During the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) Elective Week from March 17 to March 21, several specialized courses offered unique insights and training opportunities for participants from various nations.

The Strategic Decision Making in NATO Course, now in its fifth iteration, welcomed 34 students from 11 nations. This one-week course, unparalleled within NATO, aimed to prepare participants to understand NATO's political-military decision-making processes. 

The group, comprising military staff officers and civil servants, engaged in a balanced mix of lectures, discussions, and simulated exercises, focusing on decision-making challenges in a consensus-based organization.

The Operational Level Energy Security Course developed military and civilian energy security experts. Participants from NATO nations and partner organizations gained comprehensive knowledge of energy security and operational energy. 

The course covered critical energy infrastructure protection, energy efficiency in military operations, the impact of global energy developments, and lessons learned from the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine. Contributors included the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence experts, NATO Headquarters, the European Centre for Countering Hybrid Threats, and the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

The Intermediate Strategic Communications Course included 24 participants from 9 countries, a balanced mix of military personnel and civilians, and women making up about one-third of the group. The course covered the fundamental principles of StratCom planning, doctrines, and characteristics of various domains, culminating in the multi-domain concept. 

Subject matter experts and lecturers from institutions such as SHAPE, the StratCom Academy, Strategic Communications COE, and specialists from Ukraine supported lectures. Individual and syndicate work complemented the intensive lecture series, leading to constructive discussions and valuable feedback.

Lastly, the Cyber Defence Policy on National and International Levels Course, conducted under the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), brought together 43 participants from 16 countries, including NATO and the EU representatives. Designed for mid to senior-level professionals in the defence and security sector, the course provided an in-depth understanding of cyber defence strategy and policy integration at both national and international levels. 

Through lectures, workshops, and interactive exercises, participants engaged in critical discussions on cybersecurity threats, policy dilemmas, and strategic responses. Professionals' diverse representation and active engagement ensured a valuable exchange of expertise, reinforcing the course's role in strengthening European and transatlantic cyber defence cooperation.