Commemorative Plaque for Baltic Way Unveiled in Paris

A plaque commemorating the Baltic Way was unveiled last week on the Île aux Cygnes in Paris, honouring one of Europe's most significant acts of peaceful resistance. The unveiling marked the completion of a joint project between the Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian embassies in France and the City of Paris, begun in 2020. The initiative aims to commemorate a defining moment of non-violent protest and to keep alive, for future generations, the memory of the Baltic states' struggle for freedom.

"Let this symbol of Baltic unity inspire everyone and serve as a reminder that we can only withstand tyranny by acting together," said Rasa Budbergytė, deputy speaker of the Seimas, who attended the plaque's unveiling ceremony. The ceremony was also attended by Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, French Minister for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad, and the mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire. In their speeches, participants stressed the significance of the Baltic Way not only for the history of the Baltic states but for Europe as a whole. They also recalled France's consistent support for the Baltic states' pursuit of freedom, noting that Paris never recognised the Soviet occupation of the Baltic countries. The ceremony also highlighted national unity, peaceful civil resistance and respect for international law – values participants said remained just as relevant today, as Europe stands united in support of Ukraine.

On August 23, 1989, on the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, around two million Lithuanians, Latvians and Estonians joined hands in a protest that became known as the Baltic Way. The human chain stretched more than 650km, from Gediminas Tower in Vilnius to Hermann Tower in Tallinn. At the same time, Baltic communities in France, together with Baltic youth taking part in the World Youth Congress, held a solidarity march in Paris from the Place du Trocadéro to the Statue of Liberty replica on the Île aux Cygnes. The commemorative plaque was unveiled at the exact spot where that march ended.