News

January 10, 2024

EHU is an educational institution. Operating in accordance with Lithuanian law and European Union standards for higher education, the university provides a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and seeks to instill in students the habits of critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. Similar to any university anywhere in the world, we expect our graduates to apply their education to the improvement of the communities in which they live. EHU is proud that its graduates have made significant contributions to Belarusian society and culture – both at home and abroad. Regrettably, the constructive activities of educated and engaged citizens are often interpreted by the government of Belarus to be purely political and are sometimes even labelled as the actions of extremists.

The government of Belarus has harassed EHU for 30 years and, once again, is targeting the university. The most recent attack is predicated on disinformation – namely, that EHU is bankrupt and that, for financial reasons, the university has entered into partnership with partisan political organizations. Neither of these assertions is correct: the university’s financial position is secure, with financial commitments amounting to about two years of operating expenses, and EHU has not decided, nor will it ever decide, to become directly involved in partisan politics. If the nature of the university’s interaction with any particular group causes unforeseen problems or concerns for the EHU community, we will adapt suitably. The proper role of this university, as is the case with any university, is to engage all sectors of society and build connections that enhance the educations of our students and the sustainability of our institution.

We are aware of the particular sensitivities associated with EHU, as a university in exile, and the risks our students, faculty, and staff take by affiliating themselves with an institution that is a target for intimidation by the government of Belarus. In all we do, EHU keeps the personal security of our community members foremost in mind. The recent threats by the government of Belarus to label EHU an “extremist organization” are serious and we take them seriously. Threatening students, professors, and their family members with imprisonment simply because they attend or teach at a particular university is unprecedented and totally unacceptable. Such threats are not related to any actions by EHU; instead, they are a signal of a new policy by the government of Belarus towards Lithuania and the European Union, which are the main supporters of EHU. While the university has no control over the actions of the government of Belarus, EHU will do all we can to protect our students and enable them to continue their education, despite efforts to disrupt our work.

Under these circumstances, EHU’s best course is to build on the remarkable progress we have made in recent months – including increased enrollment, accreditation renewal, the certification of new academic programs, and broader engagement with Belarusian, European, and transatlantic partners. We view the university’s challenges realistically and, together with the entire EHU community, seek sensible solutions to them. As always, our focus will remain where is must – on providing the best education possible for our students.

Sincerely,

Andrius Kubilius                                                                                  Horton Beebe-Center

Chair                                                                                                      Chair

EHU Governing Board                                                                       EHU General Assembly of Part-Owners