Council of Europe Establishes Information Point for Belarusian People in Vilnius

Council of Europe Establishes Information Point for Belarusians in Vilnius

The Council of Europe and the Government of Lithuania signed an agreement to create the Council of Europe Information Point for Belarusian people in Vilnius.

Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, stated, “This is an important contribution to our support for Belarusian democratic forces and civil society. The Information Point will provide information about the Council of Europe and its work. It is a sign of hope for all those who strive for democratic values.”

Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed confidence that the Information Point will raise awareness and enhance capacity in human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. He emphasized its role in building a democratic and prosperous Belarus.

The Council of Europe established the Contact Group on cooperation with Belarusian democratic forces in September 2022. The group meets regularly to provide support and expertise to strengthen democratic society in Belarus.

The Information Point will share information about the Council of Europe’s work, values, and principles with the Belarusian people, aligning with activities outlined in the action plan created by the Contact Group.

The opening of the Information Point is a priority for Lithuania’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers.

The agreement was signed on November 13 by Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and Minister Landsbergis.