One of the key objectives of Lithuanian development cooperation is to equip partner countries with the knowledge and capabilities essential for establishing robust administrative structures, upholding good governance and the rule of law.
Strengthening the administrative capacities of the countries, seeking the EU membership, is a top priority for us. The harmonisation of the legal frameworks of partner countries with EU standards serves a dual purpose — it not only streamlines their accession process but also leads to the establishment of a more efficient, transparent, and accountable system.
Through targeted training, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing, Lithuania empowers its partner countries with the skills and expertise necessary for the legislative, judiciary and public administration reforms.
Lithuania‘s initiatives also focus on anti-corruption, fostering of institutional environment conducive to business growth, economic development and social well-being in partner countries.
Sharing the expertise in establishment of a diplomatic service model, including economic diplomacy, eurointegration process, strategic communication, and management of hybrid threats is one of examples of development cooperation projects initiated by Lithuania in close cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova.
The trainings, study visits carried out during the project in Vilnius, Brussels and Chisinau, strengthened the competencies of Moldova‘s officials responsible for eurointegration and assisted in preparing for accession negotiations with the European Union.
The enlargement policy of the EU is a powerful tool to foster societal transformation and initiate positive changes through accession-driven democratic and economic reforms. Lithuania's partnership with Moldova underscores its commitment to supporting the country on its path towards EU integration and the advancement of democratic values and economic progress.
EU Twinning programme serves as a valuable platform for member states to share their expertise and best practices with partner countries, promoting the alignment of institutions and policies with EU standards and values.
Lithuania's know-how and transitional experience in public administration as well as institution building, is relevant and appreciated in the EU Eastern Partnership and EU Pre-Accession countries, including Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Azerbaijan where the majority of the EU Twinning projects were implemented by Lithuania.
Over the years, Lithuania has distinguished itself in the EU Twinning programme, successfully implementing a total of 136 projects between 2004 and 2023. In recent years, Lithuania has consistently ranked among the top five EU countries in terms of carried out projects.
In addition to Twinning projects, Lithuania has been a proactive participant in the EU TAIEX programme. Lithuanian experts have taken part in over 200 TAIEX events, encompassing seminars, workshops, and fact-finding missions. These engagements have primarily unfolded in the EU Eastern Partnership countries and the Western Balkans, facilitating cooperation and the exchange of knowledge in crucial areas such as justice and home affairs, internal markets, agriculture, food safety, environment, transport, communications, digitisation, migration, and security.
With more than 100 experts from various Lithuanian institutions registered in the TAIEX database of experts, Lithuania continues to make a substantial impact in promoting institutional capacity building and forging closer bonds with partner nations. These collaborative efforts reflect Lithuania's commitment to sharing expertise and fostering development and progress in these vital areas.
