Lithuanian Genocide and Resistance Research Centre’s annual report rejected by governing board
The governing board of the Lithuanian Genocide and Resistance Research Centre (LGGRTC) has refused to approve the institution’s 2025 annual activity report, citing persistent failures to address long-standing criticisms, LRT reports.
Board chairman Arūnas Streikus announced the unanimous decision during a Wednesday meeting of the Seimas Commission on Freedom Struggles and Historical Memory. He stated that many of the same issues flagged in last year’s review of the 2024 report remained unresolved.
“A year ago, on 22 May 2025, when the board examined the 2024 report, its remarks could simply be copied into today’s protocol and repeated word for word,” Streikus said. He noted that the board’s criticism extended to the centre’s research output, public engagement, and memorial initiatives.
Streikus questioned the accuracy of the report’s claims, including its assertion that the centre published two academic monographs and 17 research papers in 2025. After requesting details from the research department, he found only six or seven papers—one of which was attributed to the Lithuanian Institute of History, not the LGGRTC. “As an academic, I’d expect at least a list of these monographs and articles,” he said. “We had to investigate this ourselves.”
The board also challenged the report’s vague declarations about strengthening research quality and potential, demanding concrete evidence of new hires, methodological improvements, or other measures. Streikus added that while the report listed numerous international agreements, it lacked data on tangible outcomes—such as conferences, publications, or joint projects—resulting from these partnerships.
On memorial activities, he observed that the centre often played a secondary role rather than leading initiatives. The board further noted that a promised conceptual plan for expanding the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Struggles had not been provided for review.
Acting LGGRTC director Arūnas Bubnys, who was not invited to the board meeting, expressed surprise at the rejection. “You claim you received no information and couldn’t review the report, yet the board thoroughly examined everything and unanimously rejected it,” he said during the commission session. Bubnys also stated he was not consistently informed about board meetings, including those held at the centre’s own headquarters.