On April 17, a meeting of the interinstitutional group coordinating Lithuania’s participation in the European Union (EU) initiative “Global Gateway” took place. The group reviewed the results of the first quarter of 2026, including progress on implementing „Global Gateway” recommendations, the work of the task force, and next steps to encourage Lithuanian businesses to join EU Global Gateway programs.
Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus, who chaired the meeting, highlighted „The coordination group’s work is moving into a practical phase - we are shifting from discussions to concrete actions that open real opportunities for Lithuanian businesses in international markets.”
The meeting noted several achievements:
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Businesses are now receiving information through a „one‑stop” system.
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A business partnership program has been created to support economic growth, resilience, innovation, and partnership development in target countries.
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Business associations are regularly informed about opportunities to join international forums, as well as EU and national financial tools that help reduce risks in developing markets.
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Companies with specific business or investment plans receive targeted consultations and practical support.
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The task force was also briefed on upcoming EU program opportunities.
Participants exchanged views on how to further strengthen Lithuania’s involvement in the „Global Gateway” initiative. They also discussed a project carried out at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by participants of the „Create Lithuania” program. The project aims to identify how Lithuanian companies can engage more actively, what opportunities are most promising, and which markets should be prioritised.
The Lithuanian team, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, includes representatives from the Ministries of Economy and Innovation, Finance, Energy, Transport, Environment, the Central Project Management Agency, ILTE, the Innovation Agency, the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists, the Lithuanian Business Confederation, INFOBALT, LINPRA, and the Development Cooperation Platform (NGO).
The coordination group will continue working to strengthen cooperation between institutions and business, improve access to information, and encourage more active Lithuanian participation in „Global Gateway” projects in developing markets.
„Global Gateway” is an EU strategic initiative aimed at mobilizing investment and building reliable, sustainable, and mutually beneficial partnerships worldwide. At the end of 2025, the European Commission announced that the initiative had already mobilized more than 306 billion Eur in four years - reaching its 2021 target ahead of schedule. By 2027, the total is expected to exceed €400 billion Eur.
