Baltic Roundup | February 2024

February 2024

Supporters at events for the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine gather in Vilnius. (Facebook | Vyriausybė)

Dear readers, 

Through March 18, the Boston Baltic Film Festival is streaming films virtually throughout the US. Now, a look back at February in the Baltic states and the region. 

In Ukraine, a grim milestone arrived — the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. The Baltic countries remain among Ukraine's most fervent supporters. And in Russia, opposition leader Alexei Navalny died in an Arctic penal colony. Baltic and other Western leaders blamed President Vladimir Putin for his death.

Russia named Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and dozens of other officials from the Baltic countries in a wanted list over the removal of Soviet-era monuments, calling the actions the “desecration of historical memory." Kallas said the move was “more proof that I am doing the right thing — the EU’s strong support to Ukraine is a success, and it hurts Russia.”

The next head of NATO should come from Eastern Europe, argues Judy Dempsey for Carnegie Europe. “By virtue of being occupied, of having their sovereignty suppressed, of having their history subjugated to a Soviet narrative, they instinctively understand why NATO must keep adapting in the post–Cold War era.” A leader from the eastern flank would also help end the divisions between “old and new” members, she says.

Latvia's Saeima voted to ban the import of agricultural products from Russia and Belarus, becoming the first EU country to do so.

Supporters at events for the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine gather in Riga. (Flickr | Latvian Foreign Ministry, Laura Celmiņa)

What would a Russian assault on the Baltic states look like? Jan Kallberg outlines a scenario for CEPA. And, military journalist Thomas Wiegold speaks with LRT about the future German brigade in Lithuania.

The European Democracy Hub published its annual review, including highlighting priorities from the Baltic states. These include support for pro-democracy activists and women's rights abroad, media pluralism, Latvia's first development projects in Africa, Estonia's underscoring democracy as part of its new national security strategy, and Lithuania's efforts around becoming a democracy hub.

BaltCap, the region's largest private equity fund manager, continues to reel as internal investigations show former fund manager Šarūnas Stepukonis embezzled more than 40 million euros from the fund. Some of those funds seem to have made their way to gambling platforms.

In Estonia, prosecutors closed an investigation against Swedbank Estonia and former executives over allegations of money laundering, citing a lack of additional evidence.

Supporters at events for the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine gather in Tallinn. (Facebook | Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Estonia)

Latvia's Constitutional Court ruled that requiring basic language tests for Russian citizens wishing to extend their Latvian residence permits is constitutional and in accordance with international human rights law. And, in Riga, more street names with links to Russia will be renamed. 

Estonia is home to Europe's largest processor of rare earths — elements needed for a broad range of technologies like electric cars and wind turbines. It could play an increasingly important role in diversifying Europe's supply chain away from China. 

The Orthodox Church in Lithuania has an alternative to the Moscow Patriarchate after the establishment of the Exarchate of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. State funding will go to both communities.  

Aitäh, paldies and ačiū,

Indra Ekmanis
Baltic Bulletin Editor

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