High-level Conference Will Mark 35 Years of Restored Lithuania–Czech Republic Diplomatic Relations
In 2026, Lithuania and the Czech Republic mark the 35th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations. The anniversary provides an opportunity not only to reflect on the achievements of the past 35 years, but also to consider the future of the bilateral partnership.
Background
In 1991, Czechoslovakia recognised Lithuania’s restored independence, and the two countries re-established diplomatic relations. Following the establishment of the Czech Republic in 1993, the partnership evolved into a close relationship based on democratic values, Euro-Atlantic integration, and growing cooperation in political, economic, security, academic, and cultural fields.
Today, the geopolitical environment in which both countries operate has been profoundly transformed. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has reinforced the importance of transatlantic unity, collective defence, and support for the rules-based international order. As members of the European Union and NATO, Lithuania and the Czech Republic share a strong commitment to strengthening European security, addressing emerging challenges, and supporting Ukraine's sovereignty, reconstruction, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
In this context, this high-level conference will bring together policymakers, diplomats, academics, security experts, economists and business leaders from both countries to reflect on the evolution of bilateral relations, examine shared strategic priorities, and explore opportunities for cooperation in the decades ahead.
The conference is organized in cooperation with the Charles University in Prague under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
Entrance to the conference is free of charge, prior registration required. Please register here:
https://forms.gle/7KfymLPmx4J6wkT46
Date: 24 November 2026
Venue: Charles University, Carolinum, Patriotic Hall
Format: High-level diplomatic and academic conference
Language: English, Czech
Program
09:00 – 09:30 | Registration & Welcome Coffee
Opening of the photographic exhibition – a visual retrospective of 35 years of Lithuanian–Czech diplomatic relations
09:30 – 10:00 | Opening Ceremony
Welcome addresses
H. E. Rolandas Kačinskas, Ambassador of Lithuania to the Czech Republic
Prof. RNDr. Jiří Zima, CSc., Rector of Charles University
Keynote reflection: 35 years of partnership – achievements, turning points, and the road ahead
Marie Chatardová, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
Lina Rukštelienė, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania
10:00 – 11:00 | Panel I
Panel I – Historical Identities and Statehood: Foundations of the Lithuanian–Czech Partnership
Lithuania and the Czech lands share medieval roots, dynastic entanglements, and a long tradition of intellectual and cultural exchange. In the late twentieth century, Sąjūdis and the Velvet Revolution were part of the same wave of democratic change – leading to Lithuania’s restored independence, Czechoslovakia’s return to democracy, and the renewal of diplomatic ties in 1991. This panel explores the historical foundations of Lithuanian and Czech statehood and how shared history, historical memory, and common values continue to shape the partnership today.
A Witness to History. Opening testimony by Česlav Okinčic, Signatory of the Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania
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Panelists: |
Česlav Okinčic, Signatory of the Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania, lawyer and politician |
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doc. dr. Dalia Bukelevičiūtė, Faculty of History, Vilnius University |
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doc. PhDr. Luboš Švec, CSc., Institute of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University |
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Štefan Füle, former European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, diplomat |
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Moderator: |
H. E. Rolandas Kačinskas, Ambassador of Lithuania to the Czech Republic |
11:00 – 11:30 | Strategic Conversation
Lithuania as a NATO Ally: A View from the Eastern Flank
This strategic conversation examines how Lithuania is adapting to a changing security environment and strengthening its contribution to NATO. The discussion will reflect on deterrence, resilience, and collective defence on the Alliance’s eastern flank, as well as the role of Allies in safeguarding regional stability.
In Conversation with General Raimundas Vaikšnoras, Chief of Defence of the Republic of Lithuania
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Moderator: |
Prof. Margarita Šešelgytė, Director, Institute of International Relations and Political Science, Vilnius University |
11:30 – 11:45 | Coffee Break
11:45 – 12:35 | Panel II
Panel II – At the Heart of Europe: Shared Priorities for a Changing Europe
This panel examines shared Lithuanian–Czech priorities within the European Union, from European security and support for Ukraine to enlargement and competitiveness. Particular attention will be given to Lithuania’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2027, drawing on the Czech Presidency experience in 2022, and to opportunities for both countries to work together in shaping the European agenda.
Lithuania’s 2027 EU Presidency: Priorities and Perspectives. Address by Lina Rukštelienė, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania
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Panelists: |
Lina Rukštelienė, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania |
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Monika Ladmanová, Head of the European Commission Representation in the Czech Republic |
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Milena Hrdinková, State Secretary for European Affairs, Government of the Czech Republic |
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Moderator: |
Viktor Daněk, European analyst, Český rozhlas Plus / Senior Research Fellow, EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy |
12:35 – 13:30 | Panel III & Closing Remarks
Panel III – Beyond the Horizon: Building the Future of the Lithuanian–Czech Partnership
As global power balances shift and economic competition intensifies, Lithuania and the Czech Republic face a common challenge: how to remain resilient, connected, and competitive. This panel looks to the future, exploring how both countries can strengthen regional connectivity, deepen economic cooperation, and identify ambitious initiatives for the next chapter of their partnership.
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Panelists: |
Eglė Coppa, PhD., Head of International Relations Division of the Bank of Lithuania |
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Prof. Margarita Šešelgytė, Director, Institute of International Relations and Political Science, Vilnius University [TBC] |
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PhDr. Jan Růžička, MBA, Chief External Affairs Officer, PPF Group |
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doc. Mats Braun, Ph.D., Director of the Institute of International Relations Prague [TBC] |
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Moderator: |
Maciej Ruczaj, PhD., Senior Fellow, Prague Centre for Transatlantic Relations / former ambassador of Poland to Slovakia |
13:30 – 15:00 | Networking Lunch
