Taiwan will contribute an additional USD 5 million to Ukraine's recovery projects led by Lithuania. This was formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the annual Lithuanian Development Cooperation Conference in Vilnius, October 30th. The funds will support Ukraine’s recovery initiatives in education, rehabilitation and reintegration of war veterans, training in safe handling of explosives and hazardous materials.
This is the second MoU between Lithuanian Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) and Taiwan, following the partnership that swiftly mobilised efforts to help Ukraine after Russia's invasion.
“Our common efforts in rebuilding Ukraine are not only transforming devastated cities but also lives of the Ukrainian people. Over a thousand of children have already returned to the schools and kindergartens that were rebuilt due to our initiative. With this new agreement, we will take another crucial step in renovating and modernizing rehabilitation centres for those who have bravely fought for Ukraine’s freedom and the security of Europe,” – said Simonas Šatūnas, deputy foreign minister of the Republic of Lithuania.
Through the Lithuanian Fund for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, schools and kindergartens in the Kyiv region were restored, allowing over 1,300 children to return to their education. Projects include the rebuilt school in Borodyanka, the renovation of the Ruta kindergarten in Irpin, the installation of anti-radiation shelter in Kozyntsy, and equipment of the Borodyanka kindergarten rebuilt with international support.
„We’ve achieved impressive results in partnership with Taiwan. The kindergarten Ruta, 75% destroyed, reopened in just 8 months, with parents queuing to register their children even before the opening. Borodyanka’s rebuilt school was the first to receive a large bomb shelter for 1,000 people and excellent equipment for it. Feedback we have from local communities shows that Ukraine‘s families returning to their hometowns, reassured by safer learning spaces. This MoU with Taiwan is not a single gesture of a goodwill; it's a sustained commitment to impactful collaboration with our partners that we deeply value,” said Lidija Kašubienė, Director of the Central Project Management Agency.
Lithuania identifies fourthree key areas to support Ukraine’s recovery: strengthening institutions (especially to support Ukraine’s accession to the EU), safe and high-quality education, physical and psychosocial rehabilitation, resilient and growing economy. educational infrastructure, demining, and veterans' rehabilitation and reintegration. According to CPVA, the Taiwanese funds will significantly aid the continuous development and implementation of recovery programmes.
“Taiwan shares Lithuania’s vision for a resilient and cooperative world. As Ukraine faces unparalleled challenges, Taiwan stands firmly committed to supporting its recovery and reconstruction. The MoU we signed today underscores our belief in the transformative power of education and rehabilitation to rebuild lives and strengthen communities. Taiwan remains steadfast in its dedication to these goals and to our enduring partnership with Lithuania,” says Representative Constance Wang of the Taiwanese Representative office in Lithuania.
Lithuania’s reconstruction efforts in Ukraine are funded through the Fund for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid. Four projects have already been implemented with previous Taiwanese funding amounted to €4.85 million.
