Vaira Vike-Freiberga

Vaira Vike-Freiberga was elected President of Latvia in June 1999, becoming the first female president in the country's history. She was a psychologist and former academic, and her election was seen as a break from the post-Soviet political elite.

Under Vike-Freiberga's presidency, Latvia joined the European Union on May 1, 2004. She was a strong advocate for EU membership, and her leadership helped secure the necessary reforms and public support for accession.

Vike-Freiberga oversaw Latvia's accession to NATO on March 29, 2004. She emphasized the importance of collective defense against potential Russian aggression, and the membership marked a major shift in Latvia's security policy.