Polska na Litwie

The event is held on the occasion of the National Communities Day in Lithuania (May 21), highlighting the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of experiences in the field of minority rights protection across Europe.

Date: Thursday, 11 June 2026, 9:00 – 14:30 hrs
Venue: Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities g. 20, room: L-414 
Registration: Please register by 8 June 2026 via the following link https://forms.gle/v9Dp3kGMrT2fGMgj7
Language: The conference will be held in English with simultaneous interpretation into Lithuanian

The conference programme.

Since the emergence of modern nation states, and particularly throughout the twentieth century, issues related to national minorities have played a significant role in shaping Europe’s political and social landscape. The democratic transformations of the late twentieth century brought renewed attention to the protection of minority rights and highlighted the need for effective, inclusive, and cooperative approaches across the continent.

European states, drawing on diverse historical experiences, have developed a variety of models and practices aimed at safeguarding the rights of persons belonging to national minorities. These experiences demonstrate that the protection of minority rights contributes to social cohesion, mutual trust, and democratic stability.

In this context, it is essential to recognise that persons belonging to national minorities should not be perceived as a challenge to modern societies, but rather as an integral and enriching part of them. Ensuring their rights through comprehensive human rights protection mechanisms represents a best practice that strengthens pluralism, promotes dialogue, and supports peaceful coexistence in Europe.