Lithuania is waiting for a decision from the European Commission regarding 565 million. euros
“Today we reach a significant step in the implementation of the “New Generation Lithuania” plan – we submit a payment request of 565 million. for the amount of euros. We have repeatedly noted that the plan consists not only of investments, but also of reforms, the implementation of which, as a rule, requires a little more time.
I am glad that during the first year of the “New Generation Lithuania” plan, we have implemented half of the reform actions and are confidently moving forward. This is a solid foundation for further investments that will increase the growth potential of Lithuania’s economy and its resilience to shocks, the future finance minister noted. Gintarė Skaistė.
At the same time, in response to current challenges, the plan is being supplemented with investments that will be directed to the development of renewable energy resources, increasing energy efficiency and cyber security, the report notes.
The uniqueness of the plan is that the funds are not paid out for incurred project costs, but only when the indicators are met. The plan consists of a total of 191 indicators, the progress of which is monitored periodically together with experts from the European Commission. After submitting a payment request, the EC usually evaluates it within two months, and on the basis of this evaluation, with the approval of the Council of the EU, funds are allocated. In the case of Lithuania – for the first 33 indicators.
A few examples of the achievements of the “New Generation Lithuania” plan:
RES development – for greater energy security
The results of the “New Generation Lithuania” plan are reflected in reform actions and investments in strategic state areas. As Lithuania moves more and more firmly towards renewable energy resources (RES), adopt amendments to the RES Law, which provide bureaucratic obstacles and unnecessary burdens to both residents and businesses who want to obtain financing and produce clean and renewable energy.
In order to transform the transport sector in relation to climate change mitigation goals, a system of accounting units for fuels from RES has been launched, which will promote the production and use of advanced fuels in the transport sector.
The information system of public and semi-public electric car charging accesses has also started functioning www.eismoinfo.lt on a platform where drivers can find detailed information about charging stations for electric cars in the country, their working hours, availability, etc.
Reducing social exclusion
One of the achievements in the social field is the entry into force of the single person’s benefit law, according to which more than 220 thousand single, disabled and elderly persons are paid an additional benefit of 32 euros per month.
Changes to the pension indexation mechanism have been implemented. With the adopted changes, it was decided to establish a new, more indexation for the individual part of the pension. These changes will make it possible for the economy to grow faster than before.
When reducing social exclusion and improving people’s daily life, it is especially important that equal opportunities to receive quality social services are available to everyone: both those living in villages, towns and cities. Therefore, the same requirements for accreditation for the provision of social care were approved.
Quality of education in the regions, promotion of science and innovation economy
In order to ensure the highest possible quality of education in the regions, rapid progress has been made in the implementation of the “Millennium Schools” project. The 57 municipalities actively participated in the creation of the “Millennium Schools” network, the purpose of which is to ensure equal educational opportunities for all Lithuanian children.
In order to achieve a business that would create high-quality value-added work, unique, innovative products and services, to accelerate the development of innovation and science sectors, businesses, the network of these activities was optimized and the activities were coordinated by the unified Innovation Agency and Science Implementation Policy Agency.
Advanced anti-shadow tools
In order to combat the shadow economy, an accounting system for vehicle owners has been implemented, thus ensuring that taxes are paid for the purchase and sale transactions that have taken place.
An analysis was also carried out, legal acts were adopted, and restrictions on cash payments were introduced in risky sectors of the economy or for individual types of transactions.
Digitization
The Open Data and Digital Transformation Competence Center has started operating in Lithuania, which will ensure that open data and high-quality electronic services are provided to businesses and residents.
The Communications Regulatory Authority has issued permits for the use of radio frequencies for the deployment of 5G networks, which is why communication providers are starting to provide faster communication services to their users this year.
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