Regional development programme of the Republic of Lithuania (2003-2005)
Regional development plans
Implementing Law on Regional Development (10th of December, 2002), in pursuance of Regional development programme of the Republic of Lithuania, approved by the Resolution of Government of the Republic of Lithuania 'Concerning the Programme of Development of Lithuanian regions and its implementation measures for 20032005' (5th of December, 2002), and following the Decree of Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania (4th of October, 2002) on methodology for preparation and renewal of regional development plans, Ministry of the Interior provided support for county governor's administrations by consulting them in the process of preparation and renewal of regional development plans. Regional development plans were prepared and renewed for all 10 counties of Lithuania.
Preparation of project applications for EU structural funds support
Implementing regional development programme in 2003-2005, according to provision criteria for financial support and for the rules of provision of financial support for the regions approved by the Decree of Minister of the Interior No IV-197 (2th of June, 2003), Ministry of the Interior provided support for regions and municipalities for preparation of project applications for EU structural funds support. According to defined criteria, priority for financial support was given to these municipalities, which corresponded to criteria of identification of problem areas, set by Resolution of Lithuanian Government No 428 (8th of April, 2003). Counties and municipalities submitted 375 project applications abstracts to the Ministry of the Interior for EU structural funds support. Selected projects were given to experts for preparation of project documentation: in total 145 project applications were selected. (Table No 1)
5 energetic audits with completed project applications, 3 investment projects and 2 feasibility studies were prepared in 2004.
Table No 1. Project applications under SPD measures
COUNTY
A L Y T A U S
K A U N O
K L A I P Ė D O S
M A R I J A M P O L Ė S
P A N E V Ė Ž I O
Š I A U L I Ų
T A U R A G Ė S
T E L Š I Ų
U T E N O S
V I L N I A U S
T O T A L
Measure 1.1. Improvement of Accessibility and Service Quality of Transport Infrastructure
3
5
2
4
4
1
3
5
1
5
33
Measure 1.2. Ensuring of Energy Supply Stability, Accessibility and Increased Efficiency
4
7
4
6
8
8
4
3
2
7
53
Measure 1.3. Improvement of Environmental Quality and Prevention of Environmental Damage
2
4
1
4
11
Measure 1.4. Restructuring and Upgrading of Health Care Institutions
1
1
1
3
Measure 1.5. Development of Infrastructure of Labour Market, Education, Vocational Training, Research and Study Institutions and Social Services
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
9
Measure 3. 2. Improvement of Business Environment
1
1
Measure 3.3. Development of Information Services
2
1
3
Measure 3.4. Public tourism infrastructure and services
One of the measures of regional development programme is support for the border regions and cross-border co-operation. After adoption of Madrid Outline Convention in 1997, which provides a legal framework for the signing of agreements between regions and municipalities, 6 euroregions were established in Lithuania within a period of 8 years: Neman (unifying some of the regions and municipalities from LT, RUS, PL, BY), Baltic (LV, LT, RUS, SE, DK, PL), Country of Lakes (LV, LT, BY), Šešupė (LT, PL, RUS), Saulė (LV, LT, RUS), microeuroregion Bartuva (LV, LT). About 40 municipalities (out of 60) and 6 counties (out of 10) are the members of euroregions, some of them participate in activities of more then one euroregion.
In 2004, due to increasing needs for financial means in euroregions, also the need to strengthen the administrative abilities of regional and local actors, Regional policy department of Ministry of the Interior provided support under 'Regional development programme' by covering the membership fee for euroregions in the Association of European Border Regions, the Association of Border Regions; organising 2 international conferences, seminars and trainings in order to strengthen the administrative abilities of regional and local administrations; also publishing publications about the euroregions' activities.
