As Lithuania celebrates the 20th anniversary of its membership in NATO, US Ambassador Kara C. McDonald says both the country and the organisation have benefitted from the relationship.
I see the fire in Lithuanians’ eyes when you talk about freedom and independence – your country has long defended itself against oppression and tyranny.
For centuries, Russia tried to dictate Lithuania’s destiny, but you fought for freedom and the right to define your own place in the world. Throughout the long Soviet occupation, the United States stood with Lithuania, refusing to recognize the illegal occupation by ensuring your embassy remained open and continuing to fly your flag in Washington, D.C.
And today our two countries stand together in NATO, working as Allies to deter and defend against unprecedented threats. Twenty years ago, Lithuania chose to join the NATO Alliance and embark upon a new era of transatlantic security and cooperation. Russia still cannot accept this free choice and continues to use disinformation and lies to spread its own twisted view of Lithuania’s foreign policy and its decision to join NATO. Moscow’s goal is to divide you, diminish Lithuania’s sovereign decisions – and ultimately – to keep you from being an influential player on the world stage. However, despite Russia’s efforts, three clear truths stand out about Lithuania’s place in NATO.
Truth #1: Lithuania is a leader in NATO. From the period of Russian domination in the late 17th century through your re-independence in 1990 and into today, you have consistently chosen democracy and modeled the defense of freedom for others. To be a member of the Alliance, Lithuanians worked tirelessly to meet the requirements to join NATO, the strongest military Alliance in history. Now, together we are 32 Allies with over one billion citizens committed to defending our freedom and democracy. Twenty years after joining NATO, Lithuania stands tall as a strong, capable, and valued member of the Alliance.
Lithuania was clear-eyed about the Russian threat long before February 24, 2022. You understood the Russian threat back then, and you understand it today. Lithuania is leading by example among Allies by exceeding the Wales Pledge and spending 2.75% of GDP on defense, modernizing your armed forces, and hosting Allied forces. You were among the first in Europe to take action to decouple from Russian energy. You host the NATO Energy Security Center of Excellence, and you also lead on cyber security. You know what is at stake in Ukraine – not only for Ukraine, but for our world.
Truth #2: Article 5 is sacred. Every NATO country is committed to Article 5 – the principle of collective defense which says that an attack on one Ally is an attack on all. These are sacred commitments that are borne of choice. You chose this future and have shown your commitment to NATO for 20 years. Lithuania, the United States, and NATO are ready, able, and committed to defend every inch of Allied territory. And we do it together, here in Lithuania, as Allies.
In addition to the more than 1,000 American soldiers serving in Pabradė, NATO has a robust presence on the ground in Lithuania with troops from Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Norway. The presence of a NATO multinational battle group, U.S. forces, and Lithuania’s own expanding capabilities ensures the Alliance is prepared to deter threats and defend NATO’s Eastern Flank.
You hosted the NATO Vilnius Summit last year, which shepherded in an historic and unprecedented modernization of the Alliance’s plans for defending the future, including on the Eastern Flank. NATO strengthens Lithuania. And Lithuania strengthens the Alliance.
Truth #3: Lithuania has prospered since joining NATO. NATO is in the business of providing security and reducing geopolitical risk, which is good for all Allied economies. Joining NATO strengthened Lithuania’s military and economic ties with many of the world’s most important business capitals. In the first year after Lithuania was invited to join NATO, the country’s GDP growth reached eight percent and, supported by EU membership, continued to grow faster. As a NATO Ally and EU member state, Lithuania’s economy has grown to become incredibly resilient and dynamic. The 2023 NATO Summit brought dozens of world leaders to Vilnius, including President Biden, and showcased Lithuania to the entire world.
Russia and its so-called friends try every day to peddle lies to undermine the Alliance. The Lithuanian voice carries through – millions of voices united by truth, like in the Singing Revolution. I hear your voice resounding, clear, and unbroken – for democracy, for the Alliance, and for freedom. Lithuania and the United States have been stronger together in NATO for two decades, and we will be stronger together for many more.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
