The Year of Lithuania in Germany was presented to the ministers of Germany’s federal states in Berlin
Minister of Culture Vaida Aleknavičienė and Vice-Minister of Culture Matas Drukteinis participated in the Conference of Ministers of Culture of the German Federal States in Berlin (Federal Republic of Germany), where they gave a detailed presentation on Lithuania’s initiatives to strengthen bilateral cultural cooperation.
The event was also attended by Jolanta Karpavičienė, Senior Advisor at the Education, Science, and Culture Group of the Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Giedrius Puodžiūnas, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the Federal Republic of Germany, and Irma Šimanskytė, Cultural Attaché to the Federal Republic of Germany.
During the conference, significant attention was devoted to discussing the “Year of Lithuania in Germany”. This cultural program aims to strengthen cultural ties between Lithuania and Germany, promote creative exchanges, and increase Lithuania’s profile across Europe.
“In today’s complex geopolitical environment, culture is becoming not only a form of self-expression but also a vital instrument for strengthening societal resilience. We must act together, because only through cooperation can we build a strong and united Europe,” V. Aleknavičienė emphasized during the event.
Ministers representing various German federal states who participated in the discussion expressed clear support for Lithuania’s initiative and for joint Lithuanian-German cultural projects and programs. Representatives of the federal states not only highlighted the successful intercultural cooperation already underway but also identified specific opportunities for further development. The importance of city partnerships, of which there are currently 54, was also emphasized. Representatives of the German federal states noted that some states are already developing strategic directions that include cooperation with Northeast Europe and regard Lithuania as an important partner.
“We view culture as an active practice that strengthens resilience, which is why we are developing the program based on a ‘bottom-up’ approach - building on real connections between creators, institutions, and communities. It is important for us to hear the priorities of the German states and, together, identify areas where cooperation would be meaningful and mutually beneficial,” said Deputy Minister M. Drukteinis.
He added that Lithuania will seek to ensure clear project coordination, effective funding mechanisms, and partner identification so that joint initiatives can be implemented smoothly and achieve a lasting impact.
The “Year of Lithuania in Germany” program will be implemented in 2027 and 2028, with the primary focus on 2027, while 2028 will be dedicated to continuing the activities and consolidating the results. The program was initiated to strengthen the strategic partnership between Lithuania and Germany, considering the changing geopolitical and security situation in Europe.
The program will cover the entire territory of Germany - projects may be implemented in all federal states in cooperation with local cultural organizations, creators, and institutions. The program’s content will be developed by fostering direct connections between artists, cultural professionals, and organizations. The aim is not only to present Lithuanian culture but also to create joint projects that address current issues and social concerns in both countries.
The Lithuanian Culture Institute will coordinate the implementation of the program.
The total budget for the program is €2.2 million, the majority of which will be allocated to funding cultural projects.
Last updated: 02-04-2026