News

On 22 April, as the European Commission marks 30 years of the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Instrument (TAIEX), Lithuania received a special tribute – together with Estonia and Finland, the country was announced the winner at the first-ever TAIEX Champions Awards for advancing digital innovation and making a significant contribution to strengthening public administrations in partner countries.

The awards aim to highlight the impact of this instrument over three decades, from helping candidate countries prepare for the EU membership to initiatives that help partners around the world implement reforms related to digital transformation, strengthening public governance, modernising the economy, and improving the legal framework.

Lithuanian experts have been actively participating in TAIEX activities for many years, sharing their experience with institutions in Eastern Partnership, Western Balkans, and other countries. The TAIEX instrument, based on rapid and flexible expertise, allows European expertise to be transferred where it is most needed, from legislative harmonisation to the introduction of modern administrative solutions.

Lithuania’s success is proof that our country has not only successfully implemented its reforms but has also become a reliable partner, helping other countries to strengthen democracy, build more efficient institutions, and improve people’s quality of life.

Thanks to the successful operation of the TAIEX instrument for 30 years, short-term technical assistance is provided to partner countries, and expert missions, study visits, and seminars are organized. The awards were presented at the annual EC event "Institution Building Days", which brings together the community of EU Delegations, TAIEX contact persons, and public sector experts to discuss trends and future directions in institution building.