What drives highly qualified professionals to leave stable careers in the Netherlands or positions within European Union institutions and return to a country where daily life is overshadowed by missile strikes and the systematic destruction of energy infrastructure? Answers to these questions can be heard in Vilnius on February 11–13 from participants of the “Create Ukraine” programme, who are visiting the city and have chosen to help shape Ukraine’s future even as their war-ravaged homeland faces an exceptionally cold winter marked by shortages of electricity, heating, and even water.
Initiated by Lithuania and based on the successful “Create Lithuania” model, the “Create Ukraine” programme has become a strategic tool for bringing internationally experienced professionals back into key Ukrainian state institutions. During the first stage of the programme, 25 professionals were selected from more than 250 applicants. Lithuania’s three-year commitment to implementing the programme means that a total of 75 specialists will be recruited. Among them are experts in international marketing, EU sanctions policy, and project management who have returned from Japan, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and other countries. Working in the Office of the President, the Government, and various ministries, these specialists apply the knowledge they gained in the European Union and other international institutions, thereby directly strengthening Ukraine’s European integration.
During their visit to Vilnius, these leaders will become acquainted with Lithuanian institutions, the country’s path of transformation towards European Union membership, adopt best practices, and build connections that will help advance vital reforms in their own country. This is an investment in people whose knowledge and experience not only directly contribute to building Ukraine’s future but also create opportunities for Lithuanian institutions to learn from their experience.
Guided by these objectives, on February 11 the delegation began its visit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, where they met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys. Lithuania’s top diplomat emphasized that the young Ukrainian professionals who exchanged a comfortable life abroad for cold and darkness under wartime conditions are an example of strong motivation, patriotism, and dedication to their state.
“Lithuania not only firmly supports Ukraine by providing political, military, and financial assistance, but also contributes to paving the way towards a sustainable future for the country. Having gained international experience and knowledge, you are a key investment in the state that will help rebuild Ukraine after the war, accelerate its integration into the EU family, and ensure investments that serve the well-being of the country’s people,” said K. Budrys.
As the visit agenda covered key aspects of state governance, the meeting with Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė focused on participants’ motivations for returning to a war-affected country and their experiences working under difficult conditions while Russia systematically destroys energy infrastructure. The discussion also addressed what Lithuania could learn from these professionals’ determination and value-based choices.
Lithuanian expert support and partnership
In the following days, the delegation will visit “Invest Lithuania“ to gain closer insight into how a state attractive to global business is built. In order to foster long-term ties between specialists from both countries, the guests will also meet with the “Create Lithuania” alumni community.
Experts from the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) will share Lithuania’s experience in preparing for membership in the EU and the OECD.
“The “Create Ukraine“ programme is more than a project – it is about working with talented people who possess all the personal and professional qualities needed to turn the programme’s name into reality: to create Ukraine. Our daily work is focused on ensuring that these young professionals become a success story – personally, institutionally, and nationally. We not only wish them success, but work purposefully to ensure it is achieved. We believe that a successful Ukraine is an integral part of a successful Lithuania,” emphasized CPVA Director Indrė Šuolienė.
