Lithuania to grant regions more autonomy over EU investments

Lithuania's Deputy Finance Minister Rūta Carik has announced plans to grant regions more autonomy regarding the allocation of European Union investment funds. Under the proposed mechanism, the central government will establish primary directions and total investment amounts, but specific decisions on fund distribution will be left to the regions. Carik emphasized that local residents are best positioned to understand their specific needs.

However, Vitalijus Mitrofanovas, the Mayor of Akmenė District, criticized current limitations. He argued that ministerial funding conditions often restrict municipal decision-making by dictating granular details, such as specific materials for construction. Mitrofanovas advocated for measuring investment success through real-world impact and accessibility rather than strict adherence to administrative procedures or rigid funding categories.