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“Vilnius University is the guardian of traditional Lithuanian culture and the memory of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. (…) But it is also very modern and always looks to the future. This is demonstrated by the international awards, which its scientists are constantly collecting, ”said the French leader during the ceremony in Vilnius.
“It is a great honor for me to receive this title in the heart of Vilnius Old Town. And this honorary title is awarded to me by one of the oldest and most famous universities in Europe,” he added.
According to E. Macronas, Vilnius University and France have long-standing ties.
“The French botanist Jean-Emmanuel Gilibert was the first to describe the Lithuanian flora at the end of the 18th century. In the 19th century, the zoologist Ludwig Heinrich Bojan taught veterinary medicine and later comparative anatomy. The deeply rooted European origins of Vilnius University are still alive today, ”said the President of France.
“Foreign students fill the auditoriums of its prestigious university every year, including dozens of French citizens. Last year, when all Lithuanian universities were added, there were about 400,” he added.
According to Macron, young people are one of the key parts of his European vision.
“Three years ago I proposed the creation of European university networks that would unite our scientific traditions. Universities responded enthusiastically to this suggestion. There are now 24 such networks. I am pleased that French and Lithuanian educational institutions are actively participating in them and thus strengthening their mutual relations. After announcing the first two projects, our countries joined the four consortia. One of them connects the universities of Vilnius and Lyon, “he said.
The diploma of doctor honoris causa was awarded by the Rector of Vilnius University Rimvydas Petrauskas.
The name was given to Mr. Macron for the visionary idea of a European University Alliance to create joint European university networks and expand the Erasmus + exchange initiative.
“It is a solid foundation and an honor for Vilnius University to grant him the title of Doctor Honoris Causa for his contribution to the integration of European universities and the development of a modern university idea, while expressing its commitment to European university cooperation. “said Petrauskas.
He also said that the direction of European development “will be determined by the political and cultural elite.”
“If we want Europe as something more than a geographical and economic unit, we must consistently develop the European political project and work together, as you, the president, once said in an interview: a strategic vision of Europe,” said the rector of VU.
According to Vilnius University, for the first time E. Macron formulated the proposal of the European University Network while speaking at the Sorbonne University in Paris in 2017. The speech became the basis for the vision of the EU summit in Gothenburg in the field of education and culture.
Two years later, the European Commission has announced the first pilot networks of European universities with a budget of 5 million euros. financing in euros to establish joint structures and strengthen partnerships.
Vilnius University, together with the European Arqus Alliance, has become part of this initiative. This alliance unites the universities of Vilnius, Lyon (France), Bergen (Norway), Graz (Austria), Leipzig (Germany), Padua (Italy) and Granada (Spain).
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