Europe’s security dynamo

What Europe can learn from the Baltics

A message from Edward Lucas, BISC Founder/Director

When it comes to security, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania see things we don’t see. They smell things we don’t smell. They understand things we don’t understand.

And they do things we don’t do.

As Europe dithers and shivers in the face of Russian aggression, the message from the countries that saw the threat first, and cope with it best, is simple. Be More Baltic.

The Baltic region, bursting with brainpower and determination, is the most exciting, innovative and dynamic place in Europe, It’s got booming modern industries, high culture, ancient glories and modern triumphs. Outsiders may know about the Soviet occupation, Stalin’s deportations, and the calm courage that toppled the evil empire and restored independence..

But now the story isn’t about struggles and suffering. It’s about achievement and ambition. 

This is my story too. I came first came to the Baltics in  January 1990. I’m the proud recipient of Lithuanian visa 0001: a landmark act of defiance, issued under the noses of the Soviet occupiers. I have Estonia’s first electronic ID  card for foreigners, showcasing that country’s amazing digital governance. My eldest son was born in Tallinn in 1993 — the first Nato baby in the Baltics, we think. Over the decades  I’ve written about their culture, politics and history; food and drink too. But I’m fed up with lazy western cliches, about supposedly “tiny” “ex-Soviet’ countries”, trembling in Russia’s shadow. 

I feel safer in Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius than I do in London, Berlin or Brussels.

That’s because the Baltic states take their security seriously, with vigilance, readiness and resilience that put the rest of us to shame 

So I’ve set up BISC. Our aim is to give the full picture about Baltic security. It’s not “Narva is next” or the threat to the so-called “Suwałki Gap”. It’s about cohesion, preparedness, deterrence. With its original research, convening clout and agenda-setting messaging, BISC will amplify Baltic voices, bust myths and highlight the real story, a successful secure region with big plans and bright prospects.

We look forward to your support. You can reach us on contact (at) securebaltics.org 

Best regards, Edward