A delegation of US Congressional staffers and French scholars visited the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) in Tartu, Estonia, as part of an effort to strengthen transatlantic security cooperation. The visit focused on enhancing mutual understanding of regional defence issues and fostering academic and policy exchanges on global security challenges.

Upon arrival, the delegation was welcomed by the Commandant of BALTDEFCOL, Brigadier General Alvydas Šiuparis, and the Dean, Colonel (ret) Dr (hab) Zdzislaw Sliwa provided an in-depth briefing on the college's mission, which focuses on developing strategic leadership for the Baltic states and NATO allies. He highlighted BALTDEFCOL's critical role in training military and civilian leaders to respond to complex security challenges in the Baltic region and beyond. Dr Sliwa, meanwhile, emphasized the academic rigour of the college's programs and the importance of fostering strategic thinking and innovation among its students, many of whom come from NATO and partner nations.

During the visit, the delegation participated in a roundtable discussion on disinformation and hybrid. Experts from BALTDEFCOL, alongside US and French representatives, explored strategies for combating disinformation, including public resilience, media literacy, and cooperation between NATO allies. The roundtable emphasized the need for a coordinated transatlantic response to counter disinformation, particularly in light of rising cyber threats and hostile actors' manipulation of social media platforms.

The visit to BALTDEFCOL provided the US Congressional staffers and French scholars with valuable insights into the defence and security landscape of the Baltic region, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing common threats such as disinformation, cyber warfare, and regional instability. It also highlighted the crucial role that military education institutions like BALTDEFCOL play in shaping the future of NATO and ensuring collective defence.