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On 10 July, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome. During the conference, Budrys signed agreements with Ukraine in the fields of education, rehabilitation services for people affected by the war, and the inclusion of young professionals in the public sector.

In the strategic agreement on education between Lithuania and Ukraine, signed by the Minister Budrys, our country commits to allocating 21 million euros for the restoration of Ukraine's education system. This support includes an investment of 17 million euros in a multifunctional school centre in Zhytomyr, adapted to both wartime and peacetime conditions, 3 million euros for the installation of solar energy systems in 14 educational institutions across Ukraine, and 1 million euros of joint Lithuanian-Taiwanese funds for the Catch-up and STEAM programme in the Odesa region.

“Lithuania’s support for Ukraine is not a one-time gesture – it is a long-term commitment based on solidarity and shared values. By restoring education, we are restore hope, dignity, and the foundation of a democratic future,” the Minister said.

During the conference, an agreement was also signed with the Mayor of Lviv, Andriy Sadovyi , on Lithuania's involvement in the development of rehabilitation services for war victims. The project involves renovating the administrative building to transform it into a modern facility dedicated to mental health rehabilitation services. The centre will provide comprehensive medical and psychological rehabilitation services to Ukrainian defenders and civilians affected by the war. The uniqueness of the project lies in its funding from funds collected by Lithuania for violations of the European Union sanctions introduced against Russia in response to its aggression against Ukraine. Currently, around 167,000 euros collected for sanctions violations have already been allocated.

"It is symbolic and just that fines paid for violations of sanctions against Russia will be used to restore the health of Ukrainian defenders. Lithuania supports Ukraine not only with words, but also with real, meaningful actions," stressed Budrys.

During the conference, Lithuania's head of diplomacy also signed a tripartite memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine on the development of the ‘Create for Ukraine’ program.

Modeled after Lithuania’s successful ‘Create for Lithuania’ program, this initiative aims to educate the next generation of Ukraine's public sector leaders. The program enables young Ukrainians living abroad, with international education or professional experience, to return to Ukraine for a traineeship in the country's key institutions. Participants will contribute to strategic reforms, receive assistance for professional development, and have a mentorship support.

“Ukraine needs talented people today more than ever. This program provides a targeted path for young professionals living abroad to return, contribute to the civil service, and build Ukraine's future in Europe. It is an honour for Lithuania to be close to them not only as a supporter, but also as a partner for change", said the Minister.

At the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference, Budrys also signed an agreement on Lithuania’s accession to the EU4Reconstruction initiative aimed at the coordinated strengthening of institutions involved in the reconstruction of Ukraine and the improvement of construction standards.