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SEIMAS OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA
RESOLUTION
ON POLICIES OF THE SEIMAS AND THE GOVERNMENT IN IMPLEMENTING THE LITHUANIAN STRATEGY FOR THE USE OF EUROPEAN UNION STRUCTURAL ASSISTANCE FOR 2007-2013 AND OPERATIONAL PROGRAMMES
23 November 2006 No X-921
Vilnius
acknowledging that the analysis of the social and economic situation in respect of the Lithuanian Strategy for the Use of European Union Structural Assistance for 2007-2013 (hereinafter referred to as the “Strategy”) and operational programmes is consistent, covers all relevant aspects and reflects Lithuania’s actual position, the draft Strategy and draft operational programmes are in principle in line with the tasks established in the Long-Term Economic Development Strategy of Lithuania and the Lithuanian National Lisbon Strategy Implementation Programme and the goals established in the Government Programme;
evaluating that the draft Strategy and draft operational programmes have been developed in compliance with the principle of partnership taking account of comments and proposals of social, economic and regional partners and other non-governmental organisations as well as the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, r e s o l v e s:
Article 1.
To consider as the main priorities provided for by the Strategy the priorities related to the strengthening of the long-term competitiveness of the Lithuanian economy: investment in knowledge infrastructures, scientific research, innovations and development of high technologies. The Seimas is going to devote particular attention to the implementation of these priorities, hence the Seimas asks the Government:
1. When implementing the Strategy, to annually submit to the Seimas a detailed report on competitiveness tendencies in the national economy (hereinafter referred to as the “Competitiveness Report”). The Competitiveness Report must constitute an integral part of the annual activity report of the Government.
2. By 1 January 2007, to draw up and submit to the Seimas for approval a list of ten to fifteen “success indicators” (statistical data) of the implementation of the Strategy; the data contained therein must be published on an annual basis together with the Competitiveness Report.
3. The country’s success indicators may contain the following main statistical data of competitiveness of the national economy which determine the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy:
Article 2.
To ask the Government to draw up, by 1 March 2007, and submit to the Seimas for approval a List of Projects of National Importance Related to the Strengthening of the Long-Term Competitiveness of the Lithuanian Economy that are necessary for the implementation of the Strategy. Responsibility for the implementation of the projects should rest with the Government. A report on the implementation of these projects should constitute an integral part of the annual Competitiveness Report.
Article 3.
To urge the Government to take all necessary decisions and ensure that the second phase of the receipt of assistance from the Structural Funds is administered in a transparent manner, by simplifying bureaucratic procedures to the greatest possible extent and with the view of improving the use of European Union Structural Funds, lifting unnecessary restrictions on beneficiaries and pursuing the key objective of structural assistance, namely, to ensure competitiveness of the Lithuanian economy on the European Union and global level.
The Government is also proposed to draw up a European Union assistance administration scheme and rules, adhering to the following principles:
1) priority is given to financing public infrastructure projects rather than private business projects;
2) projects of national importance are financed where the Government or institutions authorised by it assume responsibility for the preparation and implementation of such projects;
3) public infrastructure projects in the same area (e.g., renovation of schools and hospitals) are financed subject to decisions by regions on projects that are relevant for them rather than by tender;
4) the administration scheme and rules are brought in line with the public procurement rules in force in Lithuania, eliminating excessive bureaucracy and formalism, as well as changing from universal to selective control.
By 1 March 2007, to inform the Seimas about the implementation of this Article.
