History
The precursor organization of the Baltic-German University Liaison Office was the multilateral project “EuroFaculty”, which operated from 1993 till 2005 and aimed to build an academic exchange between the European countries and the newly formed states of the Baltics.
The year 2002 saw the first formulation of the new idea, with the “Baltikums-Gespräch” taking place in Greifswald. It aimed to evaluate existing scientific ties of Germany with the Baltic States and Latvia in particular. Representatives from several German government institutions and organizations were involved.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), who introduced the idea to the other involved institutions, named this project the Baltic-German University Liaison Office (Baltisch-Deutsches Hochschulkontor) for a multitude of reasons. On the one hand, the aim was to show, that even though the new project was settled in Latvia as the central country, Estonia and Lithuania shall be involved in the long-term as well; on the other hand, the German term „Kontor”, which has its roots in the Hanseatic trading language, was chosen to remind of the existing and continuing close relations between the Baltic States and Germany. Then as well as now, a “Kontor” was not only a place for the trading with goods but also with ideas. Through the diverse work of the Baltic-German University Liaison Office this historical relationship between the Baltic States and Germany shall be strengthened again, and create a space as well as a platform for connections and encounters.
The concept of the Baltic-German University Liaison Office was welcomed by the Ministry for Education and Science of Latvia as well as by both of Riga’s major universities. In July 2004 an agreement was signed regarding the establishment of the Baltic-German University Liaison Office. It was determined that it will be administered together by the three founding institutions – the DAAD, University of Latvia and the Riga Technical University. At the ceremonial opening of the Baltic-German University Liaison Office in June 2005 the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of the German federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania joined as a fourth partner to this project and additionally, the memorandum regarding the Baltic-German University Liaison Office was signed.
The scientific events which are organized by the Baltic-German University Liaison Office during the academic year show a high popularity. By participation in seminars, lectures, theme evenings and symposiums, interested persons can take part in different approaches to scientific topics. A big emphasis is put on lecturers, meaning that a German lecturer as well as at least one Baltic lecturer can examine the chosen topic from different perspectives, so that a broad overview is guaranteed. Another focus is put to the diversity of the event locations, by organizing events in different Baltic universities. Since their introduction, around 15.000 participants have attended more than 300 events.
Since 2010, scientific and academic institutions can apply twice a year for project funding in various scientific fields. Each project must include partners from the Baltics and Germany. Project applications are evaluated by an international Advisory Board of professors from Germany, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Many funded projects go beyond research—organizing conferences, publishing results, and engaging the broader public. Since then, 266 projects have been successfully funded with over 1.000.000€.
On April 29th, 2025, the Baltic-German University Liaison Office marked its 20th anniversary at the University of Latvia. Together with our partners, guests, and political and academic representatives, we reflected on our journey, got insights into 4 scientific projects supported by the Baltic-German University Liaison Office, and enjoyed wonderful music. We look forward to the continued growth of the Baltic-German University Liaison Office!
Photos by Toms Grīnbergs and Gints Ivuškāns
