Description
The aim of the project - to improve the public management system in problematical and small municipalities in order to raise public sector’s workers competencies and attract new/additional sources of funding (like the EU Structural funds and similar). This goal is consistent with Lithuania 2030 strategy’s aim “to develop community self-governance (through empowerment of schools and grass-root administrations), which strengthens participation of communities and non-governmental organizations in public life. National and local authorities have to deliberately seek to delegate to the public ever more powers and responsibility to act independently as regards the implementation of the subsidiarity principle. To strengthen communities and non-governmental organizations, to develop community leaders and support civic initiatives.” The objectives of the Project are: • Improving municipalities and public service providers public and administrative abilities to apply the principles of good governance; • To assist municipalities to effectively take advantage of potential funding sources on important local issues; • To impart good Norwegian experience in various areas of public policy at the local level.
Summary of project results
In Lithuania (most of cases) it does not matter that strategic plans are developed, the majority of municipalities order them from consulting companies, such planning actually maintain only budget-dependent budgetary institutions rather than satisfy the needs of the community by organizing open tenders (call for proposals) for NGO funding/private entities’ projects to more efficient, higher quality, wider provision of services to the community. Unstructured NGO self-regulation limits the possibilities for the development of NGOs and state and local government partnerships, to involve citizens in public policy decision-making process. In order to improve the public management system in problematical and small municipalities, to raise public sector’s workers competencies and attract new/additional sources of funding (like the EU Structural funds and similar), the project “Application of good governance principles in Lithuanian local authorities” was planned and implemented. During the project implementation trainings to 10 municipalities, analysing ways of delivering public services, conveying the best Norwegian experience, were organised, consultations to 10 municipalities how to install the principles of good governance, to develop and implement NGOs Boards’ strategic plans were organised. In order to transfer good practise of Norway partners, the conference was organised. During the event, recommendations, other analyses and the results achieved during the trainings were presented, as well as Norwegian experience. Contact making activities were organised.
Summary of bilateral results
The partner actively participated in implementation of activities by appointing one expert in order to develop analysis of natural life in Norway’s small municipalities, present how the public services are provided for local communities (children, youth, people with special requirements, etc.) and how local authorities do collaborate with local people and NGOs leaders. Project partner provided all necessary information and consultation through the projects implementation period. The participation of the Project partner from Norway contributed to quality of Project results and improved knowledge.