Legal Framework

Constitutional Provisions

There are several constitutional provisions guaranteeing and regulating the freedom of association. Particularly it is said that all citizens shall be guaranteed to freely form societies, political parties and associations, provided that the aims and activities of the mentioned organisations do not contradict the Constitution and relevant laws of the Republic of Lithuania (Article 35 of the Constitution, as of 25 October, 1992).

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Legal Framework

Constitutional Provisions

There are several constitutional provisions guaranteeing and regulating the freedom of association. Particularly it is said that all citizens shall be guaranteed to freely form societies, political parties and associations, provided that the aims and activities of the mentioned organisations do not contradict the Constitution and relevant laws of the Republic of Lithuania (Article 35 of the Constitution, as of 25 October, 1992). The same freedom is foreseen also for trade unions in order to protect the economic and social interests of citizens (Article 50 of the Constitution). There are only some restrictions foreseen in the Constitution for specific categories of individuals: e.g. the President of the Republic, judges, servicemen (police, national security and armed forces) are not allowed to participate in political parties after taking the post (Articles 83, 113, 141 of the Constitution).

Primary Legislation

There are several laws which contain provisions relating to the freedom of association.

The Civil Code of the Republic of Lithuania (Adopted on 17 July, 200).

The Law of the Republic of Lithuania “On Associations” (Adopted on 22 January, 2002).

The Law of the Republic of Lithuania “On Political Parties” (Adopted on 25 September, 1990).

Law of the Republic of Lithuania “On Trade Unions” (Adopted on 21 November, 1991).

Law of the Republic of Lithuania “On Religious Communities and Associations” (Adopted on 4 October 1995).

Law of the Republic of Lithuania “On charity and Sponsorship Funds” (Adopted on 14 March 1996).

Secondary Legislation

As a piece of secondary legislation is the Government regulation on Register of Legal Entities (Adopted on 12 November, 2003).

Possible Restrictions and suspensions

The Constitution provides with a possibility of temporary restriction of the right to association “in cases of martial law or state of emergency” (Article 145 of the Constitution).

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