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“I feel free here. Here I am independent”. These are the words told by Anastasia, a Belorussian student of European Humanities University here in Vilnius. It is the faith in these telling words that led us all to establish and support this institution during the last 20 years. It is the faith in these same telling words that encourage and oblige us to live up to our commitments by keeping the University alive and healthy for the years to come […]

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me welcome all of you at this annual Trust Fund Assembly here in Vilnius. And let me congratulate all of you as this sole island of Belorussian independence, of Belorussian dignity and hope is celebrating its 20th anniversary and the successful completion of the 7th academic year.

We do know the circumstances that forced the University out of its home country. Yet we are convinced that this unique institution year by year has very naturally integrated Western values and standards into its life and established itself in the Lithuanian and regional academic circle.

We are confident that EHU continues to develop academically and institutionally. The progressing quality of teaching and content of academic programs, active students’ engagement into University activities, expanding international networking has led to its visibility across the region. A number of successfully organized conferences, seminars, active cooperation with other universities and other scholarly institutions witness the emergence of a new think-tank.

European Humanities University is based on respect for liberal education traditions, and is a meeting point for the best ideas and practices from both East and West. EHU prepares graduates that are Belarus future. We do believe that these young people will be able to take their due part in the development of the society of their country towards the openness to the Western values.

Lithuania, being the closest neighbour of Belarus, fully understands the situation and public mood in that country. For that reason we must say clearly: it is not the same for us as to which direction Belarus is going to choose next. We also believe all the donor-countries are interested in independent, stable and democratic Belarus with viable civil society and functioning market economy. We understand that democratization of the country or liberalization of the economy will not come overnight. In this regard EHU without doubt is one of the most important transatlantic activities, keeping European future of Belarus alive.

We are proud to note that different Lithuanian institutions including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be credited for the establishment and institutionalization of the University.

However, full restoration of the academic activities of EHU, financial sustainability and, what is most important, broad political support would not be possible without assistance and encouragement from our partners. Especially I would like to thank European Commission and Nordic Council of Ministers for the leadership in securing long-term sustainability of EHU. The Trust Fund is an effective instrument securing university’s financial sustainability and we appreciate every single contribution and support given to the Fund. However, as we all know, the situation aggravates and thus it is very important that donors’ commitment to further support this University remains stable.

When we support EHU, we support the positive changes in Belarus. It is our assured investment into the future of this society. And it is one of the means we can count on even on times when other tools of support do not yield to tangible results.

Lithuania’s decision to host European Humanities University in Vilnius was based on the respect of the values of democracy, freedom and human rights. Let me repeat clearly that European Humanities University is one of the best, if not the best project towards democracy promotion in Belarus and it has to be continued. Despite the times of economic hardships we remain committed to support this University in implementing its mission in exile until its return to Minsk. And we encourage our respective partners to do the same.