Events

Linas Kojala has published an op-ed in The Guardian.

GSSC Director Linas Kojala noted that the appointment will help strengthen ties with the U.S. expert community and facilitate joint discussions and publications.

The Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted a discussion with Fariz Rzayev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on Azerbaijan’s foreign and security policy in a changing geopolitical landscape.

The Geopolitics and Security Studies Center organised an online discussion on Armenia’s parliamentary elections, focusing on the results, public attitudes, Russia’s influence tools, and the country’s future political direction.

GSSC Director Linas Kojala was presented with a “Patinka” Content Creators Awards prize in recognition of his social media communication on international affairs.

The Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted a discussion with Dr Benedetta Berti, Secretary General of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

A discussion on the development of Lithuania’s defence industry took place at the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center (GSSC).

Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Ferit Hoxha. The discussion was moderated by GSSC Director Linas Kojala.

On May 22, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center (GSSC) participated in the GLOBSEC Forum 2026 in Prague, Czechia, a conference focused on security, defense, and foreign policy. During the forum, GSSC organized a high-level roundtable discussion on NATO’s Eastern Flank titled “From Catching Up to Leading: Lessons from Europe’s Eastern Flank.” 

The analysis and commentary provided by our Centre’s experts continue to contribute to international-level discussions.

On Thursday, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted a discussion on the current security situation and Lithuania’s defence priorities with Lithuania’s Minister of National Defence, Robertas Kaunas.

Geopolitikos ir saugumo studijų centro Direktorius Linas Kojala sulaukė Suomijos valstybinio apdovanojimo – Liūto ordino I laipsnio Riterio kryžiaus.

Participants of the Heinrich Böll Stiftung study visit to the Baltic states visited the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center.

On Thursday, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted a discussion with H.E. Alexander Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland, at Tesonet in Vilnius.

Linas Kojala, GSSC Director (CEO), participated in the discussion “From the Strait of Hormuz to the Baltic Shores: How Geopolitics Is Rewriting Our Economy?”, held during the XIV Congress of the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists. The event took place at the Merchants’ Club.

The Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted the first event in the “Vilnius-Berlin Pulse” series, dedicated to Germany’s foreign, security and defence policy. The discussion featured Tobias Bunde, Director of Research and Policy at the Munich Security Conference. The event was moderated by Vytautas Leškevičius, Senior Policy Analyst at GSSC.

The Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted a discussion “From Lessons Learned to Action – Advancing Total Defence” with Mr Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

To mark Europe Day, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted a discussion titled “How to Defend the European Union’s Eastern Flank? NATO, Ukraine and the Necessary Decisions.”

Linas Kojala, Director (CEO) of the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center (GSSC), published an op-ed in the prominent U.S. publication “The New York Times,” in which he analyzes the planned reduction of U.S. troops in Germany and its possible consequences for transatlantic security.

Representatives of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, Ana Burkovskienė and Darius Domarkas, visited the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center. During the meeting with the Center’s team and Director Linas Kojala, participants discussed GSSC’s areas of work, cooperation opportunities, and the resilience agenda.

A Geopolitics and Security Studies Center oak sapling has been planted in the Presidential Oak Grove in honour of President Valdas Adamkus.

Participants of the Young Political Scientists School, students in grades 10–12 interested in politics, international relations, and geopolitical processes, visited the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center.

The comment by Vytautas Leškevičius, Senior Policy Analyst at the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center, was published by LIGA.net. In the text, the GSSC analyst discusses how Lithuania is prepared to counter Russian threats and what conclusions it draws from Ukraine’s experience.

The Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted a discussion on Germany’s policy towards Russia featuring German journalists Katja Gloger and Georg Mascolo. The conversation was moderated by Vytautas Leškevičius, Senior Policy Analyst at GSSC.

On April 20, GSSC hosted an online discussion on Bulgaria’s snap parliamentary elections, examining the election results, voter turnout trends, the causes of political instability, prospects for forming a new government, potential Russian interference, and the direction of Bulgaria’s foreign and security policy.

On 14 April, a live open lesson for Lithuanian school communities, “We Are NATO: What Does It Mean for Lithuania?”, took place. The lesson was organised by the Ministry of National Defence in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport and the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center.

On 13 April, a group of 11th–12th grade students from Neringa visited the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center.

The Center’s Director, Linas Kojala, met with the Ambassador of India to Lithuania, Devesh Uttam.

On April 13, GSSC hosted an online discussion on the Hungarian parliamentary elections, examining the election results, campaign dynamics, prospects for a transfer of power, the issue of Russian interference, and potential shifts in Hungary’s foreign policy – including its stance on Ukraine, bilateral relations with the United States, and possible regional shifts involving countries closely aligned with Orbán’s government, such as Slovakia and Serbia.

The Geopolitics and Security Studies Center was pleased to host, for the first time, a side event at the London Defence Conference 2026, titled “Baltic Sea Security: Where Hybrid Pressure Tests the Alliance”.

An op-ed by Linas Kojala, Director of the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center (GSSC), and Vytautas Leškevičius, Senior Policy Analyst at GSSC, was published in The Wall Street Journal.

On April 9, a conference titled “Shared Values, Shared Security: The Nordic–Baltic Partnership at 35 and the Path Forward” took place in Vilnius, organized by the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center in cooperation with the Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Lithuania.

The Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted the event “China and Taiwan in Europe: Rivalry Beyond the Indo-Pacific?”, presenting Raigirdas Boruta’s study on China and Taiwan’s competition in Central and Eastern Europe. The discussion focused on how the pandemic, Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, and a changing geopolitical environment have reshaped the region’s approach to Beijing and Taipei since 2019.

The publication by Denis Cenușa, Associated Expert at the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center, “Reintegration with or without EU enlargement: Can Transnistria be co-opted in Moldova’s EU accession process?”, was featured in the EU Council’s “Think Tank Review 138 – February 2026.”

European countries should act in line with their core security interests. The main priority is to preserve U.S. engagement in Europe’s security architecture, as after many years of underinvestment in defense, there is no real alternative.

During Lithuanian Davos, GSSC organised a discussion titled “A New World Order: Should We Fear Change?”

The Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted a discussion “On the Eve of the NATO Ankara Meeting” with Lieutenant General Remigijus Baltrėnas, Director General of the NATO International Military Staff, and Reserve Lieutenant General Jonas Vytautas Žukas.

Geopolitics and Security Studies Center, together with the Embassy of Japan in Lithuania, organized a dialogue on security and economic resilience to discuss shared challenges.

The traditional campaign “Birds Are Returning Home” was marked at the GSSC. Together with children from the Vilnius Žvėrynas community, the Center’s team installed nest boxes in the courtyard, welcoming birds returning to Lithuania and encouraging the community to contribute to caring for the environment.

A discussion titled “How to Practically Counter Hybrid Threats?” took place at the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center (GSSC).

During an event organized by the Geopolitics and Security Studies Centre (GSSC) to present its study “How Transatlantic Policy Shifts Affect Lithuania”, the dynamics of the United States’ posture in Europe and the development of U.S.–Lithuania relations under conditions of increased geopolitical uncertainty were discussed.

Today, Her Excellency the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, visited the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center.

During a meeting of the shareholders of the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center (hereinafter – the Center), the composition of the Center’s Advisory Board was approved.

At the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center, the activities of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and the potential for cooperation with the EU as well as the Baltic and Nordic countries were presented.

The Geopolitics and Security Studies Center (GSSC), in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Lithuania, hosted a discussion titled “The Transformation of the Bundeswehr: Structural, Political, and Military Challenges.”

On February 25, the presentation of the latest annual Democracy Sustainability Barometer study took place. The research findings were presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mažvydas Jastramskis of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science at Vilnius University, and the event was moderated by the Centre’s Chief Programme Coordinator, Simona Merkinaitė.

At the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center, the collection of articles (almanac) “Russia by Daylight” was presented. The publication is dedicated to the analysis of Russian politics, history, propaganda, and relations with the West. In the volume, researchers from various fields – historians, political scientists, and philosophers – examine Russia’s relationship with the West, the development of imperial identity, and the forms of information warfare.

Today, GSSC Director Linas Kojala discussed the key aspects of the Munich Security Conference held on February 13–15, as well as the two side events organized by GSSC for the fourth consecutive year, focusing on the most pressing challenges related to international and European security and hybrid warfare.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center took part in the discussions of the Munich Security Conference.

The Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted a discussion titled "Beyond Documenting War Crimes: The Mission of the Ukraine War Archive."

On Friday, GSSC hosted a conversation with Türkiye’s Republic Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, moderated by GSSC Director Linas Kojala. We discussed Europe’s security, Greenland, EU cooperation with Türkiye/UK/Norway, the Israel–Palestine conflict, unrest in Iran, and energy security.

During a discussion held at the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center, Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, presented Ankara’s perspective on key issues related to transatlantic security, regional affairs, and energy policy.

On January 14, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted a discussion titled “The Kapčiamiestis Training Area: Its Value for Lithuania’s Defence, the Region, and the Local Community.” The event featured Lithuania’s Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas and the Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, Gen. Raimundas Vaikšnoras. The discussion was moderated by GSSC Senior Policy Analyst Vladimiras Laučius.

Today, December 18, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted the final event of the year - a discussion titled “Lithuania and the United States: What Do the Next Three Years Hold?”, featuring Tomas Janeliūnas, GSSC Associate Expert, and Vytautas Leškevičius, GSSC Senior Policy Analyst.

Today, 15 December, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted an event titled “Euroleague Geopolitics”, featuring EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejūnas. The discussion was moderated by GSSC Director Linas Kojala.

On 11 December 2025, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted the presentation of the almanac “Understanding Russia: History, Propaganda, Geopolitics, Economy, Diplomacy.” GSSC introduced a collection of articles prepared by experts, launching a new annual publication series dedicated to research on Russia.

Ambassador Eitvydas Bajarūnas joins the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center (GSSC) as an Associate Expert.

On November 21, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Centre, under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, together with the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Lithuania, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden in Lithuania, the Atlantic Council, the Munich Security Conference (MSC), RAND Europe, GLOBSEC, and LRT, organized the eleventh forum dedicated to the memory of Lithuanian diplomat Stasys Lozoraitis.

On November 11, 2025 Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted a discussion with Amb. Boris Ruge, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, moderated by GSSC Director Linas Kojala.

On November 4, 2025, the Center for Geopolitical and Security Studies hosted a discussion titled “Economic Security and Regional Cooperation: Perspectives from Korea and Europe.”

On 28 October 2025, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted a discussion titled “Security Breakfast: The Deteriorating Situation in the Baltic Sea Region.”

On 21 October 2025, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted a discussion titled “Is Russia’s Economy a Paper Tiger?”

On October 9, 2025, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted a discussion titled “European Democracy Shield: Protecting Against External Threats and Strengthening Civic Engagement.”

On October 7, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center hosted Ukrainian philosopher, writer, journalist, head of PEN Ukraine, and editor-in-chief of UkraineWorld, Volodymyr Yermolenko. The discussion was moderated by the Center’s director, Linas Kojala.

On September 29, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center organized a discussion on the parliamentary elections held in Moldova last weekend. The event was attended by Denis Cenusa, an associate expert at the Center, and moderated by Dominykas Nedzinskas, project manager at the Center.

The GSSC together with the Ukrainian GLOBSEC office organized a roundtable discussion in Kyiv, during which they reviewed the security scenario study "Seven Security Scenarios on Russian War in Ukraine for 2025–2026: Implications and Policy Recommendations." This study reveals possible developments of the Russian war against Ukraine and its impact on the security of the European region, based on the assessments of 61 high-level Ukrainian experts.

On September 15, the GSSC hosted the discussion “Zapad: Perceptions, Realities and Implications”. The event featured Živilė Dambrauskaitė, author of the study “Belarusian Attitudes Toward the Zapad War Games”, and Franak Viacorka, Chief Advisor to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Juljan Jachovič, Senior Area Manager at the GSSC.

On September 9, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center welcomed guests from the US and Germany – colleagues from Bertelsmann Foundations and Bertelsmann Stiftung, with whom we organized a workshop, film screening, and discussion.

On August 26, a roundtable discussion was held on the implementation of Qualified Majority Voting (QMV) in the European Union and Lithuania’s position on it. The discussion was moderated by the Center’s Director Linas Kojala, with remarks delivered by Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys. The document for the discussion was prepared by STRATA’s Senior Policy Analyst Justinas Mickus.

Retired Lieutenant General Jonas Vytautas Žukas joins the Geopolitics and Security Studies Centre (GSSC) as an Associate Expert.

On July 30th, GSSC hosted an event - "Moldova's EU Path and the 2025 Elections: Shared Perspectives from Moldova and Lithuania." The event featured the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, Christina Gherasimov, and the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, Sigitas Mitkus, and was moderated by the Center's Project Manager, Dominykas Nedzinskas.

On July 18, GSSC organized an event titled: “India’s Perspective on Modern Challenges: Protecting the Nation-State and Fighting Terrorism.

On Thursday, the Center for Geopolitical and Security Studies hosted a delegation of journalists from the Republic of Moldova.

On July 10, GSSC concluded its summer event season with a discussion titled “Strategic Partnership: Lithuania-France Dialogue in Europe.” The event featured Lithuania’s Ambassador to France, Arnoldas Pranckevičius, and was moderated by the Center’s director, Linas Kojala.

During the last parliamentary term, the political arena was marked by intense debates, with discussions arising not only on domestic issues but also on foreign and security policy matters. At the time, there were expectations that the new term would bring significant changes that could strengthen the country’s stability and ensure a clearer strategic direction.

GSSC organized a discussion titled “Transatlantic Relations: Today and Tomorrow,” held in the context of drafting the National Security Strategy. The event featured Deputy Minister of National Defence Karolis Aleksa, Chief National Security Adviser to the President Deividas Matulionis, Professor Tomas Janeliūnas from Vilnius University’s Institute of International Relations and Political Science (VU TSPMI), and researcher Gerda Jakštaitė from the Lithuanian Military Academy. The discussion was moderated by GSSC Director Linas Kojala.

On Sunday, a delegation of advisors to members of the U.S. Congress visited the GSSC. During their meeting with Linas Kojala, the discussion focused on:

On June 27th, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center, in collaboration with the Embassy of Canada to Lithuania, hosted a discussion on Lithuanian and Canadian experiences - “Engaging with China: Between Cooperation, Competition, and Caution”.

On June 26, the Center for Geopolitical and Security Studies hosted a discussion with CEPA visiting fellow and former ambassador Eitvydas Bajarūnas.

On June 24 in The Hague, Linas Kojala, Director of the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center (GSSC), participated as one of the speakers in the opening session of the NATO 2025 Summit Public Forum titled “Setting the Stage for Summit.”

This discussion on the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague was moderated by the Center's Director Linas Kojala, and was attended by the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Lithuania Dovilė Šakalienė, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Julius Pranevičius, and Advisor to the President of the Republic of Lithuania Asta Skaisgirytė.

In a highly engaging discussion, the session examined how NATO’s Eastern Flank countries, particularly Lithuania, leverage innovation and whole-of-society resilience to create credible deterrence. The importance of cross-border cooperation, innovation, the defense industry, civic preparedness, and Lithuania’s partnership with Germany.

Gintautas Mažeikis has become an associate expert at the GSSC.

The Center for Geopolitical and Security Studies (GSSC), together with the Egmont Institute and the Royal Higher Institute for Defence, organized a roundtable discussion titled “Rethinking the EU’s Eastern Partnership: Strategic Choices Amid Geopolitical Competition.”

On May 30, the GSSC hosted a discussion on the prospects for European security and the challenges of strengthening defense. The event featured EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius and Deputy Minister of National Defence Tomas Godliauskas.

On May 30 Geopolitics and Security Studies Centre (GSSC), in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lithuania hosted a key discussion on NATO’s future and European defense dynamics.

On May 19, the GSSC hosted a discussion dedicated to the Polish presidential elections. The event featured Laurynas Vaičiūnas, Director of the Jan Nowak-Jezioranski College, Dr. Mariusz Antonowicz, lecturer at Vilnius University’s Institute of International Relations and Political Science (VU TSPMI) and researcher at Vytautas Magnus University (VDU), with the discussion moderated by GSSC political analyst Adam Roževič.

We invite you to watch the discussion - “Perspectives on Nuclear Deterrence.” The discussion features Tomas Janeliūnas, GSSC expert, and Fabian Hoffman, defense and nuclear deterrence policy expert.

GSSC Senior Project Manager Simona Merkinaite participated in a roundtable discussion organized by the Swedish Institute of International Affairs and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Sweden, titled “New Challenges for the Polish EU Presidency: the Nordic and Baltic countries, Poland and European security.”

Today was a special day. At GSSC, we had the honor of meeting with President Valdas Adamkus. We discussed both the positive developments and the concerns facing our region.

Today in Berlin, the GSSC and MERICS organized an event where the study "Classic Cleavages in a New Light: Chinese Informational Influence in the Baltics" was publicly presented.

On April 22, 2025, the GSSC hosted a conversation on NATO and transatlantic relations with Ambassador Deividas Matulionis, former Permanent Representative of Lithuania to NATO.

On April 3, the GSSC hosted a discussion on the prospects of Lithuanian-Polish defense and military cooperation, as well as Poland’s role in ensuring regional security.

On March 25, the fifth President of Sakartvelo, Salome Zourabichvili, visited the Centre for Geopolitics and Security Studies (GSSC). During the meeting, participants discussed the current political situation in Sakartvelo following the recent presidential elections, national security challenges, issues related to the political crisis, the military threat posed by Russia, and other relevant topics.

On March 25, the GSSC hosted the presentation of the review “Defending the Baltic States: War Lessons from Ukraine.” The event featured Romanas Judinas, an analyst from the Center for Civil Defense and Security Analysis Locked’n’Loaded, and Jonas Ohman, a representative of Blue/Yellow.

On March 21, the GSSC hosted a discussion with representatives of the International Diplomacy Training Program. The meeting focused on topics such as NATO and EU enlargement, political developments in the Western Balkans, and the future of transatlantic relations.

On March 19, at the GSSC, we presented the research by authors Mariusz Antonowicz and Justinas Mickus “Lithuania’s Long-Term Interests and Enhanced Role in the Multilateral System in a Changing Strategic Environment.

Today, the Center for Geopolitical and Security Studies hosted a discussion on international humanitarian law, Russia’s responsibility, and the experiences of prisoners of war.

Today, Center Director Linas Kojala discussed the key aspects of the Munich Security Conference, held on February 14-15, as well as the side event organized by GSSC for the third consecutive year.

Geopolitics and Security Studies Center, together with the International Centre for Defence and Security in Tallin (ICDS) and the Latvian Institute of International Affairs (LIIA), organized an event parallel with the Munich Security Conference (MSC). During the event, international-level guests discussed the most topical issues of geopolitics and security.

On January 30, at GSSC, we presented the latest research by Mažvydas Jastramskis - the “Democracy Sustainability Barometer 2024.”

On January 22, at the GSSC we continued the traditional discussion format “Lithuanian Security Policy Breakfasts,” organized in cooperation with the Center for Civil Defense and Security Analysis Locked N’ Loaded.

On December 10, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center (GSSC), in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation, the Atlantic Council, the German Embassy in Vilnius, the Foreign Policy Research Institute, and other partners, organized the tenth annual conference in memory of Lithuania’s Chief Diplomat, Stasys Lozoraitis.

The analytical think tank, marking its 18th year of operation, has changed its name and will now be known as the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center (GSSC). Along with this name change, the Center is refocusing its research areas to concentrate on Eurasian affairs, transatlantic security, and strengthening societal resilience.

Today, the Center for Geopolitical and Security Studies, GSSC (formerly the Eastern European Studies Center), held a virtual discussion on the political situation in Georgia. The event featured Lithuanian Ambassador to Georgia Darius Vitkauskas and Deputy Director of the Georgian Institute of Politics Renata Skardžiūtė-Kereselidze, with RESC project assistant Donata Ketlerytė moderating the session.

On November 29 at the Center for Geopolitical and Security Studies, GSSC (formerly the Eastern European Studies Center), we continued the roundtable discussion format "Coffee and International Politics." This time, we discussed the topic "Rare Earth Elements: China's Dominance and the Western Response" together with the center’s associate expert, Raigirdas Boruta, examining the reasons for China’s dominance in this field and the Western reactions.

On 4 July, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre hosted the discussion "NATO Summit: aspirations and opportunities for Lithuania". Together with the Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas and the President's Senior Adviser on National Security Kęstutis Budrys, we discussed the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington and the realities of the international arena surrounding it.

On July 1, 2024, the EESC hosted an event to launch its new Russia research programme. The purpose of the programme is to deepen the understanding of the current Russian regime, opposition, and society, and to analyze the processes and political trends taking place in Russia. The discussion featured Lithuanian MEP and former Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, former Lithuanian Ambassador to Russia Remigijus Motuzas, and key Russian opposition figure and former political companion of Alexei Navalny, Leonid Volkov.

On June 25th, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre organised the discussion “Expectations for the NATO Summit 2024 in Washington”.

On June 19, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre, together with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lithuania and the Institute of International Relations and Political Science of Vilnius University, organized the third Lithuanian-Dutch Foreign Policy and Security Conference.

On June 18th, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre, together with the Civil Defense and Security Analysis Center Locked N' Loaded, we continued the discussion series "Lithuanian Security Policy Breakfast." The second topic of the discussion cycle was "Development of a Lithuanian Division.”

On June 13th, the EESC, together with the Lithuanian Embassy in France and Collège des Bernardins, organized a discussion "From Vilnius to Washington: Further Steps in Strengthening the Security and Defense of NATO's Eastern Wing."

On June 6th, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre organized a discussion "Sanctions Against Russia: Efficacy and Future Implications," where we discussed the impact of Western sanctions on Russia with Daniel Fried, the former US ambassador to Poland.

On May 31st, we continued the roundtable discussion format "Coffee and International Politics" at the Eastern Europe Studies Centre. This time, the conversation was devoted to the energy sector of Ukraine. Saulius Rimutis, the EESC Associate Expert, shared his insights on this topic, including the damage Ukraine has suffered in this sector during the war and the country's future energy potential.

On May 30th, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre organized a discussion dedicated to the European integration of Ukraine and other related topics. Among the participants were a delegation of decision-makers from the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada and Jonas Ohmanas, the founder of the non-governmental organization "Blue/Yellow."

With the NATO summit in Washington approaching, on May 28th, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre organized an event during which we discussed issues related to this summit and other relevant topics about NATO with Lithuanian Ambassador to NATO Deividas Matulionis.

On May 20th, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre organized a discussion in the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania under the title "Lithuania's Interests in Shaping the EU Development Strategy." During the conversation with the Center's Associate Expert, Justinas Mickus, who presented his study "EU Reforms in View of Enlargement and Economic Security: Towards an Integrated Approach to European Self-Transformation," we discussed the most important issues related to this topic.

On May 16th, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre, together with the Lithuanian Embassy in France and the Collège des Bernardins, hosted the discussion "UN in the Changing International Affairs Environment: A New Reality and a New Opportunity" in Paris.

On April 30th, Ignas Vėgėlė, a candidate for the post of the President of the Republic of Lithuania, visited the EESC and presented his key insights on foreign policy and national security.

We continue our format of discussions with the candidates for the President of the Republic of Lithuania, during which the candidates share their most important theses on foreign policy and national security. On April 26th, candidate Eduardas Vaitkus shared his insights on these topics.

In the roundtable discussion format ”Coffee and International Politics”, on April 26th we discussed NATO and Ukraine with Danish expert Henrik Larsen. The topics ranged from NATO's plans to arm Ukraine to the actions of EU members in supporting the country in the future.

On April 25th we were delighted to host the the Delegation of Flanders in Poland and the Baltic States at the EESC. During the visit, Prof. dr. Sven Biscop gave the lecture ”Europe Rediscovers Geopolitics: from Ukraine to Taiwan”

On April 24th, the EESC continued its traditional discussion format, the 'Lithuanian Security Policy Breakfast,' together with Center for Civil Defense and Security Analysis “Locked N' Loaded”.

On April 23, Prime Minister and candidate for President of the Republic of Lithuania Ingrida Šimonytė visited the Eastern Europe Studies Centre. She presented her most important theses regarding foreign policy and national security.

On April 11, Chief of Defence of Lithuania, Gen. Valdemaras Rupšys, visited the EESC for a discussion on a wide range of security and defence aspects.

Continuing the format of roundtable discussions, "Coffee and International Politics," on March 29th we discussed the political trends in Taiwan and China with the EESC Associate Expert, Raigirdas Boruta. During the conversation, we explored topics such as the Taiwanese presidential election and its influence on the processes of adopting laws within the country, as well as Beijing's cautious reaction and China's foreign policy and technological ambitions.

After a visit to Washington and meetings with experts and decision-makers, the Centre’s Director, Linas Kojala, and Senior Project Manager Simona Merkinaitė shared their insights from the trip. The discussion mostly focused on the issues regarding the US presidential election, the future of NATO, and support for Ukraine.

Today, the discussion on "Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland's Policy towards Belarus and what we can do about the independence of Belarus" took place at the EESC, where political scientist and VU TSPMI lecturer, Dr. Mariusz Antonowicz, shared his insights on the topic. Adam Roževič, Policy Analyst at the EESC, moderated the event. During the conversation, we discussed the development of the policies of these three states in relation to Belarus and efforts to strengthen Belarus' sovereignty.

With only two months remaining before the presidential elections in Lithuania, Andrius Mazuronis, who is seeking the post of candidate for President of the Republic of Lithuania, visited the EESC today and shared his main insights on security and foreign policy with experts and media representatives.

Experts from Sweden, Ukraine, and Belgium visited the Eastern Europe Studies Centre and discussed the perception of the morale of Russian soldiers, Russian public opinion, and attitudes towards Russia's war against Ukraine.

As debates on the fate of schools in Lithuania, where teaching takes place in Russian, intensify, the Eastern Europe Studies Center, in cooperation with Delfi RU, organized a discussion which focused on the impact of educational reforms on national minorities, their perspectives on the proposed integration and education models, and the teaching of the Lithuanian language in these schools.

As the presidential elections are approaching, we continue our series of discussions with candidates - today the Centre was visited by Giedrimas Jeglinskas, who discussed with media representatives and experts the main aspects of his programme related to national security and foreign policy.

Today, during the discussion "China-friendly narratives in the Baltics: how are they received by our societies?", the Eastern Europe Studies Centre (EESC) presented the study "Classic Cleavages in a New Light: Chinese Informational Influence in the Baltics", prepared in cooperation with the Latvian Institute of International Affairs (LIIA) and the International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS). The study measured the Baltic countries' susceptibility/resilience against Chinese narratives from three different perspectives: socio-economic, international politics, and values.

Today, in the third round of discussions with candidates for the post of President of the Republic of Lithuania, Dainius Žalimas visited the center. The candidate shared his main theses on defence and foreign policy.

Today, the Centre's Director, Linas Kojala, and Member of the Seimas, Dovilė Šakalienė, discussed key insights from the Munich Security Conference, which took place on 16-18 February, and its side-event organized by EESC for the second year in a row.

On February 15, a delegation of German officers visited Eastern Europe Studies Centre (EESC) and together with VU TSPMI lecturer, political scientist dr. Mariusz Antonowicz discussed the most important regional security issues.

The Eastern Europe Studies Centre, in cooperation with Expert-Grup, an independent think-tank based in Moldova, organised a discussion in Chisinau yesterday to share best practices in the field of strategic communication and countering disinformation.

Continuing our series of discussions with presidential candidates, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre hosted presidential candidate Aurelijus Veryga, who shared his foreign policy and national security priorities with experts and media representatives.

The President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, visited the Eastern Europe Studies Centre and shared his thoughts on the country's most important foreign and national security challenges.

On 12 December, the EESC, together with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation, organised the 9th Annual EESC Conference on Lithuanian Foreign Policy, Commemorating Stasys Lozoraitis. The conference took place at the Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius and covered Ukraine's struggle for its freedom, the role of artificial intelligence in international relations, Germany's role in Lithuania and Europe's security infrastructure, and the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington DC.

On December 1st, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre (EESC) held a discussion featuring Thomas Gomart, the director of the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI), moderated by Justinas Mickus, an associated expert at the EESC. The event centred on key topics such as European strategic autonomy, the future of European security and defence, and the implications of an unstable global environment.

Lapkričio 27 d. RESC vyko diskusija "Ukrainos ir Moldovos kelias į Europą: kova su propaganda, dezinformacija ir strateginės komunikacijos kūrimas".

Today, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre presented one of its major publications of the year - the study "Adaptation and Integration of Migrants from Ukraine in Lithuania". Together with co-author Svitlana Kostrykina, the EESC’s Chief Research Officer Tomas Janeliūnas presented the results of the study and discussed the main issues faced by migrants from Ukraine, ranging from employment and health care to education, to social adaptation and integration.

The Eastern Europe Studies Centre, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Representation of Lithuania to the EU, organised a high-level discussion on changes in EU enlargement policy and access.

Our guest today was Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. We discussed the implications of Russia's aggression against Ukraine for European security, other geopolitical challenges, and the importance of Western unity.

The Eastern Europe Studies Centre, in collaboration with the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup,” is pleased to announce the selection of journalists for a specialized program supporting quality journalism in Moldova. The activities are part of the project titled “Building Strategic Communication to Counter Russian Disinformation in Moldova.”

Dr. Oleksandr Shulga, Head of the Institute of Conflict Studies and Analysis of Russia (IKAR), visited the Eastern Europe Studies Centre. He presented the Institute's study "Mirror of Russia: The Sixth Wave", which looked at the Russian public's perception of Russia's war against Ukraine.

The Eastern Europe Studies Centre presents a new entry in the Quo Vadis, China? podcast series, titled "Philippines and China: Cooperation Amidst Confrontation?"

The discussion focused on the challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region and the potential for deeper cooperation between like-minded countries.

On 14 September, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre hosted the discussion "Challenges, Trends, and Responses in the International Transport Domain" to examine key challenges and potential solutions for today's transport and logistics sector. We were joined by Young Tae Kim, Secretary General of the International Transport Forum, and Agnė Vaiciukevičiūtė, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania.

The NATO Public Forum was co-organised by NATO, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre, the Atlantic Council, the German Marshall Fund of the United States and the Munich Security Conference, kicked off today.

Mr Wallmark started the discussion by stressing the security report released by the Swedish Government which emphasized that “NATO, EU and Swedish security are a part of the same triangle”.

The event mainly focused on the US vision and objectives in the Indo-Pacific region, its partnership with the European Union and countries in the region.

The discussion revolved around the prospects for a tribunal for the Russian aggresion against Ukraine, analysing the issue through several lenses, including jurisdictional processes, political will, and international cooperation.

The speakers stressed the need to strengthen further cooperation with Pacific partners, particularly in the area of information and intelligence.

This time, the latest developments concerning Belarusian society and media and the repression against them were discussed.

The event revolved around the historical origins of the current Russian system, the relationship between society and the state, how the war and its course have shaped this relationship, and the prospects for the future of Russian statehood.

The results of the survey conducted by IKAR show a simultaneous acceptance of contradictory beliefs in Russian society.

The discussion focused on the scenarios on Russian War in Ukraine, what would happen in a worst-case scenario, and what consequences this would have for our region.

According to Mr Bechev, Kilicdaroglu was predicted to win 49% of the vote and Erdogan 45%. However, the opposite happened.

The Eastern Europe Studies Centre hosted German General (Ret.) Jörg Vollmer. During the conversation we explored Lithuania’s future security prospects, NATO capabilities, and challenges. The discussion highlighted the paradigm shift in NATO’s focus since 9/11 and areas needing improvement.

Today, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania hosted the discussion “Energy security in Europe in a time of transformation”, which examined the shifts in the energy sector in the EU after the start of the Russian war in Ukraine.

On 28 April, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre hosted the fourth discussion of its “Coffee and International Politics“ ("Kava ir tarptautinė politika") format. This time we discussed recent political developments in China.

“Quo vadis, China?” is the new podcast from the Eastern Europe Studies Centre that aims to provide informative and insightful discussions on current events, historical context, and the political and economic landscape of China.

During our informal meeting we discussed international affairs and were delighted that the President was once again visiting the EESC conference hall named after him.

The Eastern Europe Studies Centre, in cooperation with the Chatham House Russia and Eurasia Programme and Lithuanian Embassy in London, hosted the discussion "Is Europe ready to face hardships in support of Ukraine?".

This panel discusses the place for Ukraine in the European security framework and Europe’s preparedness to continue supporting Ukraine in a prolonged war.

The Eastern Europe Studies Centre, in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, hosted the discussion “What does Zeitenwende mean for NATO's Eastern Flank?”, which mainly focused on the changes in Germany's foreign and security policy since 24 February 2022.

Our Centre’s Director, “Munich Young Leaders 2023” member Linas Kojala today shared his insights on the main topics of the Munich Security Conference, which took place on 17-19 February, as well as on global security trends.  

The Eastern Europe Studies Centre (EESC), in cooperation with the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), is bringing back the Vilnius Young Leaders Meeting (VYLM) format and invites to apply for its 4th instalment, which is to be held on April 17–18 in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The event focused on the current security situation in the Indo-Pacific region and the roles of Japan, Lithuania and the European Union in the region.

Giedrimas Jeglinskas is joining the team at the Eastern Europe Studies Centre (EESC). He will be the EESC’s Associated Expert on NATO-related topics. 

On 13 December, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre, in cooperation with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Baltic States, organised the 8th Annual Conference on Lithuanian Foreign Policy. The conference introduced with a presentation of the latest EESC study "Barometer of Sustainability of Democracy”, based on a sociological survey of the Lithuanian population, as well as the annual publication "Lithuanian Foreign Policy Review”.

On 29 November, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre, in cooperation with the Embassy of Canada in Lithuania, organised the roundtable discussion “Women in Combat Operations: why is it still a taboo?”.

The signing was followed by a discussion during which Yuliia Popyk, Head of International Cooperation, shared her insights on the current situation in Ukraine.

On 9 September, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre, in cooperation with the NATO Public Diplomacy Division, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, and the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania, organised the event Building Baltic Consensus.

On 16 June, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Clingendael Institute, the largest think tank in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The discussion was moderated by Dr Tomas Janeliūnas, Head of EESC Research Program, and featured the authors of the publications – Raigirdas Boruta and Dr Konstantinas Andrijauskas, Associate Experts of EESC’s China Research Program.

The discussion was attended by Laurynas Kasčiūnas, Chairman of the National Security and Defense Committee of the Republic of Lithuania (NSDC), Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania Saulius Skvernelis, and other guests took part in the discussion. The event was hosted by EESC Senior Policy Analyst Vladimir Laučius.

The author of the work, Reserve Colonel Gintaras Bagdonas, took part in the event, and the discussion was moderated by Dr Tomas Janeliūnas, the head of the EESC research programs.

During a discussion, which was moderated by the EESC’s director Linas Kojala, he discussed ongoing reforms in Ukraine, the importance of the Eastern Partnership format, security dilemma and the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, the country’s integration with transatlantic structures and matters of bilateral relations between Lithuania and Ukraine.

The Eastern Europe Studies Centre’s (EESC) conference hall was granted the title of the President Valdas Adamkus Conference Hall on Thursday.