JCU’s Guarini Institute Hosts “Lithuania and Europe: Past, Present and Future”
On February 12, 2025, JCU and the Guarini Institute for Public Affairs hosted an event titled “Lithuania and Europe: Past, Present and Future.” The panel featured the Lithuanian Ambassador to Italy, Dalia Kreivienė, the Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, Dr. Mantas Adomėnas, and the Director of JCU’s Guarini Institute, Professor Federigo Argentieri.
In her opening statement, Ambassador Dalia Kreivienė remarked on the extraordinary changes in Lithuania, as it has finally severed its energy dependence on Russia. This officially cut its last tie to Soviet occupation. The Ambassador reflected on Lithuania’s journey toward independence and its future challenges.
Independence From URSS: A Heavy Price For Freedom
As the first country to declare independence from the URSS in 1990, Lithuania paid a heavy price for freedom, facing military repression, persecution, and casualties. Despite delays in recognition, Lithuania’s eventual accession to NATO and the European Union in 2004 reshaped its geopolitical reality, strengthening democracy and integrating it into a broader European security framework. However, the Ambassador stressed that independence is not a privilege but a responsibility, requiring continuous effort to consolidate democracy and resilience, achievable only through unity and vigilance.
Professor Argentieri’s presentation traced Lithuania’s long struggle for independence, from its historical union with Poland to its annexation by Russia and Austria in the late 18th century. Despite foreign rule, Lithuanian identity survived through cultural resilience.
Dr. Mantas Adomėnas delved into the complex geopolitical dynamics between Russia and the West, emphasizing that, following NATO and EU expansion, Russia under Putin began to assert itself in a more aggressive way. In his 2007 speech, Putin framed his country’s global role in contrast to the West, marking the beginning of Russia’s active push for greater international influence.
Lithuania Today: A Key Player in EU Diplomacy
Lithuania has emerged as a significant player in regional security, first by reducing its dependence on Russian energy to safeguard its sovereignty. This move reflects a broader geopolitical strategy, positioning Lithuania as a small but crucial player in the European “chess game,” actively countering Russia’s regional dominance. Lithuania also supported its neighbor Belarus during its 2020 political crisis by backing the opposition to further solidify its role as a defender of democratic values against autocratic regimes. Another bold move in Lithuania’s foreign policy was its decision to allow Taiwan to open a representative office in Vilnius, defying pressure from China and showcasing its commitment to democratic principles.
As discussed during the event, moving forward, Lithuania must continue to navigate the geopolitical landscape, using calculated strategies to maintain its position as a key player in European security and the promotion of democracy. The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine further highlighted Lithuania’s pivotal role, with the country understanding the gravity of the threat and preparing accordingly. As a frontline state, Lithuania played an essential part in ensuring NATO’s unity in response to the crisis. Lithuania’s role, though small in terms of size, is critical to Europe’s security.
(Morena Traditi)
