President of Latvia Egils Levits received the title of Doctor Honoris Causa from Mykolas Romeris University in Vilnius, Lithuania, today. On 28 April 2022, Senate of Mykolas Romeris University decided to award the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of Mykolas Romeris University to the President of Latvia, Egils Levits, for his significant contribution to the democratic processes in the Baltic region, for nurturing the ideas of the rule of law, protection of human rights, and European integration, for the development of the European standards of human rights protection and jurisprudence of the European Union, as well as for the publication of distinguished academic works in the fields of constitutionalism, administrative law, legal reforms, and the European Union law.
‘Professor Mykolas Romeris’ life and work is the ‘golden standard’ for all lawyers aspiring to fulfil their duty and serve their country. Without Mykolas Romeris and his contribution Lithuanian legal system would look a lot different,’ President of Latvia said in his acceptance speech as he humbly accepted the title.
Latvian and Lithuanian people were united in their call for renewed independence, emphasised President Levits. ‘Our people demonstrated our national aspirations. Our willingness to break free and live as sovereign democratic states governed by rule of law and European values.’ ‘Let us not forget that history continues,’ Egils Levits said. ‘Russian invasion of Ukraine, the genocide, crimes against humanity, are a stark reminder that we must be constantly vigilant and ready to defend our land and freedom. And it is best to do it together, side-by-side.’
Baltic countries are responsible and should stand up for rules-based international order, restore justice and prevent use of brute force instead of following the rule of law, Egils Levits suggested. ‘Tomorrow Vilnius will host an international conference on Russia’s liability and possible prosecution for invasion of Ukraine. I agree with others who call for a special international tribunal to investigate the Russian aggression against Ukraine. We must also do what is necessary to not only freeze the assets owned by Russian officials and oligarchs but also seize them. Seized assets can then be used to rebuild Ukraine. As a lawyer, and a politician, I am certain that justice and rule of law will always prevail over brute force.’
