Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have a powerful story to tell.
Since regaining independence in 1991, the Baltic states (B3 for short) have become vigilant, resilient countries with stable economies, strong institutions and lively civil societies.
Why BISC?
The Baltic story
Financial Stability
Their borrowing costs are roughly the same as France's - international financial markets apply no significant geopolitical risk premium. We explore this more in the June 2026 edition of the Baltic Barometer.
Defence Innovation
Their innovative military-tech companies offer game-changing innovation. Their intelligence insights into Russia and Belarus are unmatched. They spend well above the European average on defence – 4, 5, even 6% of GDP. In short, they are not a drain on European defence - they boost it.
Global Rankings
They score highly in international rankings for Economic Competitiveness & Freedom; Digital & Innovation; Governance & Sustainability; Quality of Life & Human Development; Education & Universities and others
"BISC is a timely initiative and I am glad to support it. In a world full of misinformation, a strong voice abroad for the Baltic states is vital."
Dalia Grybauskaitė, former president of Lithuania
The Problem
Yet western commentary too often echoes Kremlin mischief:
- The B3 are doomed to be attacked sooner or later. This includes the "Narva is next" notion and scaremongering about the Suwałki-Alytus corridor.
- The B3 are "tiny" and don't count. Actually: the Baltic states are medium-sized countries by land area, and bigger in population than EU countries such as Cyprus. Combined, they are bigger than Finland.
- The B3 are divided, with "restless Russian-speakers" yearning to welcome Russian conquerors. Actually, support for Putin is minimal in all segments of society, and "Russian-speaker" is a political category invented by the Kremlin.
At home, such messages coming from respected "western" sources corrode public morale. Abroad, they weaken NATO and EU solidarity. They stoke perceptions of risk and potentially could damage trade, investment and tourism. This risks creating a "Doom Loop" -- see below.
The doom loop
Our Response
BISC exists to counter this.
Its workstreams include:
Advocacy
BISC highlights Baltic security strengths and smarts, exposes the real problems and — when necessary — engages with the scaremongers.
Research
Narrative shifting research, such as our Kaliningrad 2050 programme. The real regional security problem is that Russia's trophy exclave is unsustainable.
Convening
Bringing together experts, policymakers, and opinion-formers to meet senior Baltic decision-makers.
Capacity Building
Helping the public and private sectors develop convincing messaging, and message-carriers on security themes.
Leadership
Edward Lucas
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
Edward Lucas combines unrivalled knowledge of the region with high-level international media, government and other connections. A former Economist senior editor and veteran foreign correspondent, now based in London, he has testified to Congressional and other parliamentary committees, and consulted for governments.
Partners
BISC is editorially independent, but works closely with like-minded partners: governments, multilateral bodies, diaspora organisations, thinktanks and media outlets, in the Baltic states and elsewhere.
Patrons
Toomas Hendrik Ilves
Former President of Estonia
Valdis Zatlers
Former President of Latvia
Dalia Grybauskaitė
Former President of Lithuania
Governance
BISC is registered in the UK, company number 16816248, at 27 Old Gloucester St, London WC1N 3AX UK. BISC's governance and strategic direction are overseen by a board of trustees.