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ABOUT THE SUMMIT

 

Europe is facing a historic demographic tipping point. Fertility rates are below replacement in nearly every EU country, in some cases dropping below 1.5 children per woman. Lithuania’s rate has fallen to 1.18, contributing to a population decline of nearly 20% since independence. By 2050, Europe’s working-age population is projected to shrink by more than 50 million, threatening social and economic stability. At the same time, more than 400,000 babies are born preterm or sick each year across Europe – the leading cause of death among children under five in high-income countries.

 

On World Prematurity Day, officially recognized by the World Health Organization, Europe will unite in Vilnius for the International Summit “Growing Europe 2025: Shaping Europe’s demographic future by investing in families and every new life.”

 

Held under the Honorary Patronage of the First Lady of Lithuania, Mrs. Diana Nausėdienė, the Summit brings together First Ladies and Gentlemen, policymakers, international organizations, healthcare leaders, philanthropists, academia, and NGOs to explore how family wellbeing, neonatal care, and community partnerships can shape Europe’s demographic future.

 

The program unfolds in three key parts:

• Part I opens a high-level dialogue on Europe’s demographic future, focusing on declining birth rates, family support, and shared leadership in shaping sustainable policies.
• Part II highlights how European Standards of Care for Newborn Health are transforming neonatal services, promoting family-centred care, and improving long-term outcomes for families.
• Part III explores regional solutions and strategic philanthropy, showcasing how partnerships between municipalities, NGOs, and businesses can build community resilience and inspire new models of family and social support.

 

Through dialogue, evidence, and collaboration, the Summit will launch a European Call to Action, affirming that investing in families and every new life is both a moral imperative and a strategic path toward Europe’s demographic renewal and sustainable future.

 

 

Why Your Participation Matters

• First Ladies and Gentlemen
  Your presence inspires unity and compassion, elevating family and child wellbeing to the highest moral and political level.

 

• Policymakers and Governments
  You shape strategies that secure Europe’s resilience by placing families and newborns at the heart of demographic policy.

 

• Healthcare Leaders and Practitioners
  As guardians of life’s first moments, you raise standards of care and ensure dignity for every family.

 

• Philanthropy and Business Leaders
  Your resources and innovation transform fragile beginnings into thriving futures, strengthening communities and economies.

 

• Civil Society, NGOs, and Parent Advocates
  You bring families’ voices into decision-making, mobilize solidarity, and ensure no family is left alone.

 

• Academia and Researchers
  You provide evidence and foresight for lasting solutions, advancing youth education and empowering the next generation to shape Europe’s future.

Venue

Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania
Address: S. Daukanto Sq. 3, Vilnius | Google Maps link is here.

 

NOTE: Entrance by invitation only. For inquiries, please email: together@growingeurope.org

 

Hotels

Below you will find a list of partner hotels offering special rates for the participants of the Growing Europe event.

 

Booking window: 15–22 November 2025 | Reservation Code: Growing Europe

 

NOTE: Rates are per room, per night, inclusive of VAT and breakfast. City tax of €2 per person per night applies.

 

Travel Coordinator

Brigita Jakeliūnienė | Brigita@neisnesiotukas.lt

Grand Hotel Vilnius, Curio Collection by Hilton

Room Categories

Superior Twin: single use €215.00 / double use €240.00

King/Twin Deluxe: single use €255.00 / double use €280.00

King/Twin Deluxe with Balcony: single use €310.00 / double use €335.00

 

Apartment Categories

King Junior Suite: single use €360.00 / double use €385.00

King One Bedroom Suite: single use €450.00 / double use €475.00

King One Bedroom Suite with Balcony: single use €470.00 / double use €495.00

Presidential Suite: single use €2200.00 / double €2225.00

 

Reservations

Email to: reservations@curiocollectionvilnius.com

 

 

Radisson Collection Astorija Vilnius

Room Categories

Collection Room Double with View: single use €175.00 / double use €195.00

Premium Room Double: single Use €215.00 / double use €235.00

Suite Double: single use €270.00 / double use €290.00

 

Reservations

Email to: reservations.vilnius@radissoncollection.com

 

 

AC Hotel by Marriott Vilnius 

Room Categories

Double Room: single use €85.00 / double use €95.00

 

Reservations

Email to: reservations@acvilnius.com

 

 

Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius City Center

Room Categories

Standard Double Room: single use €95.00 / double use €105.00

 

Reservations

Email to: reseravtions@courtyardvilnius.com

 

 

Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre

Room Categories

Standard Queen: single use €110.00 / double use €125.00

NOTE:  that the booking window is 15–20 November 2025, and rates are valid until 25 October 2025, subject to availability.

 

Reservations

Email to: reservations@hgivilnius.com

 

Vilnius

Learn about Lithuania’s vibrant capital, where history meets modern life – About Vilnius

Experience the city’s golden season filled with colour, culture, and calm – Autumn in Vilnius

Discover top sights, museums, and hidden corners across the city – Places to Visit

 

Official city guide for visitors and guests – Learn more at Go Vilnius

SAVE EVERY NEWBORN

 

EUROPE AT A CROSSROADS

Europe stands today at a demographic turning point: birth rates in many countries fall far below replacement levels, populations are aging, and the most vulnerable regions are losing vitality. Each year, more than 400,000 vulnerable newborns are born requiring complex and long-term care, yet too often families are left without systemic support.

 

Europe’s strength lies in its ability to ensure that every child and every family receives timely support and access to a coherent care system across all countries and regions. Our future depends on whether each new life is not only preserved but also given the opportunity to thrive.

 

We therefore call on European leaders to adopt an integrated “Growing Europe” approach, where newborn health, family empowerment, and demographic resilience become central priorities. This is not only a medical or social challenge – it is a values-based choice that cannot be postponed.

 

 

EVERY BIRTH – A FOUNDATION FOR EUROPE’S FUTURE

Our aspiration is a Europe where every child’s birth is welcomed and valued. A Europe where every newborn – healthy, premature, or sick – is met by a prepared, supportive, and human-centered system. A continent where families feel safe, empowered, and supported, and where parenthood is a dignified and sustainable choice.

We envision a Europe where:

• Every child has the best possible start in life, regardless of health status, family circumstances, or place of birth.
• Families are protected, empowered, and supported to raise children with confidence in the future.
• Communities – from cities to rural regions – thrive through people-centered policies, solidarity, and belonging.
• First Ladies and Gentlemen serve as ambassadors for newborn health and family well-being, inspiring societies and mobilizing collective action.

This is not only a medical or social issue – it is a fundamental choice about Europe’s future.

 

 

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS FOR A GROWING AND RESILIENT EUROPE

Europe’s sustainable future depends on our ability to preserve existing strengths while driving progress where conditions are less favorable. Only balanced investment allows societies to grow together and gives every child the chance to begin life on solid ground. We propose the following strategic directions:

 

1. Ensure a strong start for every child.
   Universal access to high-quality neonatal and continuous care, psychological support for families, and opportunities for parents to stay with their children 24/7.
2. Remove barriers to parenthood.
   Accessible childcare, housing, healthcare, and equal parental leave, enabling families to raise children safely and with dignity.
3. Advance territorial justice in demography.
   To keep Europe vibrant, demographic policy must restore balance by prioritizing its most fragile regions.
   
4. Enable all generations to participate in the workforce.
   Create opportunities for women, parents, caregivers, and older people; strengthen skills; promote lifelong learning; and responsibly manage migration according to real needs.
5. Ensure strategic leadership and accountability.
   Demographic issues must be at the forefront of European politics, with clear leadership, measurable progress, and coordinated action at all levels.
6. Unite forces and act together.
   Build strong coalitions between institutions, governments, NGOs, patient organizations, civil society, philanthropy, business, and academia – the only way to turn the vision of a “Growing Europe” into tangible progress for every child and every family.

 

 

WE CALL ON LEADERS TO ACT TOGETHER

To build a Europe where every child has the opportunity to live, grow, and thrive, we must act together. This requires shared responsibility, collective effort, and coordinated decisions across all levels – from European institutions to local communities. We call on leaders in every field to join this common mission for a safe, growing, and resilient Europe:

 

• European institutions – integrate newborn health and family well-being into the EU agenda, allocate targeted funding, and strengthen cross-border cooperation.
• National and regional governments – embed maternal and newborn health into demographic strategies, invest in infrastructure, and ensure cross-ministerial coordination.
• Health systems and civil society– strengthen neonatal teams, engage parent organizations, and mobilize NGOs and communities.
• Philanthropy and business leaders – fund family-friendly innovations, link corporate social responsibility to early childhood support, and collaborate with civil society.
• Academic and research communities – deliver evidence-based solutions, evaluate policy impact, and train specialists in newborn health and family empowerment.

 

 

CONCLUSION: INVESTING IN LIFE – STRENGTHENING EUROPE’S FUTURE

Europe’s future depends on our ability to invest in its youngest citizens. Newborns and their families are not only a matter of medicine or social policy – they are a measure of our humanity, solidarity, and collective responsibility.

 

Targeted investments in newborn care, family support, and innovative solutions will strengthen demographic resilience, social sustainability, and lay the foundation for a thriving Europe.

 

We urge all European leaders to act now – boldly, wisely, and together – so that every birth is safe, every family strong, and Europe vibrant.

Support Families and Growth

By donating, you contribute directly to Neišnešiotukas and Auginu Lietuvą — initiatives that empower families and nurture growth. Choose your preferred method below: