Lithuania plans to help return up to 80 young professionals to Ukraine’s public sector over the next three years under a jointly backed program, the government said Wednesday.
The target is set under the Create Ukraine program, whose joint declaration by the Lithuanian and Ukrainian governments was signed Wednesday by Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė.
The Lithuanian government said it has allocated 3 million euros to the initiative over three years, during which about 75 to 80 specialists are expected to return to Ukraine.
A pilot phase of the program launched last summer has already enabled 10 young professionals to return, the government said.
Ruginienė said the program provides meaningful support to Ukraine not only during the current difficult period but also as the country prepares for postwar reconstruction.
“We believe in Ukraine’s victory and are contributing to it with all our strength,” Ruginienė said in a statement. “This program will help bring back young, motivated specialists, strengthen the public sector and promote reforms that are essential for preparing for membership in the European Union.”
Under the program, young Ukrainians living abroad are invited to return to work in government institutions for one year, contributing to European integration, reforms and economic recovery.
Lithuania will finance participants’ salaries, the government said.
With additional partners, the number of participants could increase to 250 to 300. This would also strengthen Ukraine’s readiness for EU membership, according to the government.
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