Culture as a shield of resilience for societies: Baltic countries discuss cooperation initiatives in Riga
The annual meeting of the Baltic Culture Committee held this year in Riga discussed joint Lithuanian, Estonian and Latvian initiatives in the field of culture and exchanged information on the countries' actions in the field of cultural policy.
The meeting focused on the need to strengthen the resilience of societies through culture. "In today's geopolitical context, strengthening the resilience of societies through culture is an integral part of national, regional and international security. Cooperation between the Baltic States in this area is more important than ever and we must continue to grow it," said Edita Klaunauskaitė, Vice-Minister of Culture, who led the Lithuanian delegation.
The meeting also discussed preparations for the protection of cultural heritage in times of armed conflict and other crises. The countries stressed that this is part of national security, but there is a need to strengthen inter-institutional and international cooperation. In response, the Lithuanian representatives proposed the establishment of a specialised network of Baltic experts in heritage protection to coordinate preparedness and information exchanges. They also expressed strong support for Estonia's initiative to seek a common European solution for the long-term digital preservation of cultural heritage and emphasised the need to provide full assistance to Ukraine in the protection of its heritage.
The Committee also discussed activities of the Baltic Culture Fund, whose administration has been taken over by the Lithuanian Council for Culture for a three-year cycle starting this year. In view of the proposal to double the Fund's budget in the future, it was agreed that decisions could be taken after the impact assessment of the Fund planned for 2026. The idea of establishing a separate Baltic Film and TV Fund to support co-productions was also discussed.
Trilateral cooperation in the format of the Baltic Culture Committee is linked to the Baltic Council of Ministers established in 1994. Next year's meeting is planned to take place in Estonia.
Last updated: 13-07-2025