Julija Reklaitė elected Vice-President of the Board of Directors of EUNIC
During the General Assembly of the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) held in Brussels on December 9-10, Julija Reklaitė, Director of the Lithuanian Culture Institute, was elected Vice-President of the EUNIC Board of Directors.
According to J. Reklaitė, in times of conflict, instability, and growing political division, EUNIC’s mission is more important than ever: culture remains one of the last spaces where dialogue is still possible, where bridges can be built, and where European values can be defended boldly and articulately. “Due to Lithuania’s history and geopolitical context, cooperation is at the heart of our cultural understanding – we know that only by working together can we remain resilient. Totalitarian regimes fear strong and united societies; they seek to undermine the foundations of trust and community. For many years, Lithuania lacked opportunities to speak openly about issues that are important to us. Today, our cultural sector has produced exceptional, courageous artists and leaders who are able to articulate these issues, invite others into dialogue, and create spaces where true understanding can emerge,” said J. Reklaitė in her inaugural address.
Over the past few years, the Lithuanian Culture Institute has gained valuable experience through major cultural cooperation initiatives: “Lithuanian Season in France 2024, carried out in close cooperation with the French Institute, was not only a program but also a deep learning process that allowed our teams to understand each other’s structures, work cultures, and approaches to cultural diplomacy and cultural relations. We are currently in close contact with the Goethe Institute regarding the future Lithuanian-German cultural exchange program – this is another “university” for us, another opportunity to learn, grow, and try out new models of cooperation,” said the head of the LKI, presenting Lithuania’s involvement in cultural partnership processes.
J. Reklaitė names strengthening solidarity and honest representation within the network as one of her most important tasks on the EUNIC Board of Directors, ensuring that smaller countries and other members feel empowered, supported, and heard. “Today, cooperation requires more than just finding partners; it requires identifying allies – those with whom we share convictions, trust, and a willingness to continue the conversation even when we disagree,” emphasized J. Reklaitė. The new Vice-President of the EUNIC Board of Directors also highlights the need to share experiences, anticipate challenges, and strengthen the role of cultural diplomacy.
“I believe in formats that allow us to learn from each other—through EUNIC cluster initiatives, mobility programs, or joint projects. Close cooperation with the EUNIC office in Brussels and alignment with developments at the EU level – especially with Lithuania holding the EU Council Presidency in 2027 – will help us strengthen our collective impact,” said J. Reklaitė.
The EUNIC Board of Directors consists of representatives of six EUNIC members, elected for a two-year term. The Board makes decisions on the activities of the EUNIC network. The new President of the Board is Gitte Zschoch, Director of the IFA (German Institute for Cultural Relations). Other members of the EUNIC Board of Directors are Hugues Ghenassia-de Ferran, Director of the French Institute, Hanna Lämsä, Director of the Swedish Institute of Culture and Science, Carmen Noguero Galilea from the Cervantes Institute, and Olga Wysocka, Director of the Adam Mickiewicz Institute in Poland, who was also elected to the Board on December 9.
The EUNIC network brings together 39 organizations promoting cultural relations from European Union countries and associate members (the British Council and the Ukrainian Institute).