Baltic Advocacy Days 2026: March 16-18
The Joint Baltic American National Committee hosted Baltic Advocacy Days in Washington D.C. from March 16 to 18, bringing 90 Baltic Americans and friends of the Baltics to the Capitol to engage with Congress. The main priority of advocates was to garner support for the Baltic Security Initiative, a yearly appropriation, helping to build the defensive capabilities of the Baltic states and deepen the U.S.-Baltic security relationship. Advocates also communicated the need for sanctions on Russia and invited members to join the House and/or Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus.
Baltic Advocacy Days is not only about engaging with Congressional offices, it is a celebration of the diaspora’s community and culture. On March 16, the Embassy of Lithuania hosted a reception in honor of the Baltic diaspora, featuring a choir performance from the local Lithuanian Choir group Jore. Pictures left to right: Ambassador of Lithuania to the United States Gediminas Varvuolis addresses advocates, Lithuanian Choir Group Jore, Managing Director of JBANC Lee Allen
Big Ideas, Real Impact.
On March 17 and 18, Ninety Baltic Americans met with their Congressional offices to promote the U.S.-Baltic security relationship. Our main legislative asks were:
01
Baltic Security Initiative
02
Sanctions on Russia
03
Join the Baltic Caucus
Baltic Freedom Award:
Sen. Dick Durbin
For a Lifetime of Building U.S.-Baltic Relations
On March 17, the Joint Baltic American National Committee hosted a Baltic Happy Hour. As part of the evening reception the organization awarded the Baltic Freedom Award to Sen. Dick Durbin for a lifetime of building U.S.-Baltic relations.
The reception featured remarks from Sen. Dick Durbin, Defense Minister of Estonia Hanno Pevkur, Ambassador of Latvia to the U.S. Elita Kuzma, and Ambassador of Lithuania to the U.S. Gediminas Varvuolis.
The reception concluded with a performance from the Baltimore Washington Estonian Choir.
101 Meetings
90 Advocates
19 States Represented
Advocate, Connect, Learn
Baltic Advocacy Days is about bringing U.S.-Baltic security issues to the forefront in Congress, honoring our champions, and connecting with members of our community. Missed Baltic Advocacy Days? Join our Call to Action and stay updated on Congress and opportunities for advocacy.
