The 30^th of October, 2017, marked the end of the first period of project “Open Leadership” (LLI-59) implementation. 

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Throughout the first period, which lasted 6 months from the 1^st of May in 2017, the Project was implemented smoothly and according to the schedule. During this time an efficient and effective cooperation was established between lead partner Euroregion “Country of Lakes” Lithuanian Office and project partner Latgale Planning Region in Latvia, which is hopefully only the start of a fruitful cooperation lasting beyond the implementation of the Project. The Project team was built successfully and the partners’ meetings have been organised in time.

A broad list of activities was already implemented. Training activities were held on project management, leadership, tourism and culture development, LEAN methodology and implementation, effective organization management and etc. Most importantly, in the beginning of October a two-day international conference “Innovative and Effective Municipal Management Methods and Techniques” was organised in Anykščiai, which had a total of 166 participants from both Latvia and Lithuania. The conference inspired various municipal leaders and employees to seek more knowledge as well as expect more from the Project itself, and together strive for brave changes.

The cycle of training “Inspiring leadership and effective management of the organization” started in 6 Lithuanian municipalities. It took 6 days (8 hours each) and reached 72 participants. Additionally, working groups were created in 7 Lithuanian municipalities (Anykščiai, Ignalina, Kupiškis, Molėtai, Utena, Zarasai districts and Visaginas city). 7 meetings of working groups and workshops were organised for a total of 73 persons.

On an individual level, personal consultations were carried out on relevant issues of each municipality for their heads of authorities and employees. 42 LT municipal leaders spent 21 hours in individual coaching (consulting) sessions with professional management consultants learning to deal with various management issues.

During the 1st reporting period all the Project activities that have been executed were targeted to improve the competences of employees – the workers of Lithuanian and Latvian municipalities and their institutions – providing public services. This was ensured by employing qualified lectors and coachers and by the training activities where together gathered full groups of people who provide public services in their direct daily work. The cooperation between the public authorities has been strengthen to a minor degree yet, but in the second project period this strong start shall be further expanded by implementing activities more intensively and widely. Thus, in both Latvia and Lithuania it is accordingly planned to start or continue the various training activities, work group meetings, consultations, to also organise regional conferences (one in each country), and exchange of experience visits, all of which shall not only enhance the competencies of municipal employees but shall also strengthen the cooperation between the two countries.

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This project is funded by the European Union. The Interreg V-A Latvia – Lithuania Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020 aims to contribute to the sustainable and cohesive socio-economic development of the Programme regions by helping to make them competitive and attractive for living, working and visiting.

This article has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this article are the sole responsibility of Euroregion “Country of Lakes” Office in Lithuania and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.

Information prepared by:
Euroregion “Country of Lakes” Office in Lithuania