In Helsinki, the leaders of the three newly independent Baltic States—Arnold Rüütel of Estonia, Anatolijs Gorbunovs of Latvia, and Vytautas Landsbergis of Lithuania—came together to sign the OSCE Final Act. This gathering was not just a political ceremony but a crucial moment symbolizing their commitment to peace and cooperation in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's dissolution. The OSCE, established to address security concerns in Europe, played a key role in aiding these nations as they navigated their individual paths toward full sovereignty and integration into European institutions.

The OSCE Final Act included commitments to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders, which were essential for the new independent states as they sought recognition in the international community. These tenets supported their efforts in establishing democratic governance and fostering economic stability. Moreover, the signing underscored the readiness of collective efforts to enhance regional security and cooperation among neighboring nations.

The event in Helsinki also highlighted the broader shifts occurring in Europe, with the OSCE representing an evolution in the security dialogue following the Cold War's end. For the Baltic leaders, securing their independence and aligning with Europe were paramount, and the OSCE provided a framework within which these goals could be pursued. The agreement laid the groundwork for future cooperation in various areas such as human rights, economic ties, and collaborative security initiatives, marking a new chapter in Baltic relations and their integration into European frameworks.