L. Savickas' first visit to Ukraine: issues related to strengthening Lithuania's assistance discussed
Minister of the Economy and Innovation Lukas Savickas paid a working visit to Ukraine, where he met with First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko. The Ministers agreed to continue the work of the Economic Commission, to further support Ukraine's Euro-integration and the creation of joint ventures. They also agreed to cooperate in the implementation of the "Create for Ukraine" project, which will benefit from Lithuania's successful experience in developing the "Create for Lithuania" programme.
"On my first visit as Minister, I went to Ukraine because it is only through a Ukrainian victory that we will ensure the stability and security of the region and Europe as a whole. As one of the first participants of Create for Lithuania, I support and promote the Create for Ukraine project. I can confirm from experience that young people can contribute to economic growth. This project is a very valuable instrument for Ukraine's Euro-integration and future building, and it is also important in the broader context of cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine," said Minister of the Economy and Innovation L. Savickas.
The project will enable young Ukrainian professionals living abroad to return to Ukraine and join the work of government and public sector institutions, thereby strengthening their administrative capacity. It is planned that 25 specialists will return to Ukraine next year.
The ministers also agreed to hold a meeting of the Lithuanian-Ukrainian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation in the near future. Through the work of this Commission, we have another important ongoing opportunity for cooperation, government-to-government discussion and practical solutions in a wide range of economic areas.
The meeting also discussed how Lithuania could further support Ukraine's EU accession efforts.
"We support Ukraine's ambition to accelerate progress in EU accession negotiations. As Ukraine is actively fulfilling its commitments, we will work within the EU to ensure that negotiations with the first group start as soon as possible - probably in the first quarter of 2025 - and that the other groupings follow shortly afterwards," said L. Savickas. From January 2025, Lithuania will start implementing the EU Integration Facility to help Ukraine prepare for membership.
The ministers also agreed to promote joint venture initiatives to strengthen business cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine and to promote the exchange of knowledge and technologies and their adaptation to the needs of the countries. These joint ventures are expected to make a significant contribution to Ukraine's reconstruction processes.
The Minister visited Ukraine together with Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas and other members of the Lithuanian government. The visit started with a symbolic laying of flowers at the Memorial Wall to the Fallen Ukrainian Defenders in Kyiv. This was followed by a joint meeting of the Prime Ministers of Lithuania and Ukraine and the ministers they lead.
Lithuania's total assistance to Ukraine already exceeds €1.5 billion and we are among the leading donors in terms of GDP. Since the beginning of the invasion, Lithuania has implemented 7 infrastructure projects in Ukraine, including the completion of a mobile settlement in Borodianka, the reconstruction of schools and kindergartens in Irpinia, Borodianka and Mykolaiv, and the provision of computers for distance learning to children in the frontline Sumy region.
The Central Project Management Agency, which implements Lithuanian initiatives in Ukraine, is currently building 5 shelters near schools, implementing a programme to improve rehabilitation services for soldiers and veterans, and developing a project to install solar power systems in educational and health facilities.