Lithuanian Annual Strategic Review

In 2004, Lithuania celebrated not only its accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the EU but also the tenth anniversary of its participation in international peace operations. In the last decade NATO became one of the key actors in resolving conflicts and crises in Europe; therefore, active participation of Lithuania in the operations of the Alliance contributed to its membership aspirations. However, it is not only NATO but also other international organizations that participate in the resolution of international conflicts in Europe as well as in the world; the EU is also building its crisis management force. The article analyses what challenges and problems Lithuania might encounter in executing its policy of international military participation already being a full member of NATO and the EU. Review of the expansion of international peace operations after the cold war and the development of NATO and the EU conflict and crisis management policy leads to the conclusion that the greatest challenges to Lithuania are caused by military aspects of peacekeeping and potential NATO and the EU competition.