Information point for Belarusian people (Vilnius, Lithuania)

On 12 May 2026, as part of his official visit to Lithuania, Secretary General Alain Berset inaugurated the Council of Europe Information point for Belarusian People  at the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania in Vilnius.

“Protecting democratic values from aggression and authoritarianism, supporting civil society and independent media in Belarus and other countries oppressed by authoritarian regimes, as well as human rights defenders working in exile, is a long‑term priority of Lithuania’s foreign policy,” emphasised Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys in his opening speech at the ceremony. “Having successfully completed our own path of democratic transformation, we are pleased that today Lithuania can offer a safe space for the people of Belarus who seek democratic change in their country,” the minister said.

Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset thanked the Lithuanian government for their tireless support and for hosting the Information point and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to a Belarus free of repression and disinformation.

“The Council of Europe remains dedicated to truth over lies, fact over fiction, information over disinformation. And we are committed to supporting an independent and democratic Belarus,” he said.

Alain Berset praised the democratic forces of Belarus for their courage and commitment and congratulated Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya for her leadership.

“This information point will simplify exchange between the Council of Europe and those who believe in a democratic Belarus,” concluded Alain Berset. “It will bring us even closer. It is a symbol of cooperation, even at a time when rupture threatens our values throughout Europe”.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, said: “This is a major event for Belarusians and an important step toward bringing Belarus back onto the map of Europe. I always say: we need more Belarus in the Council of Europe – and more Council of Europe in Belarus.”

“The Council of Europe represents the very same values Belarusians are fighting for today: human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human dignity. I believe the day will come when Belarus becomes a full member of this organisation. I hope the Information point in Vilnius will help bring Belarus closer to this goal and allow Belarusians to make fuller use of the organisation’s expertise, resources, and opportunities,” she noted.

More information:

• Secretary General discusses challenges to democracy and the rule of law on official visit to Lithuania
• Council of Europe Information Point for Belarusian people to be set up in Vilnius

The establishment of the Information point for Belarusian people follows an agreement signed with the Government of the Republic of Lithuania in November 2024.

The information point will operate as a technical assistance project in liaison with the Belarusian democratic forces and Lithuanian authorities. Its objective is to raise awareness among democratic forces, non-governmental organisations, mass-media outlets, and the citizens of Belarus of the Council of Europe’s fundamental values and legal instruments.

The Information point will also support activities carried out under the Council of Europe Contact Group on co-operation with representatives of Belarusian democratic forces and civil society.

This will in turn pave the way for increased interaction between the Council of Europe and democratic forces of Belarus in accordance with the decisions of the Reykjavik Summit of 16-17 May 2023, where Heads of State and Government pledged to find ways to strengthen cooperation with Belarusian human-rights defenders, democratic forces, free media, and independent civil society.

The Council of Europe Information point for Belarusian people is expected to become fully operational in the course of 2026.

Once operational, the Information Point will be tasked with the following activities:

• Organisation, implementation and support of selected events and activities agreed by the contact group, including lectures, seminars, round tables, conferences, thematic exhibitions; 
• Translation, publication and distribution of Council of Europe information materials, including video and audio materials; 
• Facilitate access to public information on the Council of Europe and its activities.

Information concerning the operation of the Information Point, its activities, and how to access the premises will be published on this page in due course.