Estonia is sending its representative to the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence in Riga. The representative is Lieutenant Colonel Margus Valdre. Estonia holds the position of deputy director in the center.
Last year, the prime minister said Estonia did not have the funds to send a representative. But now it has been decided to send one. Margus Valdre was promoted to lieutenant colonel on July 25, 2025.
Valdre has served in the Estonian Defense Forces since 2005. He has worked at the headquarters, intelligence center, and division. Currently, he works at the Cyber Command. He has participated in three foreign operations.
Valdre graduated from the University of Tartu in public administration. He also holds a master's degree in political science. Additionally, he has a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity.
Estonia's previous representative at the NATO center left in 2024. Sending a new representative will cost the state 150,000 euros per year. Estonia must also pay 25,000 euros in membership fees.
According to the Defense Forces, it is important for Estonia to be represented at the NATO center. This provides better access to NATO activities. It also allows sharing experiences with allies.
The center is an international organization. It is not part of NATO's command structure. The center was founded in 2014 by seven countries. Later, 11 more countries joined.