EMPOWERING REGIONAL POLICY IN LITHUANIA Dr. Gediminas Česonis Director of Regional Policy Department of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Lithuania
Challenges Economic growth rate among EU leaders + Average income level 3rd lowest in the EU = Social inequality among the worst in the EU Population decline around 1% each year Ageing population Worst case small towns and countryside
Challenges Structural imbalances in economic activity Unequal employment opportunities Population decline and ageing
NEW REGIONAL POLICY OF LITHUANIA CREDO We believe Lithuania has potential for sustainable growth, which lies in the ambition and competitive advantages of its regions, public and private partnership, and thesynergy oflocal, regional and national development.
RACE OF THE REGIONS GLOBALISATION DEMOGRAPHIC TENSIONS 4 TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION FOR PEOPLE FOR INVESTMENTS
The most important thing is to take part CENTRAL GOVERNMENT MUNICIPALITIES 4WD EVOregions BUSINESS COMMUNITIES
STARTING POSITION 1. Different competences 2. Different geographic location 3. Different natural situation 4. Different cultural environment NO MORE 1 FITS ALL
Ongoing reforms Regional Policy White Paper is being prepared In order to harmonize the local government, the regions and the central government as well as social and economic partners development visions and actions to achieve them Covering the period from 2017 to 2027, in order to outline the longterm guidelines for regional development
Regional Policy White Paper: 4 Pillars Responsible and competent self-government Capable and consistently developing regions Harmonized development at local, regional and national levels Improved regions image and communication involving municipalities in promoting economic development and providing motivational measures review of the municipal services and the conditions for their provision according to the needs of the population today creating open and friendly consultation with residents mechanism Active involvement of social and economic partners in regional planning Creating regional competence centers (hubs) Creating development packages tailored to the specifics of each region Identifying and implementing the regional economic specialization strategy Creating well-managed, highquality, regionally-organized service and development promotion systems Review of the functions of local government and state level, selecting the optimum territorial level for their implementation Mandatory regional impact assessment for all public investment and public policies Setting up public service standards based on spatial data Smart Regions GIS system Incentives to invest, live, work and learn in smaller towns and villages Objective and relevant information on the living and working opportunities in the regions of Lithuania for citizens and foreigners Representation of interests of local businesses and municipalities through the network of Lithuanian embassies. Regular contests, promotion campaigns and other projects raising awareness of the regions
Thank you