30 September 2025

International Conference “The Power of the Powerless: Experiences of Freedom and Solidarity in Central and Eastern Europe”

What lies behind the stories of freedom in Central and Eastern Europe?
The international conference “The Power of the Powerless ”, taking place on October 16–17, 2025 at the National Library in Vilnius, invites you to explore the answers.

The event marks the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Lithuania’s independence, providing an opportunity to reflect anew on the processes of liberation across the region.

This conference is part of the series “A Year with the Czech Republic: Bridges of Culture and Solidarity”, and features a special focus on Václav Havel – one of the most prominent symbols of democracy at the end of the 20th century.

Over two days, researchers, artists, and public figures from more than ten countries will discuss the ideas, places, and symbols that inspired movements for liberation.

Can faith, song, sport, and art become weapons against oppression?
Is solidarity merely a historical phenomenon, or is it more important today than ever before?

The program includes talks on Václav Havel, Lech Wałęsa, memory politics, and even silent resistance in churches and concert halls.

The film “Citizen Havel” will be screened, and a musical performance titled “I Sing Freedom” will be performed by Nėrius Pečiūra.

Join us to reflect together on what it means to be free and in solidarity today.

Admission is free, no prior registration required. Conference languages: English and Lithuanian (with simultaneous translation).

The full program is available on the conference website: International Conference “The Power of the Powerless: Experiences of Freedom and Solidarity in Central and Eastern Europe”

The Conference is partially funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania

The conference will be broadcast live on the National Library's YouTube community: Octorber 16 › and October 17 ›

Briefly about the conference

Date

16–17 October 2025

Place

Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania, Vilnius, Gediminas Ave. 51, Conference Hall (5th Floor)

Attendance

No participation or registration fee. See full program here ›

Partners

Office Of The Seimas Of The Republic of Lithuania, The Andrei Sakharov Research Center For Democratic Development at Vytautas Magnus University, Vilnius University Institute of International Relations And Political Science, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Vilnius, Vilnius University Institute of International Relations And Political Science Students’ Scientific Society, University of Wrocław, Platform of European Memory and Conscience, Václav Havel Library

Organizers

Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania

Important

The Conference languages: English and Lithuanian (with simultaneous translation)

More information

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