we effectively deter threats, strengthen collective defense, and reinforce NATO's eastern flank. At the conference starting today, we will discuss changes in security, the strengthening of Europe's defense, and the decisions needed to ensure credible deterrence and transatlantic security," says Colonel Ričardas Dumbliauskas, Commandant of the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania.

Bilateral meetings are also scheduled on the sidelines of the conference. The Minister of National Defence will meet with Germany's Permanent Representative to NATO Dr. D. Wachter, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation General A. Colagrande, Commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard Major General John R. Pippy, and former Chief of Staff of the United States Army, General (Ret.) James McConville.

This year marks the sixth Baltic Military Conference. In previous years, Vilnius has hosted distinguished participants such as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe Admiral Sir Keith Blount, Commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard Major General John R. Pippy, former U.S. Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy, former Minister of Defence of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov, former Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces General (Ret.) Rajmund Andrzejczak, and other defense and security leaders.

The Baltic Military Conference is held under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda. It is organized by the Ministry of National Defence in cooperation with the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania. The Lithuanian Armed Forces are a partner of the event.