Address by Bryndís Haraldsdóttir, First Deputy Speaker of the Althingi of Iceland, during the commemoration of the Day of the Restoration of Independence of Lithuania:

Your Excellency President, Honourable Speaker of the Seimas, Signatories, Members of Parliament, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am deeply honoured to be invited to the solemn commemoration of the 35th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Independence of Lithuania. Thirty-five years ago, Lithuania made a courageous decision to reclaim its sovereignty and to walk the path of freedom and self-determination. Today, Lithuania is a proud member of the European Union and NATO, playing a vital role in upholding regional stability and defending shared values and democracy. Your leadership in promoting human rights, advocating for the sovereignty of nations, and standing in solidarity with those facing oppression serves as a beacon of hope in a rapidly changing world.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we are reminded that democracy is not a destination, but a continuous journey. The challenges of our time, geopolitical uncertainties, the defence of democratic institutions, and the fight against disinformation require our collective resolve and cooperation.

We live at a time where the future of the multilateral institutions, which were established after the end of the Second World War is being questioned. The recent technological developments come with both opportunities and challenges for our values and democracy.

In times like these, it is important to celebrate the significant steps, decisions, and unity we witnessed 35 years ago, when the people of Lithuania stood together and became a source of inspiration to those who cherish democracy and human dignity.

Now we stand together in supporting Ukraine in its fight for keeping their independence and safeguarding democracy. In an increasingly globalised and interconnected world, some argue that voices of small nations go unheard. I am personally of the opinion that a country’s importance is not determined by its size. It is the size of its ideas and values that is the determining factor. I also believe that it is of great importance for smaller nations to keep together, as our voices are indeed stronger when spoken in solidarity. It is our duty to keep alive the memory of the struggle for independence and freedom from the dictatorship.

We now have a generation that have lived their entire lives in democracy and may take it for granted. I have never thought that my children would live during a time when democracy is not a given fact, but that is the situation. Democracy cannot be taken for granted; it must be safeguarded along with its values and principles.

On behalf of my nation, Parliament, and people, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Lithuania on this significant occasion. May your democracy continue flourishing and may the friendship between our countries grow even stronger in the years to come. Thank you.