Joint meeting of the Education, Science and Culture Committee and the Health, Welfare and Family Committee to be held in Palanga

On 5-6 June 2025, the joint meeting of the Education, Science and Culture Committee and the Health, Welfare and Family Committee will be held in Palanga, Lithuania. The meeting will bring together parliamentarians and experts from the Baltic States to discuss strategic joint initiatives in science, education, culture and healthcare. 

Strengthening scientific excellence through the creation of the Baltic Science Fund

Chaired by Juris Viļums, Chair of the Education, Science and Culture Committee, the first session of the meeting will be dedicated to advancing the creation of the Baltic Science Fund. Representatives will discuss the shared vision of the Baltic States regarding the role of the fund in supporting regional research excellence. Particular attention will be paid to practical aspects of establishing the fund, such as its implementation plan and budgetary framework. 

The Baltic Way: a historic legacy, a present bond and a path for the future

Chaired by Juris Viļums, the second session will focus on the enduring legacy of the Baltic Way and the importance of cross-border cultural cooperation in commemorating it. Participants will discuss planned initiatives to honour the Baltic Way, including future cultural and sporting events, and will explore ways to secure the long-term financial sustainability of these commemorative projects. The conversation will also include the potential to deepen regional cooperation with Poland and Ukraine through the shared memory of the Baltic Way.

Fostering regional cooperation in healthcare research across the Baltics

Chaired by Antoņina Ņenaševa, Chair of the Health, Welfare and Family Committee, the third session will turn to the topic of healthcare, focusing on how the Baltic States can strengthen cooperation in research. Participants will assess opportunities to develop joint research programmes that address common healthcare challenges. Discussions will also cover how to support the education and training of healthcare professionals and how to facilitate the mobility of researchers within the Baltic region. 

An introductory report on the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis and the view on the cooperation of the Baltic States in healthcare research will be provided by Maija Dambrova, Head of the Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology at the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis. Additionally, an international perspective will be given by Eva Lindh, Chair of the Committee on Welfare in the Nordic Region at the Nordic Council. 

Developments in the creation of the Advanced Particle Therapy Centre for the Baltic States

Chaired by Antoņina Ņenaševa, the final session of the meeting will highlight the progress made in the creation of the Advanced Particle Therapy Centre, a joint initiative of the CERN Baltic Group and CERN to develop cutting-edge cancer treatment capabilities in the region. Participants will be updated on the ongoing feasibility study for the initiative, as well as steps being taken to secure financial support from the EU. Additionally, an introductory report regarding the developments of the initiative will be provided by Brigita Abakevičienė, Chair of the CERN Baltic Group. 

Programme of the meeting here.