News

Twentieth century was not just the century of the Restoration and Lithuanian identity building, but also a century of dramatic challenges and tragedies, such as the loss of Independence and painful Soviet (1940-1941), Nazi (1941-1944) and Soviet again (1945-1990) occupations.

This year will mark 80 years since Molotov-Ribentrop Pact was signed on August 23, 1939 sealing Eastern European countries' dire fate; 70 years since the Declaration of Lithuanian Freedom Fight on February 16, 1949, as well as Lithuanian diaspora out west signing the Lithuanian Charter in 1949, solemnly pledging to support and unite all Lithuanians outside Lithuania's borders. This year also marks 30th anniversaries of the Reform Movement of Lithuania Declaration on February 16, 1989 and the Baltic Way.

Those guidelines make us think and analyze the experience Lithuania gained, the lessons learned, and what could be applied while building our Independent Republic of Lithuania in the 21st century? Such and similar topics will be discussed during the Adolfas Damusis Democracy Studies Days.