Three Baltic countries‘ representatives discussed questions of European Union structural assistance use

Vilnius, April 11^th. Last week in Druskininkai, also known as the city-ambassador of European Union assistance use, gathered representatives of institutions administering EU funds from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Transparency and efficiency of EU funds, communication tools with applicants and project managers, preparation for the programming period 2014–2020 and other project implementation issues were discussed during the meetings. While comparing rates of three Baltic countries, participants were searching for more efficient and effective ways to use EU funds. 

Compared with other EU countries, Baltic countries are characterized by rapid absorption of EU funds. According to European Commission (EC), Lithuania together with Estonia and Ireland has the lead by the part of intermediate payments from EC. Comparing among Baltic countries, it is obvious that Estonia leads by the number of signed contracts (Lithuania 66,2 %, Latvia 75,1 %, Estonia 76 %) for programming period 2007-2013, and Lithuania leads in payments for final beneficiaries (Lithuania 30,4 %, Latvia 29,1 %, Estonia 30,3 %). 

Another similarity that showed up during the meeting is that the investments in transport infrastructure made with the use of EU funds are very high among Baltic States.

As the meeting was held in Druskininkai, they were welcome for the great work they did with the leisure service sector‘s projects in this city. One of the biggest projects - Snoras Snow Arena - winter entertainment complex in Druskininkai are planned to be opened in the end of the May 2011 year.

It was the third expanded 3B meeting. The first one took place in Estonia three years ago.