As reported by the Government of Lithuania
Lithuania will allocate €3 million over three years to the program “Create for Ukraine,” which expects about 80 young professionals to return to Ukraine.
According to the Lithuanian government, this decision confirms the commitment to supporting the workforce needed for Ukraine’s public sector development.
Aim and Mechanism of the Program
The program aims to address the shortage of qualified personnel in state institutions. Young Ukrainians who are abroad will be able to join state institutions and for a year will support European integration, reforms, and the country’s economic recovery. Lithuania will finance their salaries, which will reduce the financial risk for both returning professionals and Ukrainian institutions.
The declaration on implementation was signed by Lithuania’s Prime Minister Inga Rugienė. The initiative draws on the experience of the “Create for Lithuania” program.
Current Status and Expectations
The first stage of the program, launched in 2024, has already enabled ten young professionals to return to Ukraine. The Lithuanian government hopes that the three-year initiative will secure the return of about 75–80 specialists, and with active participation of partners the number of participants could reach 250–300 people, strengthening Ukraine’s preparation for EU membership.
There is also a prospect of integrating the program into a broader international initiative, which would open opportunities for additional funding from the EU and other partners.
International Support and Context
According to the government, on December 5 Lithuania, together with Canada and Sweden, joined a joint declaration on the creation of the Ukraine Transport Support Fund (UTSF).
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