Gabrielius Landsbergis receives French state honour

All Europeans should listen more to Gabrielius Landsbergis, the former Lithuanian Foreign Minister.

He's known for his no-nonsense takes in support of freedom, democracy, and a rules-based order, urging Europeans to step up both in support for Ukrainian victory and also in their own deterrence that is effective even in the absence of US support, which he argues should be in the form of a JEF 2.0.

He wears some great shirts too.

France has now awarded Landsbergis with the Knight's Cross of the French Legion of Honour.

It's in recognition of his work strengthening democracy across Europe and strengthening relations between France and Lithuania. Landsbergis himself adds that it's in recognition of everything Lithuania stands for:

"Most of us are still able to remember what it was like to live without freedom," he said in his speech while accepting the honour. "Existing but not heard. Not always remembered, often simply pushed to the margins of world history."

"The fight, and the successful rebuilding of our country, put us back on the map — and gave us back our sense of agency. When we walk the streets of Vilnius, or drive around Lithuania, we see a beautiful country. And we know that WE rebuilt it. This sense of ownership is as important as the rebuilding itself. It is why we care so much about the future, because we want to protect all that our own hands and hearts made possible."

While accepting the award, he also warned about the continued threat from Russia, adding:

"Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. I think that the defence of liberty is neverending, and we will all need to remember this in the months, years and centuries ahead."

Landsbergis has already previously been awarded Ukraine's Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, third class, which he also says is a tribute to the people of Lithuania and their values.

For those sharp takes, it's worth joining his mailing list at landsbergis.com.