Last week, in Potes (Spain) a positive decision has been taken concerning the membership of Ukraine into the network of St James Way.

“When being the President of European Federation of St James Way, in cooperation with the Member of European Parliament Ms. Laima Andrikienė, during the visit to the partner city of Vinnytsia in Ukraine we proposed the Mayor of Vinnytsia City to become the member of European Network of St James Way. I am happy that our initiative has been accomplished and since this moment Ukraine becomes an official part of European Network of Cultural Routes. It is one more step of Ukrainian integration towards more democratic Europe “, – says the Mayor of Panevėžys City Mr. Rytis Račkauskas.

 St James Way (Camino de Santiago) is a pilgrims' way or pilgrimage leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, where tradition holds that the remains of the apostle are buried.

This route is known since Middle Ages and cherishes over 1000 years of history. When in 1987the Camino was declared the first Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, the world once again has heard that Europe is not just political and economic project. Unity in Europe is based on values and European Christian roots.

 In 2009, the Member of European Parliament Ms. Laima Liucija Andrikienė joined the Parliamentarian Group of Friends of St James Way. Having been encouraged by the colleague parliamentarians from other countries, in 2012, In Lithuania Ms. Laima Andrikienė started promoting Camino de Santiago – St James Way leading to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.

There are four international routes of St James in Lithuania. In 2016, the Lithuanian Association of Municipalities of St James Way was established. At present, it unites 26 national municipalities. The City of Panevėžys belongs to this association as well.