On May 13 the Lithuanian International Partnerships Center was officially opened in Vilnius, and a cooperation agreement was signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and the Central Project Management Agency (CPMA).
The new center will bring together the expertise of Lithuanian institutions, experts, and the business sector to support international partnerships and assistance to partner countries. The establishment of the center will increase the visibility and recognition of Lithuania’s development cooperation activities, help present them more clearly to partners and donors, and strengthen Lithuania’s image as a reliable and long-term international partner.
“By helping other countries grow stronger, we grow stronger ourselves—we create a safer neighbourhood, reduce threats, and strengthen Lithuania’s role in the international community. Today, international partnerships are not only an expression of solidarity but also an investment in our own security and the future of Europe,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys.
According to Minister of Finance Kristupas Vaitiekūnas, development cooperation creates not only geopolitical but also economic benefits: “The experience of Lithuanian institutions and experts in the areas of public finance, reforms, and digitalization is becoming a competitive product on the international market. The new center will provide more opportunities for Lithuanian companies, experts, and institutions to participate in international projects.”
More than two decades ago, Lithuania itself was a recipient of European Union assistance, and the CPVA administered the aid allocated to Lithuania and gained experience in implementing international projects. Once Lithuania became a member of the European Union, the country’s role changed – Lithuania became an active participant in and donor to development cooperation.
Today, Lithuania has implemented or is currently implementing 135 international development cooperation projects in 32 countries around the world, with a total value of approximately 601 million euros.
In Ukraine alone, 23 projects are currently underway, with a value of approximately €327 million. Most of these projects are funded through the European Union’s external financing instruments. These include the construction of shelters, the supply of demining equipment, and support for public finance reforms and preparations for European integration.
Lithuania specializes in the areas of democracy-building, digitalization, economic resilience, education, energy, environmental protection, and defense. The CPVA implements projects not only in Europe and Ukraine, but also in Central Asia, the Middle East, the Balkans, Africa, and the Caribbean.
According to CPVA director Indrė Šuolienė, the establishment of the Lithuanian International Partnerships Center marks a new phase in Lithuania’s international cooperation. “Lithuanian experts and institutions are now recognized internationally, and the CPVA is acknowledged as a reliable partner that implements projects meeting the highest standards. The center’s goal is to focus Lithuania’s potential even more effectively and expand the country’s international role,” said I. Šuolienė.
The Lithuanian International Partnerships Center will operate as a structural unit of the CPVA. It will be headed by Rasa Suraučienė, who has many years of experience in international cooperation.
