On July 10, during the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Rome, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to scale up the Create Ukraine program implemented by CPVA.
The initiative, based on Lithuania’s successful Create Lithuania model creates opportunities for young Ukrainian professionals to come back from abroad and engages them in key institutions driving Ukraine’s recovery, reform, and European integration.
“Ukraine needs its brightest minds now more than ever. This program provides a structured pathway for young professionals abroad to return, lead, serve, and shape a future in Europe. Lithuania is honored to stand beside them – not just as a donor, but as a partner in transformation,” emphasized Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys.
Originally launched as a pilot at Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy with funding from the EU and Lithuania’s MFA under the EU4Youth program, Create Ukraine now enters its second phase with €1 million in additional support from Lithuania.
Applications Now Open
A key milestone accompanying the launch of the program’s second phase is the open call for Ukrainian professionals worldwide to apply for the Create Ukraine program. Applications are accepted until September 10, 2025 via the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) website.
Ukrainians aged 22-35 with international education or work experience are invited to apply for placements in public institutions such as the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, and the Presidential Office. Participants will contribute to strategic reforms while receiving mentorship and professional development.
“Engaging young professionals in public service is vital, especially as Ukraine advances towards EU integration. Motivated and qualified youth can significantly boost the country’s institutional capacity. The Create Ukraine initiative provides talented Ukrainians with international experience the opportunity to contribute to building a strong and successful Ukraine — and to help realise our shared European dream,” said Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice.
The programme is led by CPVA, in partnership with the KSE Foundation, Create Lithuania and the Government Strategic Analysis Center (STRATA), and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine. It is also supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania.
