For Kornelija, that journey began in beautiful Vilnius. She was only 14 when she witnessed the extraordinary transformation of Lithuania from the Soviet regime into an independent, democratic and free-minded country. It was an experience she considers a privilege : "to see such a profound change and to be part of it."

Her early career took several turns, from Business Administration and Management to Law. "At that time, everyone wanted to be a manager - it was a fancy word and title to have. After getting my business manager diploma and following my mother’s advice (resisted then, but now I know : always trust your Mum), I started legal studies." She eventually discovered that law was both practical and fascinating. She started working while still a student, teaching English at a time when English speakers were something of a rarity. Later came the Central Mortgage Office and, eventually, the world of transport and railway policy. After joining the Lithuanian Ministry of Transport, she had the opportunity to work for the European Commission.

"Moving to work for 28 countries was something particular ! An indescribable experience that has shaped me as a professional in EU railway policy and law. Now I continue my EU journey in the most challenging environment one could imagine - Ukraine. I took the post with gratitude, honour and commitment. If you ever take a train from Brussels to Kyiv, there will surely be a little tiny part of my input."

Her move to Brussels in June 2011 was initially intended to last just one year. It became an extraordinary twelve-year chapter of dynamic, international life. Yet, despite her affection for Brussels, Lithuania has always remained home. Kornelija describes herself as "a big patriot of my country, its history, braverness, people, nature and character - you know they call us Italians of the Baltics !"

For Dalia, the concept of home is more fluid : “Home is wherever I am.” Her own journey also began in Vilnius. "As a child, I spent my summers in the countryside with my grandparents. I still remember the warm milk, skimming the foam with my finger straight from the bucket while my grandmother milked the cows by hand. I remember the scent of hay, the morning dew, and romping about with my village friends. It was a time of freedom and confidence — a time when you breathe with your whole being, ’drinking’ a life and everything around you in deep, hearty gulps."

Her professional path was centred on mathematics and data. While at university, she worked as an IT teacher and processed data at a chemistry institute. She later spent ten years as an analyst with Lithuanian Customs. Lithuania’s accession to the European Union brought her to Brussels, where she represented Lithuanian Customs, participated in international working groups and became involved in the team preparing for Lithuania’s first EU Presidency. In 2014, this experience led her to join the European Commission, where she continues to work today.

The two journeys came together through Femmes d’Europe.
As they both explain, the initiative to establish a Lithuanian group was inspired by Brigitte Haus from the Austrian group. Her efforts brought Lithuanian women together for their first meeting in her Brussels apartment, where they also met Bernadette Ulens, then FdE President. "That warm connection with Brigitte has remained strong to this day" adds Dalia. In September 2016, the Lithuanian Group was formally established. It is the most recently formed group bringing new energy and fresh ideas to the Association.

Kornelija, an active community member wherever she lives, was naturally drawn to the idea, her motivation being the need to share.
Dalia joined later and today she serves as ’deputy group leader’. "I sometimes step in for Kornelija and represent our group at FdE meetings. Still, I am especially happy to contribute to the preparations for the Christmas Bazaar. I also very much enjoy taking part in events organised by other FdE groups."

For both women, volunteering is fundamentally about sharing.
Kornelija believes that “you get what you give” – and that giving comes first, no chicken-and-egg dilemma there ! For Dalia, volunteering is like a relay race : "passing on the knowledge and skills one has acquired so that someone else can continue moving forward. What makes it especially rewarding is seeing people grow, succeed and simply feel happy".

This spirit of sharing is also what they see as one of the defining characteristics of Femmes d’Europe. The organisation brings women from different countries, backgrounds and generations together around a common purpose - helping others.

For Kornelija, FdE’s distinctive strength lies in the way its national groups contribute to the organisation as a whole. "I like the history of our organisation a lot and how it evolves nowadays. It is impressive to see where it started and where it is now ! And I admire the creativity of FdE national groups to offer such a variety of events ! I believe FdE is unique in its structural approach to allocating aid and in the engagement of each national group for the benefit of the entire organisation. Of course, changes were and are needed. It is amazing to see the Association evolving over the years."

Dalia highlights another dimension : "What makes Femmes d’Europe special is the emphasis on women supporting others. FdE resembles ’a family of European mothers’, united by compassion and solidarity, with their strength lying in helping and standing beside those most in need".
For both of them one event brings these ideas to life more than any other - the Christmas Bazaar.

For Kornelija, the preparations are almost as enjoyable as the event itself : long evenings with fellow group members, brainstorming and looking for new ideas to make the Lithuanian stand different from the previous year.

Dalia considers the Bazaar one of the highlights of the FdE calendar as well. "From the very beginning, the Lithuanian Group has made a special effort to find beautiful handmade pieces and distinctive products from Lithuania. In the early years, we sometimes found ourselves tempted to keep the artists’ creations for ourselves. ’At this rate, we’ll have nothing left to offer,’ we would joke. Today, with more experience and confidence, we bring a much larger selection – enough for our Group members to keep the pieces they fall in love with, while still having plenty to share with visitors."

Both women have also found things to love in their adopted country.
"Belgium is a place where you can meet people from all over the world, while feeling connected to everywhere" says Dalia. "It is also where I discovered the rich culture of beer. Since then, I have started my own collection of beer glasses at home, so I can welcome guests and serve each beer in the glass that suits it best." She particularly enjoys Ghent, “a city where I always feel good”, as well as the Ardennes, where she loves hiking. And she is delighted that, in the Hautes Fagnes, she can even go skiing.

For Kornelija, Belgium’s greatest attraction is its geographical position. "Back in 2011, when I arrived in Belgium, every single weekend was dedicated to discovering the country and its neighbours. My favourite place in Belgium is Villers-la-Ville. Amazing atmosphere, history and peacefulness." And when it comes to Belgian culinary specialities, Kornelija would choose strawberries over les moules !

Two different personal stories, but their FdE journey has brought them together around the same values : friendship, solidarity and a willingness to give something back.

And perhaps their life mottos capture this spirit best. For Kornelija : “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing – and, similarly, no lack of time, only poor time management." For Dalia : "Big goals are achieved through small steps, and every cloud has a silver lining."

Small steps, shared efforts and a great deal of enthusiasm – perhaps that is precisely how a Lithuanian FdE Group became a lasting part of the wider Femmes d’Europe family.

Interview by Christianna Yacoumi, Greek Group