The Baltic Overture
A relative newcomer to the European Union, Lithuania will soon be ascending to the EU presidency. This small but proud Baltic state has gone to many lengths to meet the European standards for entry and has been monumentally successful in… read more >
The Baltic OvertureA relative newcomer to the European Union, Lithuania will soon be ascending to the EU presidency. This small but proud Baltic state has gone to many lengths to meet the European standards for entry and has been monumentally successful in its efforts, as is evidenced by the upcoming incumbency. Despite this, little is known to outsiders about its heritage and culture. With the recent appointment of a new Hague-based Lithuanian ambassador, H.E. Darius Semaška, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity for us to all learn a little more about his home, and what about inspires him so. Semaška is a passionate career diplomat who has always moved in international circles; a fact even reflected in his family life. His wife is also in the profession and is currently stationed in St. Petersburg, Russia, along with his two sons who attend a local Russian gymnasium. “I promised them that as soon as they could dream in Russian, I would allow them to come join me in The Hague,” said the ambassador. “Even in the future, the Russian language will be indispensible to Lithuanian intellectuals. The boys are fluent in English and particularly love the freedom they have to move around when they are in The Hague.” Semaška’s last post abroad before being stationed in the Netherlands was at the EU Political and Security Committee in Brussels, during which he was called back to Lithuania to become a political adviser on foreign policy to the President. He officially received his instruments of office in November of 2012, and subsequently presented his credentials to Queen Beatrix. The ceremony made a tremendous impression on him: “Such an experience stays with you”. He described the Queen as eloquent, and was amazed at her detailed knowledge of all the subjects discussed. Now that he… read more >