At least six countries have pledged political and financial backing for a Lithuanian-led initiative to build a pan-European memorial in Brussels to victims of 20th-century totalitarian regimes.
Lithuania's foreign ministry said the country has already earmarked €70,000 for the project. Funds are being raised by the Platform of European Memory and Conscience, with Estonia, Latvia, Albania, Slovenia, Poland and Croatia having confirmed to date that they are ready to contribute financially.
During a visit to Lithuania, Latvia's President Edgars Rinkēvičs voiced his support for the initiative and confirmed his country's plans to contribute.
The ministry said talks on implementing the project were continuing with other European countries, particularly in Central Europe, as well as with Belgium and EU institutions. There are also plans to broaden the initiative by bringing in businesses, non-governmental organisations, foundations and private donors.
The planned memorial in Brussels is intended to honour the millions of victims of totalitarian regimes across the continent and to strengthen European historical memory.
