http://84.15.14.54/ en-us ES PARAMA News List 090bdd53800c1b5aerror: NaN, NaN error: 0 NaN:NaN:NaN +2000http://84.15.14.54/lt/news?id=NaNWe are presenting an overview on the financial progress of the allocation of EU structural assistance to Lithuania during the planning period of 2007 - 2013. This factual report illustrates the most recent status of financial support requested, projects contracted and actual expenditures approved. The report follows the period until the 30th of September 2009.   State of implementation of 2007-2013 Operational Programmes of Lithuania (as to 30.09.2009) Operational Programmes Requested support including EU and LT funding (millions of LTL*) Number of contracts signed (units) Contracted amount according to signed contracts) (millions of LTL*) Disbursements (certified eligible expenditure) (millions of LTL*) Total EU funding LR national budget funding All Operational Programmes 30.340,6 23.394,4 2.476,3 1171 9.304,928 3.264,213   Operational Programme for the Development of Human Resources 3.836,540   3.228,430   362,502   337   1.087,180   75,031   Operational Programme for Economic Growth 14.268,036   10.699,721   784,053   372   4.583,130   2.332,865   Operational Programme for Promotion of Cohesion 11.857,027   9.144,163   1.272,856   432   3.592,276   833,130   Technical assistance Operational Programme 378,950   322,107   56,842   30   87,342   23, 186    *1 Euro = 3,4528 Litas090bdd53800ba439error: NaN, NaN error: 0 NaN:NaN:NaN +2000http://84.15.14.54/lt/news?id=NaNMinistry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania along with other institutions administrating allocation of European Union structural assistance to Lithuania had held the third annual awards of the most beneficial projects financed by EU structural funds. These awards were dedicated to elect the projects that had brought the most good to the people, economy and the state of Lithuania. The third annual awards, held on the 29th of September in Vilnius were titled the "European Wings". Wings is the EU structural assistance that helps us to grow, to go forward and to create a more comfortable and beautiful life for everyone in Lithuania. The projects awarded during an official award event in Vilnius were elected by the readers of the most popular news site in Lithuania www.delfi.lt. The public online election was held from the 19th to the 28th of September. More than 23 thousand people had given their vote for the most beneficial projects financed by the EU structural assistance funds. The majority of online votes – 1076 in total - went to the project "Reconstruction of Burbiškis manor". Project "Reconstruction of the Vladas Jurgutis Public School in Palanga" had got 1072 votes and the innovative project "JSC "Ekspla" lasers for micro processing and diagnostics" had got 961 vote in total.   "European Wings" awards went to these projects, nominated in ten separate categories: "European Wings" for innovations went to the project "Improvement of the non-university studies programme "Geo-informational systems" by preparing innovative training appliances" managed by Kaunas College. Due to this projects a aspiring geodesist are able to attend distance studies. "European Wings" for ecological approach went to JSC "Lifosa"  project "Usage of local and renewable energy resources of the sulphur acid department to energy production". "European Wings" for the development opportunities was given to Kaunas pedagogue qualification center project "Qualification advancement for public schools‘ teachers working with children of various disabilities" which helped the teachers to gain knowledge indispensable in working with disabled pupils. The well-online acclaimed project "Reconstruction of the Vladas Jurgutis Public School in Palanga" was given "European Wings" for the warmth. The project was managed by administration of Palanga town municipality. "European Wings" for a beneficial e-idea went to the project "Creating a model of practical action simulation and developing it for the training in Kaunas Medical University". A special computer based programme was created during this project. It is now used not only for virtual activities in the laboratory but also for simulated examination and treatment of a "patient". "European Wings" for a meaningful leisure was unanimously given to the project "Reconstruction of Burbiškis manor" managed by Rokiškis district municipality. Now the Tulip festival in Burbiškis is famous not only for wonderful blossoms, but also for a fully reconstructed authentic manor.   A project of preparation of Raseiniai district municipality territorial plan and Raseiniai town territorial general plan has won "European Wings" for opening  ways. When fully implemented this project will help Raseiniai to become a much more modern and cosy neighborhood. "European Wings" for innovative and progressive business undoubtedly went to JSC "Ekspla" project "Lasers for micro processing and diagnostics". This project united four Lithuanian companies of laser technologies and photonics to create a high quality industrial laser for very subtle micro processing activities. "European Wings" for progressive agriculture was given to a project of Utena region vocational training center "Qualification advancement in a complex of 10 learning programs for farmers and other residents of countryside". During this project farmers of Anykščiai and Utena districts had had the chance to discover secrets of a successful business. The 10th "European Wings" – the ones for a distinctive winner spirit – went to the Pajūris public school of Šilalė district. This project was elected mainly by numerous votes of pupils of the region. During the project a unique virtual studying environment was created. This system was developed to train children of various age as well as grownups. * During 5 years of EU structural assistance allocation in Lithuania more than 3500 projects financed by EU structural funds were implemented – those in the fields of innovations, environment protection, science and education, cultural heritage, transport, business and other.090bdd53800c1434error: NaN, NaN error: 0 NaN:NaN:NaN +2000http://84.15.14.54/lt/news?id=NaNWe are presenting an overview on the financial progress of the allocation of EU structural assistance to Lithuania during the planning period of 2007 - 2013. This factual report illustrates the present status of financial support requested, projects contracted and actual expenditures approved. The report follows the period until the 31st of June 2009.   State of implementation of 2007-2013 Operational Programmes of Lithuania (as to 2009.06.31) Operational Programmes Requested support including EU and LT funding (millions of LTL*) Number of contracts signed (units) Contracted amount according to signed contracts) (millions of LTL*) Disbursements (certified eligible expenditure) (millions of LTL*) Total EU funding LR national budget funding All Operational Programmes 31 053,626 23.394,422 2.510,312 796 7.741,294 1.587,255   Operational Programme for the Development of Human Resources 3.825,033   3.228,430   338,654   225   799,128   26,847   Operational Programme for Economic Growth 14.310,893   10.699,721   784,053   210   4.215,048   1.390,124   Operational Programme for Promotion of Cohesion 12.538,750   9.144,163   1.330,762   333   2.645,951   169,902   Technical assistance Operational Programme 378,950   322,107   56,842   28   81,168   0,382   * 1 EU = 3,4528 LTL (Litas)    090bdd53800ad1aferror: NaN, NaN error: 0 NaN:NaN:NaN +2000http://84.15.14.54/lt/news?id=NaNThe year 2009 is somewhat significant to Lithuania as it marks the country’s fifth year of membership in the European Union. During this time, we have successfully carried out over 3,400 different projects using EU structural funds. We continue to do so, coming up with even more efficient ways of utilizing the support, creating, along the way, a Lithuania better to live in. We are delighted to have the possibility to share our first semi-annual newsletter with you. In it you will find information on the many benefits that EU structural support provides us with. The theme of this particular issue is evaluation: one of the most reliable ways to ensure effective use of EU structural funds in the realization of structural support programs. Here we look at evaluation as a tool used not only to solve problems and improve the efficiency of the public sector, but also applied by institutions to learn and develop new knowledge. We present inspiring interviews with experts from both Lithuania and other countries, where they share their views on, and experience in evaluation. The many success stories, facts and figures presented here, inspire us to take a fresh look at evaluation and how and why it could be applied to make our lives easier.   Please follow the picture link below to subscribe to the newsletter. We hope you find it useful and enjoy reading it!    090bdd53800ac738error: NaN, NaN error: 0 NaN:NaN:NaN +2000http://84.15.14.54/lt/news?id=NaN•         Most of the recipients of EU funds have submitted one project for funding. One project applications were mainly coming from economy sector. Most of the applicants from this sector did not take part in the previous (i.e. 2004-2006) allocation of EU structural funds. Two or more projects were submitted by those who did take part in the allocation of EU structural assistance in 2004-2006. On average, one recipient has submitted 2.8 projects; •         Almost one third (34%) of the recipients claim to have experience in application process and  have participated in the allocation of EU structural assistance in 2004-2006.  As having no experience was mainly noted by the recipients who submitted only one project; •         The most popular source of information regarding EU structural assistance are virtual sources, such as an online portal www.esparama.lt, internet sites of institutions responsible for coordinating EU structural assistance; second source of information comes through media. Again, internet and national dailies were mentioned. Private consultants are usually hired by private companies; •         80 % of the survey respondents would like to receive more information about the prospects of receiving EU structural support. Respondents feel that more information should be available on www.esparama.lt, on internet sites of institutions responsible for coordinating EU structural assistance and during seminars or other informative events. Usually respondents relayed on those information sources that informed them about the EU assistance in the first place.  •         More than 1/3 (68%) of the respondents noted that while preparing the application they have used the services of private consultants. Small and public sector companies usually prepared the applications themselves or consulted the representatives of institutions responsible for coordinating EU structural assistance. Private consultants are usually hired by those submitting one project or having no experience in EU support application process. •         Respondents feel that there is not enough information about the assessment of the submitted projects: i.e. the terms, the criteria, evaluation process and results. At the same time 29% can’t find information criteria regarding project expense usability. •         Most (62%) respondents noted that while filling the application they’ve used information sources available on www.esparama.lt or hired an external consultant (62%). •         81% of the respondents are planning to submit more applications in the period of 2007-2013. Every tenth private company think they will not apply in the future. Economy subjects that have only submitted one project are indecisive about their future application numbers. •         57% think that EU funding is allocated fairly. Thinking otherwise is most common amongst first-time applicants from economy sector. •         45 % of the respondents think that structural funds are not allocated effectively. These respondents also think that there is not enough information about the structural assistance; usually these are first-time applicants. •         Two out of three respondents who have already received EU funding think that Lithuanians will feel the benefits of implemented projects.    090bdd53800ac72derror: NaN, NaN error: 0 NaN:NaN:NaN +2000http://84.15.14.54/lt/news?id=NaN•         Almost all (99%) of the possible applicants for EU funded projects have heard about European Union structural assistance for Lithuania. Fewer (87%) have claimed to be aware of 2007-2013 period of EU structural assistance. •         Applicants are more or less informed about all operational programmes allocated to implement the strategy of EU structural assistance. Nonetheless the Operational Programme for the Development of Human Resources for 2007–2013 is the best known (86%); 44% of the applicants feel their knowledge about the programme is above average. •         63 % of questioned CEOs are planning on applying for EU structural assistance (in comparison to 55% in the previous years). 62% are planning on applying in Operational Programme for the Development of Human Resources. •         The most common source of information regarding the EU structural assistance for a period of 2007-2013 comes from a media (61%). •         Most (69%) of the project implementers found the application process rather complicated. •         More than 1/3 of the applicants (36%) have gone/will complete the application forms themselves, 31% will hire an assistant and the remaining 28% will hire a consultant to do all the work. •         During the application process the most common source of information are official application guidelines (69%); online portal: www.esparama.lt (65%) and terms of project financing (61%).  Also, more than half of the applicants (55%) have attended the consulting seminars; 55% have consulted experts via telephone; (53%) have consulted institutional experts. •         All the previously mentioned sources of information are regarded as efficient (7.3 points out of 10). Most appreciated are the individual institutional consultancies (8.4 points); telephone consultancies (8.2); personal expert consultancies (8 points) and official application guidelines (8 points). The information displayed on institutional internet sites is regarded as unsatisfactory- it is not precise, lacks focus. •         More than half (55%) of the respondents think that EU structural funds are being allocated fairly, only 47% think that the allocation is effective.  090bdd53800a9a1berror: NaN, NaN error: 0 NaN:NaN:NaN +2000http://84.15.14.54/lt/news?id=NaNAccording to a public survey, every second Lithuanian has personally felt the benefits of European Union structural funds regarding it as a substantial investment to the future economy. More than two thirds believe that EU structural assistance for Lithuania in 2007-2013 will continue to provide further benefits.  The most evident change brought by EU funds can be observed in renovated schools and hospitals, improved national and local roads, amounting number of support programs for qualification improvement and increasing possibilities to acquire an update office equipment. Most of the respondents (86%) believe that EU funds play a crucial role in modernizing Lithuanian economy and increasing country’s competitiveness. More than two thirds (70%) claim that EU assistance helps to decrease social and economical differences amongst Lithuanian regions. At the same time, 73% think that it contributes towards knowledge and skills improvement amongst Lithuanian inhabitants. Gitanas Nausėda, the president of SEB bank agrees: “The purpose of structural assistance is not directed towards consumer consumption, therefore it’s very promising that people can already feel the outcomes of EU structural assistance.” “According to the economists EU investments influences Lithuanian GDP growth by 2%. During the past months (while the economy has been slowing down), it’s becoming increasing hard to forecast the accuracy of the predicted end result that EU funds will have on GDP, but no doubt it makes the crises less devastating, - said G.Nausėda. – In the times when the State has just enough resources for the most essential necessities EU funds become an essential support.” The survey findings revealed that there is hardly anyone who still hasn’t heard of EU assistance- the majority (86%) has heard about the structural funds, 44% has already heard about the new 2007-2013 period of structural assistance.  Also 76% of the respondents think EU assistance is a long-term future investment. The public survey on EU structural assistance for Lithuania for the period 2007-2013 was commissioned by the Ministry of Finance and administered by the public opinion research company TNS Gallup at the end of 2008. One thousands Lithuanians participated in a semi-structured and structured interview that were conducted over a phone.