Prof. Dr Margarita Šešelgytė Awarded the Prestigious Constance Council Prize
"Our only option is to stand firm and help Ukraine in its struggle against the empire of darkness. Freedom will come at a cost, but we cannot afford any hesitation, false hopes, or illusions. A free and united Ukraine is our key to freedom," said Prof. Dr Margarita Šešelgytė, Director of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science at Vilnius University (VU TSPMI), during the solemn Constance Council Prize award ceremony, where she became the fifth recipient of the prestigious award. On 5 November, Prof. Dr Šešelgytė was honoured for her significant contribution to the European Union’s foreign and security policy and European cooperation.
Every two years, the municipality of Constance and the non-profit organisation "Konstanzer Konzilspreis" award a prize for exceptional contributions to the European Union. Under the Constance Council Prize sponsorship model, the winner is selected by a prominent political, business, or public figure from across Europe. This year’s award was endowed under the patronage of President Dalia Grybauskaitė.
"Margarita Šešelgytė has a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the EU’s complex governance structures and their impact on policy-making. In her career, Margarita successfully combines analytical rigour with a strong passion for European affairs. She works in a dynamic and multicultural environment, where she excels in collaborating with diverse teams to reach shared goals. With her vision and expertise, Prof. Dr Šešelgytė is poised to make a significant impact on Europe’s future," Dalia Grybauskaitė explained the rationale behind choosing the laureate.
Uli Burchardt, the Mayor of Konstanz, also praised her dedication to supporting and advancing a unified European defence identity: "Margarita Šešelgytė has in recent years become one of the most sought-after international experts in the field of European security, defence, international relations, and foreign policy analysis. I am delighted to congratulate such a promising supporter and scholar of the European idea."
A symbolic intersection of historical paths
The grand award ceremony took place in Constance, Germany. Historically, this city has been significant for Lithuania’s religious and political development. Over 600 years ago, the Council of Constance made the pivotal decision to Christianise the Lithuanian cultural region Samogitia and incorporate it into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. These events, symbolically commemorated on the door of the Cathedral of St Anthony of Padua in Telšiai, recall Europe’s common history and highlight the enduring importance of collaboration.
Therefore, the Constance Council Prize awarded to Prof. Dr Šešelgyte once again links the history of Germany and Lithuania, underlining that cooperation, unity, and mutual assistance are more important than ever in today’s Europe.
Prof. Šešelgytė’s acceptance speech echoed these themes: "Lithuania once endured Soviet oppression – a time of silencing and intimidation. Today, after more than 30 years of independence, it is tempting to believe that this will last forever. However, a few years ago, when an imperial tyrant re-emerged in Europe’s neighbourhood, we already knew what to expect: not from fear, but rather from a deep understanding and past experience. We, who stood firmly by the Vilnius Television Tower and fought for freedom, know better than anyone what the tyrant seeks: chaos, destruction, blood, and darkness. Thus, today, more than ever, it is important to value our freedom and continue working for the future of a united and strong Europe. It is crucial not to give up and remember that freedom comes at a high price."
About the laureate
Since 2019, Prof. Dr. Margarita Šešelgytė has served as Director of the VU TSPMI.
Previously, she was Deputy Director for Studies at VU TSPMI and worked at the Baltic Defence College, the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, and the European Committee under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. She has always been actively involved in the activities of various governmental institutions and non-governmental organisations, think tanks specialising in EU affairs, and contributing to research in European security and defence.
Prof. Dr Šešelgytė is also a member of the European Commission Representation in Lithuania and the European Leadership Network.