Vilnius to host European Council information hub for Belarusians at Martynas Mažvydas National Library

A new information centre for Belarusian citizens will operate from the National Martynas Mažvydas Library in Vilnius for five years under an agreement between Lithuania and the Council of Europe, the government confirmed this week.

Under the Cabinet’s decision, a 24-square-metre space currently managed by the library will be transferred to the hub via a usage agreement. The site was identified as suitable during a February visit by Council of Europe representatives, alongside officials from the library and Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Library director Aušra Žilinskienė told BNS the approval “gives us the green light” to finalise administrative details, including utility payments, with a lease expected to be signed within two weeks. The space, previously used for self-service book pickups, is now undergoing renovations funded by the Council of Europe to meet its requirements.

The hub will provide information on the Council of Europe’s work, values, and Lithuania-based support initiatives for Belarusian civil society. Lithuania has committed to exempting the centre from taxes on purchased goods or services, while the Council of Europe will cover equipment, maintenance, staffing, and operational costs.

Lithuania’s collaboration with the Council of Europe on the project began in November 2024, when then-Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis and Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge signed the establishment agreement in Strasbourg. The Seimas ratified the deal the same month.

The Council of Europe, headquartered in Strasbourg, is a 46-member international organisation focused on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.