Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Forum, History

Opening of The Baltic Way corridor and commemorative plaque in the premises of the European Parliament in Brussels. Photo: lrp.lt

The ceremony of inauguration of The Baltic Way corridor and The Baltic Way plaque was also attended by President of the European Parliament (EP) Martin Schulz, Latvia's Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President of the European Commission Siim Kallas, and Chairman of the Supreme Council-Reconstituent Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania Vytautas Landsbergis.

"The Baltic Way is a unique symbol of man's sense of community, unbreakable courage and aspiration for freedom. People of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia who joined their hands to form a human chain demonstrated to the world that strong will and unity can prevail even over military power," the President said.

She also wished everybody walking through The Baltic Way corridor in the European Parliament to perceive how much people are capable of, if they share a dream and stand for it together.

The President expressed hope that the Baltic Way would always serve as a reminder that human rights, democracy and sovereignty must be protected without any compromise.

On 23 August 1989, two million Lithuanians, Latvians and Estonians made a continuous human chain – The Baltic Way. This peaceful campaign marked the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact which divided Europe and led to the occupation of the Baltic States.