On 10 December 2025, Human Rights Day, the Executive Director of the Lithuanian Gay League (LGL), Vladimir Simonko, participated as a speaker in the high-level event “Celebrating Civil Society: Courage and Creativity”, hosted by the Mission of Norway to the European Union with the support of the EEA and Norway Grants.

The event brought together representatives of EU institutions, civil society organisations, and human rights defenders from across Europe to reflect on the state and future of civic space at a time of democratic backsliding and increasing pressure on fundamental rights. It also marked the launch of the new EEA Civil Society Fund, which will allocate over €300 million to support civil society in 15 European countries, alongside the presentation of the European Commission’s EU Civil Society Strategy.

During the panel discussion titled “What do courage and creativity mean for defending human rights in Europe today?”, Vladimir Simonko spoke about the situation of LGBTQ+ communities in Lithuania and the broader region. He highlighted the essential role of civil society organisations in defending equality, countering discrimination, and promoting social inclusion, particularly in contexts where political narratives increasingly stigmatise human rights work.

The panel featured civil society leaders working on LGBTQ+ rights, Roma inclusion, youth media literacy, and the rule of law, and was moderated by Ewa Kulik Bielińska, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee. The discussion emphasised the need for sustained European and international support to ensure that civil society can continue to operate freely and effectively.

LGL’s participation in this event reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to international advocacy and cooperation, as well as its ongoing efforts to promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law at both national and European levels.