On 18 March 2026, Dr. Vilius Šadauskas, Rector of the EHU, visited the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, where he met with the Speaker of the Seimas, Dr. Juozas Olekas. The meeting addressed issues related to the University’s strategic development, its position within the Lithuanian higher education system, and its role in the region. The discussion focused on the University’s consistent orientation towards European higher education standards, ongoing academic reform, and its sustained commitment to strengthening the quality and relevance of studies. The Rector presented the University’s steadily advancing research activities, growing internationalisation, and the institutional changes currently being implemented. Strategic directions related to ensuring the stability of EHU’s operations, expanding the geographical diversity of the student body, and enhancing career opportunities were also discussed, alongside the University’s distinct mission. After more than two decades of support provided by Lithuania, the University reaffirmed its commitment to creating long-term added value for the country by returning this investment through its academic, research, and public engagement activities.
The Speaker of the Seimas also expressed interest in the engagement of EHU students in student life in Lithuania, trends in graduate mobility and career choices, as well as sporting ambitions. At the conclusion of the meeting, readiness was expressed to further strengthen dialogue and to explore new forms of cooperation contributing to the development of an open, inclusive, and sustainable academic environment in the region.
