The Annual Conference on Russia 2026 took place in Tartu, bringing together more than 340 high-level participants from the Baltic and Allied military communities, international institutions, governments, academia and the private sector. The event was organised by the Baltic Defence College and focused on the theme “Perpetual Conflict: Russia and the Struggle for European Security.”
The conference examined the strategic and operational implications of Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine and the broader challenges to European security. Opening the event, Alvydas Šiuparis, Commandant of the Baltic Defence College, emphasised that Russia remains a long-term security challenge for Europe, highlighting the country’s transition to a war economy and its continued use of both conventional and hybrid forms of aggression.
A keynote address was delivered by George Robertson, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen and former Secretary General of NATO. In his remarks, he underlined that NATO remains a defensive alliance and noted the significant geopolitical changes triggered by the war in Ukraine, including the accession of Finland and Sweden to the Alliance.
The conference programe featured six thematic panels addressing the future of European defence, transatlantic cooperation, operational lessons from the war in Ukraine and societal resilience in the Baltic states. Experts also discussed the growing importance of regional cooperation along NATO’s eastern flank in strengthening deterrence.
The conference concluded with a political address by Marina Kaljurand, Member of the European Parliament, who highlighted the importance of European unity and long-term support for Ukraine in ensuring the security of Europe. Closing remarks were delivered by Dr Tiia-Triin Truusa, Dean of the Baltic Defence College, who emphasized the importance of translating strategic discussions into practical action.
More information: https://baltdefcol.org/news/lessons-from-ukraine-and-the-future-of-european-security-key-takeaways-from-the-annual-conference-on-russia-2026, info@baltdefcol.org