The history of the Baltic Defence College reflects the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing the militaries of the Baltic States and their governments. The Baltic Defence College has continually sought to be at the forefront of professional military education to ensure its graduates are well prepared to meet the challenges they will face throughout their career in war and peace. Within a year of regaining their independence, the Defence Ministers of the three Baltic States agreed to cooperate in officer education. This cooperation was formalised in 1998 with the signing of an agreement establishing the Baltic Defence College in Tartu, Estonia – with English as its working language.