Lithuania has successfully implemented 2007–2013 Operational Programmes. Till the end of 2015 all projects have finished their activities. More than 8 300 projects were implemented. 3/4 of Lithuanian people state, that they feel personal benefit from EU funded projects.
Significant results were achieved: 11 thousand SMEs have gained access to financing investments using financial instruments, 2,4 thousand of private companies used EU assistance for development of innovations, 245 thousands of unemployed people participated in employment programme, more than 700 educational and 350 health care institutions were modernised, 1,7 thousand km of roads were built or reconstructed.
2007–2013 Operational programmes also had significant macro-economic impact:
- GDP yearly growth in average was by 1,57 % higher in comparison to the situation without the EU funds 2004–2013.
- Unemployment rate has been reduced by 4,6 % points (2004–2015 y.) compared with „scenario without EU assistance".
At the end of programming period, we can say, that main factors of the success were timely preparation of national strategic documents and project pipeline, standardisation and simplification of procedures, strong monitoring of implementation.
Priority areas of investments in 2014–2020
Lithuania was one of the first EU countries to adopt its Partnership agreement and Operational programme for 2014–2020 period. Currently the implementation of the programme is gaining momentum – we have projects under implementation for 853 million Eur of EU funds (as for 13 January, 2016). In 2016 we expect the investments into economy to reach 1 billion Eur.
The total allocations to Lithuania from EU funds for 7-years period amount 6,709 billion Eur. At the end of year 2015 36 % of project financing conditions were prepared, 13 % were allocated to projects under implementation, 5 % were paid to the beneficiaries.
In the 2014–2020 period critical mass of EU funding, ensuring a meaningful impact and guaranteeing that investments are made in those areas that have a long-term impact on growth and jobs, will be delivered through R&D and Innovations, Information technologies, SME’s, energy efficiency.
Also, 2014–2020 programming period will provide larger ESF investments targeting issues of low-skilled workers and long-term unemployment increase the conformity of the education system to the labour market needs and promote life-long learning. These investments will have a direct impact on jobs and skills.
More information: EU investments: results achieved and possibilities for the future