According to this framework agreement, the areas of health, vocational training and civic engagement will be financed. The estimated Swiss contribution to the implementation of investments is EUR 46 million, and the Lithuanian one – almost EUR 7 million.
"Switzerland did not doubt Lithuania's determination to become an equal part of the community of Western democracies and since 1992 with its competences, experience, and resources has been contributing to the creation of our country. Continuing the long-term experience of cooperation, the investments will further promote changes in the areas of health and civic engagement. A significant part of the investments is planned for vocational training," said Minister of Finance G. Skaistė during the signing of the framework agreement.
During the new funding period, the continuity of investments will be maintained, which will be directed towards the improvement of obstetric and infant healthcare services and the implementation of a wide range of child development services. The development of the apprenticeship system and the integration of migrants through vocational training will also be carried out. The investments will be also allocated to the areas of strengthening civic engagement and volunteerism.
The financing will start as of 2024, when the cooperation programmes are drawn up. The public, social and economic partners as well as other stakeholder groups will be invited to participate in the process of preparing these programmes. The programmes are to be implemented by the end of December 2029.
This is not the first Swiss investment in Lithuania. Until now, Switzerland has invested about EUR 66 million to Lithuania, which were used for hospital infrastructure, environmental issues, and increasing energy efficiency, prenatal, postnatal and newborn care, initiatives of non-governmental, community organizations, and research.
