The aim of this article was to investigate education of council members and servants in the local self-governments and to identify manifestation of their professional development in the Republic of Lithuania during 1918–1940. Results of the study showed that only a little part of council members and servants were acquired higher education or advanced vocational education and training. However, majority of council members and servants were graduated primary schools or self-educated. Education of parliament members was higher than members of local municipalities. As distinct from members of local municipalities, education of parliament members was growing. There were established no system of common courses for all politicians of local municipalities and servants during the period of the First Republic of Lithuania. Professional development course were organised only for a limited number of secretaries and clerks of local self-government during the period of 1921–1925. 208 secretaries and clerks of local municipalities improved their qualification in all courses which were organised by Department of Local Municipalities during 1921-1925. Subject of law compounded the major part of these courses. Significant attention was given to the learning of Lithuanian language in the programs of 1922 and 1924, because many servants of local municipalities could speak and write Lithuanian not well enough. Board and head of counties also organised several courses for servants. There were no administration schools or permanent courses for servants of local municipalities during the period of 1918-1940. Problem of qualification of politicians and servants in local municipalities and its development was relevant during the all period of 1918-1940. [.]
Positivism has made a significant influence on many schools of philosophy of the 19th and 20th centuries. But its influence spans even further – positivism also made an impact on natural and especially on social sciences, as well as on various fields of public and private life, such as law, politics and everyday life. Aa significant influence has been also made on arts. The latter is being analyzed in the article. The nature of influence depended on the historical epoch and the prevailing form of positivism and was quite diverse. Classical or sociological positivism made the biggest impact on literature. Positivism of the 20th century was attractive to writers because of its attention to facts and the steady development of society, collectivistic and altruistic ideals and progressive orientation. The influence of positivism can be seen in naturalistic writings of Émile Zola. The empirio-criticism of Eernst Mach made quite a different impact. Contrary to Aauguste Comte, he emphasized not external but internal facts or, to be precise, considered such contraposition to be faulty, and made an impact on writers, such as James Joyce, Franz Kafka, Rrobert Musil, who are usually called modernists. De-substantialisation of subject, stream of consciousness, fusion of dream and reality are signs Mach's influence. Tthey are also apparent in abstract art where Mach's ideas of visual space perception were exceptionally popular at the beginning of the 20th century. In turn, the influence of logical positivism is most visible in architecture which by members of the Vienna Circle was considered to be the most important of arts. Having been in close contact with representatives of the Bauhaus school, they made a significant contribution to the spread of constructivism and functionalism which correspond to the strict logical structures of logical positivism.
Positivism has made a significant influence on many schools of philosophy of the 19th and 20th centuries. But its influence spans even further – positivism also made an impact on natural and especially on social sciences, as well as on various fields of public and private life, such as law, politics and everyday life. Aa significant influence has been also made on arts. The latter is being analyzed in the article. The nature of influence depended on the historical epoch and the prevailing form of positivism and was quite diverse. Classical or sociological positivism made the biggest impact on literature. Positivism of the 20th century was attractive to writers because of its attention to facts and the steady development of society, collectivistic and altruistic ideals and progressive orientation. The influence of positivism can be seen in naturalistic writings of Émile Zola. The empirio-criticism of Eernst Mach made quite a different impact. Contrary to Aauguste Comte, he emphasized not external but internal facts or, to be precise, considered such contraposition to be faulty, and made an impact on writers, such as James Joyce, Franz Kafka, Rrobert Musil, who are usually called modernists. De-substantialisation of subject, stream of consciousness, fusion of dream and reality are signs Mach's influence. Tthey are also apparent in abstract art where Mach's ideas of visual space perception were exceptionally popular at the beginning of the 20th century. In turn, the influence of logical positivism is most visible in architecture which by members of the Vienna Circle was considered to be the most important of arts. Having been in close contact with representatives of the Bauhaus school, they made a significant contribution to the spread of constructivism and functionalism which correspond to the strict logical structures of logical positivism.
Positivism has made a significant influence on many schools of philosophy of the 19th and 20th centuries. But its influence spans even further – positivism also made an impact on natural and especially on social sciences, as well as on various fields of public and private life, such as law, politics and everyday life. Aa significant influence has been also made on arts. The latter is being analyzed in the article. The nature of influence depended on the historical epoch and the prevailing form of positivism and was quite diverse. Classical or sociological positivism made the biggest impact on literature. Positivism of the 20th century was attractive to writers because of its attention to facts and the steady development of society, collectivistic and altruistic ideals and progressive orientation. The influence of positivism can be seen in naturalistic writings of Émile Zola. The empirio-criticism of Eernst Mach made quite a different impact. Contrary to Aauguste Comte, he emphasized not external but internal facts or, to be precise, considered such contraposition to be faulty, and made an impact on writers, such as James Joyce, Franz Kafka, Rrobert Musil, who are usually called modernists. De-substantialisation of subject, stream of consciousness, fusion of dream and reality are signs Mach's influence. Tthey are also apparent in abstract art where Mach's ideas of visual space perception were exceptionally popular at the beginning of the 20th century. In turn, the influence of logical positivism is most visible in architecture which by members of the Vienna Circle was considered to be the most important of arts. Having been in close contact with representatives of the Bauhaus school, they made a significant contribution to the spread of constructivism and functionalism which correspond to the strict logical structures of logical positivism.
Positivism has made a significant influence on many schools of philosophy of the 19th and 20th centuries. But its influence spans even further – positivism also made an impact on natural and especially on social sciences, as well as on various fields of public and private life, such as law, politics and everyday life. Aa significant influence has been also made on arts. The latter is being analyzed in the article. The nature of influence depended on the historical epoch and the prevailing form of positivism and was quite diverse. Classical or sociological positivism made the biggest impact on literature. Positivism of the 20th century was attractive to writers because of its attention to facts and the steady development of society, collectivistic and altruistic ideals and progressive orientation. The influence of positivism can be seen in naturalistic writings of Émile Zola. The empirio-criticism of Eernst Mach made quite a different impact. Contrary to Aauguste Comte, he emphasized not external but internal facts or, to be precise, considered such contraposition to be faulty, and made an impact on writers, such as James Joyce, Franz Kafka, Rrobert Musil, who are usually called modernists. De-substantialisation of subject, stream of consciousness, fusion of dream and reality are signs Mach's influence. Tthey are also apparent in abstract art where Mach's ideas of visual space perception were exceptionally popular at the beginning of the 20th century. In turn, the influence of logical positivism is most visible in architecture which by members of the Vienna Circle was considered to be the most important of arts. Having been in close contact with representatives of the Bauhaus school, they made a significant contribution to the spread of constructivism and functionalism which correspond to the strict logical structures of logical positivism.
The role of religious symbols, including wearing religious garments in school and displaying religious symbols in public, has been, and continues to be, a matter of controversy in a number of countries. Students or teachers observing religious dress codes, including Islamic headscarves and Sikh turbans, employees wearing cross and chain around the neck have in some countries been expelled from schools, denied access to higher education, suspended from their jobs or their other rights were restricted. Summarising the above analysed case-law, it could be concluded that European Court of Human Rights (Commission as well) dealt with the diverse forms of religious symbols. The relevance of the issue could be proved by the new applications, which raise new aspects of the display/wearing of religious symbols. ECtHR in its rulings highlighted the State's margin of appreciation and emphasized the importance of the principles of secularisms and equality. Thus, the Court acknowledged the interference with the freedom of religion, it was justified on the grounds laid down in the limitation clause (Article 9(2) of the Convention). In most of the cases the European Court of Human Rights having regard to the Contracting States' margin of appreciation justified the interference as "necessary in democratic society" in pursuance to the legitimate aim of protecting the rights and freedoms of others and of public order. However, the judgment in "Crucifix" case, where the Court did not find that in classrooms hanging crucifix violates freedom of religion, raised the discussion about "double standards" applicable to the different religions. Consequently, the pending cases regarding the ban on the full-face veil in France and the prohibition to wear a cross and chain around the neck at work, could draw a new line in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights.
The role of religious symbols, including wearing religious garments in school and displaying religious symbols in public, has been, and continues to be, a matter of controversy in a number of countries. Students or teachers observing religious dress codes, including Islamic headscarves and Sikh turbans, employees wearing cross and chain around the neck have in some countries been expelled from schools, denied access to higher education, suspended from their jobs or their other rights were restricted. Summarising the above analysed case-law, it could be concluded that European Court of Human Rights (Commission as well) dealt with the diverse forms of religious symbols. The relevance of the issue could be proved by the new applications, which raise new aspects of the display/wearing of religious symbols. ECtHR in its rulings highlighted the State's margin of appreciation and emphasized the importance of the principles of secularisms and equality. Thus, the Court acknowledged the interference with the freedom of religion, it was justified on the grounds laid down in the limitation clause (Article 9(2) of the Convention). In most of the cases the European Court of Human Rights having regard to the Contracting States' margin of appreciation justified the interference as "necessary in democratic society" in pursuance to the legitimate aim of protecting the rights and freedoms of others and of public order. However, the judgment in "Crucifix" case, where the Court did not find that in classrooms hanging crucifix violates freedom of religion, raised the discussion about "double standards" applicable to the different religions. Consequently, the pending cases regarding the ban on the full-face veil in France and the prohibition to wear a cross and chain around the neck at work, could draw a new line in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights.
Attitude to disabled persons, including deaf persons, is changing in Lithuania in independence period. New law (Act on Social Integration of Disabled Persons, Act on Education) provided more choice alternatives to parents, e.g., now, disabled children can be educated as integrated persons at common education institutions or in a special class/group therein. At present, there are more than 50 institutions in Lithuania educating hearing-impaired children. This process displays many problems; one of them is parents' readiness for child's learning, and first, choice of one of the methods. Education possibilities for deaf persons are now higher than ever before. Common high schools are one of the alternatives. Although parents, teachers and politicians show enthusiasm for such attitude enthusiastically, that is not the best teaching method. As far as we know, none of the methods is the only best. The most suitable teaching program is a specific program for each deaf child, because it meets child's specific needs. In some cases, a common higher school is the right way. Another solution is a special class. Child's needs might change in several years, and then his learning situation should be changed. Impaired hearing is not expressed externally. Deafness is a hidden disability. However, it has influence upon every area of person's life: It is injurious to mental health, worsens intellect, causes lack of education, determines social status, restricts professional potential, makes access to information harder. Consequences of deafness depend on kind of hearing disorder: Whether it is congenital or since early childhood, or it began in adult age. If loss of hearing arose later, negative influence to development of mental health is lower. Integration of hearing-impaired children increases in Lithuania, but readiness to it is still insufficient. We can observe not only lack of milieu adapted, support devices, special learning means, specialists and assistants, but also lack of simple information, literature concerning methods, TV programs and other necessary things that would support integration. In a common higher school, mostly a non-specialist must care for disabled child and teach him. Special education institutions for deaf and hearing-impaired persons do not meet requirements of a part of parents anymore, because they become more active and fearlessly undertake responsibility for education and needs of their children. Thus, hearing-impaired children live and learn in different situations at present.
Attitude to disabled persons, including deaf persons, is changing in Lithuania in independence period. New law (Act on Social Integration of Disabled Persons, Act on Education) provided more choice alternatives to parents, e.g., now, disabled children can be educated as integrated persons at common education institutions or in a special class/group therein. At present, there are more than 50 institutions in Lithuania educating hearing-impaired children. This process displays many problems; one of them is parents' readiness for child's learning, and first, choice of one of the methods. Education possibilities for deaf persons are now higher than ever before. Common high schools are one of the alternatives. Although parents, teachers and politicians show enthusiasm for such attitude enthusiastically, that is not the best teaching method. As far as we know, none of the methods is the only best. The most suitable teaching program is a specific program for each deaf child, because it meets child's specific needs. In some cases, a common higher school is the right way. Another solution is a special class. Child's needs might change in several years, and then his learning situation should be changed. Impaired hearing is not expressed externally. Deafness is a hidden disability. However, it has influence upon every area of person's life: It is injurious to mental health, worsens intellect, causes lack of education, determines social status, restricts professional potential, makes access to information harder. Consequences of deafness depend on kind of hearing disorder: Whether it is congenital or since early childhood, or it began in adult age. If loss of hearing arose later, negative influence to development of mental health is lower. Integration of hearing-impaired children increases in Lithuania, but readiness to it is still insufficient. We can observe not only lack of milieu adapted, support devices, special learning means, specialists and assistants, but also lack of simple information, literature concerning methods, TV programs and other necessary things that would support integration. In a common higher school, mostly a non-specialist must care for disabled child and teach him. Special education institutions for deaf and hearing-impaired persons do not meet requirements of a part of parents anymore, because they become more active and fearlessly undertake responsibility for education and needs of their children. Thus, hearing-impaired children live and learn in different situations at present.
This master thesis addresses the most important Lithuanian labor law work of minors issues, considering the international level of the particular regulation. An employee is the central figure of the employment relationship, whose ability to be employment subject (legal capacity) depends on his age. In Lithuania may become employees also persons under 18 years of age. However, labor laws, such persons assign to the most vulnerable categories of workers, therefore the minors have so many guarantees, incentives, and various exceptions to general rules. A special legal regulation established with a view to such minors specificities like physical and mental underdevelopment, inexperience, the obligation to attend school. The aim of this regulation is to give these individuals the opportunity to realize their right to work, protecting them from potential physical and moral hazards. It can be stated that the legal regulation of minors is derived from the international nature of the law who are admitted to United Nations, ILO, the European Council and European Union levels. These regulations are found in the principal provisions like the ban on child labor, protection of minors from the hard and dangerous work, minimum age and other criteria. It should be noted that the Lithuanian labor law is in full compliance with these requirements. Serving minors Lithuanian labor laws are divided into children (14-16 yr.) and adolescents (16-18 yr.). Whose legal status is different. Adolescents classified as working-age persons who are involved in labor relations matter of course. However, they incorporate a variety of benefits as a more favorable work and rest periods, night work, overtime ban, prohibition of hazardous work, and others. Children's ability to work is more limited, since they can only do only light work – statutory work. In addition, to start a relationship requiring the legal representatives, and the school's consent. The latter condition, there is debate on the theory of children's personality legal capacity. Also, in addition to general benefits, working children have stricter work and leisure time, a special procedure for concluding and terminating an employment contract. Juvenile work is strictly regulated, and excessive mandatory rules for the proper observance of the employer is responsible. However, because of strict safety standards, employers are not always interested to employ young persons.
This master thesis addresses the most important Lithuanian labor law work of minors issues, considering the international level of the particular regulation. An employee is the central figure of the employment relationship, whose ability to be employment subject (legal capacity) depends on his age. In Lithuania may become employees also persons under 18 years of age. However, labor laws, such persons assign to the most vulnerable categories of workers, therefore the minors have so many guarantees, incentives, and various exceptions to general rules. A special legal regulation established with a view to such minors specificities like physical and mental underdevelopment, inexperience, the obligation to attend school. The aim of this regulation is to give these individuals the opportunity to realize their right to work, protecting them from potential physical and moral hazards. It can be stated that the legal regulation of minors is derived from the international nature of the law who are admitted to United Nations, ILO, the European Council and European Union levels. These regulations are found in the principal provisions like the ban on child labor, protection of minors from the hard and dangerous work, minimum age and other criteria. It should be noted that the Lithuanian labor law is in full compliance with these requirements. Serving minors Lithuanian labor laws are divided into children (14-16 yr.) and adolescents (16-18 yr.). Whose legal status is different. Adolescents classified as working-age persons who are involved in labor relations matter of course. However, they incorporate a variety of benefits as a more favorable work and rest periods, night work, overtime ban, prohibition of hazardous work, and others. Children's ability to work is more limited, since they can only do only light work – statutory work. In addition, to start a relationship requiring the legal representatives, and the school's consent. The latter condition, there is debate on the theory of children's personality legal capacity. Also, in addition to general benefits, working children have stricter work and leisure time, a special procedure for concluding and terminating an employment contract. Juvenile work is strictly regulated, and excessive mandatory rules for the proper observance of the employer is responsible. However, because of strict safety standards, employers are not always interested to employ young persons.
It seems that during the Interwar period the legal act on the working procedure of the interwar Lithuanian executive authorities was not adopted. If it was, it was not published in the Government Gazette, although the statutes of other institutions, such as the Institute of Lithuanian Studies, the National Economic Council, and the Secondary Music Schools, were published. During this period, several attempts were made to adopt such a legal act, called either the Statute of the Cabinet of Ministers or the Statute of the Administrative Order. The drafts of this legislation were produced in 1919, 1925–1927, and 1939. The most comprehensive was the draft of the Statute of the Administrative Order, initiated by the Council of State in 1939. The intention was that this document should regulate not only the composition, competences, and working arrangements of the Council of Ministers, but also the legal status of the Prime Minister, their relationship with the Head of the State, and the text of the oath of the Prime Minister and other ministers. It would also regulate social guarantees, including restrictions on ministerial activities and official responsibility, and the administrative structure of ministries. It was the first time that the procedure of receiving and examining complaints and requests in the ministries was regulated by the norms of the Statute. The failure to adopt such a document within two decades can be explained by the fact that at first the young state faced major challenges which had to be dealt with immediately, including the Territory of Vilnius, the Memel Territory, foreign policy, and state credits. Later it faced challenges such as the establishment of the authoritarian regime and the unclear division between state powers, and the fact that other acts related to the executive power – the Law on the Civil Service, the Law on the Administrative Court – were not adopted in the interwar period at all. This study was mainly based on documents kept in the Central State Archives of Lithuania.
It seems that during the Interwar period the legal act on the working procedure of the interwar Lithuanian executive authorities was not adopted. If it was, it was not published in the Government Gazette, although the statutes of other institutions, such as the Institute of Lithuanian Studies, the National Economic Council, and the Secondary Music Schools, were published. During this period, several attempts were made to adopt such a legal act, called either the Statute of the Cabinet of Ministers or the Statute of the Administrative Order. The drafts of this legislation were produced in 1919, 1925–1927, and 1939. The most comprehensive was the draft of the Statute of the Administrative Order, initiated by the Council of State in 1939. The intention was that this document should regulate not only the composition, competences, and working arrangements of the Council of Ministers, but also the legal status of the Prime Minister, their relationship with the Head of the State, and the text of the oath of the Prime Minister and other ministers. It would also regulate social guarantees, including restrictions on ministerial activities and official responsibility, and the administrative structure of ministries. It was the first time that the procedure of receiving and examining complaints and requests in the ministries was regulated by the norms of the Statute. The failure to adopt such a document within two decades can be explained by the fact that at first the young state faced major challenges which had to be dealt with immediately, including the Territory of Vilnius, the Memel Territory, foreign policy, and state credits. Later it faced challenges such as the establishment of the authoritarian regime and the unclear division between state powers, and the fact that other acts related to the executive power – the Law on the Civil Service, the Law on the Administrative Court – were not adopted in the interwar period at all. This study was mainly based on documents kept in the Central State Archives of Lithuania.
Confidentiality of personal health information is an important value which is protected by The Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania and other laws. However, the right to confidentiality is not recognized as absolute in the doctrine of law, legislation and legal cases. When there is the restriction of confidentiality of personal health information, it is necessary to emphasize the principle of necessity to protect a legitimate target which is necessary in a democratic society. It is important to notice that every restriction must be provided at the level of a piece of legislation. In the paper there is analyzed and evaluated the cases of the disclosure of personal health information to third parties, identified violations and made recommendations what legislative measures should be implemented to ensure the patient's right to private life. In the paper there has set the following objectives: to analyze the current situation in Lithuania what there is the regulation of the patient's right to privacy; to present the practice of different countries about patient's right to privacy; to carry out a theoretical analysis by comparing the various scientific researches on the personal health privacy; to determine what is the restrictions for the principle of medical confidentiality; to identify privacy problems while disclosing personal health information; to reveal when information is disclosed in accordance or compliance with the principle of proportionality. In the paper there are formulated two hypotheses. H1 – in the case of Lithuania, disclosing personal health information to insurance companies without the consent of the patient there is violated the patient's right to privacy. H2 – in the case of Lithuania, disclosing information about the student's health to training institutions (schools) there is violated the student's right to privacy. After all researches and analysis both hypotheses are irrefutable. To achieve the purpose of the paper and test hypotheses there is used the following research methods: systematic analysis – investigating the relationship between law and the ethical, moral and policy guidelines; comparative – juxtaposing scientific opinions and experiences of different countries; law (legislation) analysis – introducing with the legal environment, presenting limitation of the scope of medical confidentiality; legal case analysis – explaining the law, giving examples of violating the law; summative – structuring the material, giving insights of the author. There is lots of laws which somehow is connected with right to privacy and disclosure of personal health information. There is some main in this area. The European Convention on Human Rights tries to find balance between respecting the public interest and fundamental rights of the individual. The Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine provides that everyone has the right to respect for private life in relation to information about his or her health. Lithuanian legislator was one of the first in the Europe who regulated the patient's rights by consolidating one legal act – the Law on the Rights of Patients and Compensation of the Damage where is established that all information about the patient being in health care institution, his health status, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, as well as any other personal information about the patient, should be kept confidential. In Lithuanian law there are described cases when the principle of medical confidentiality may be limited and information about a person's health status may be disclosed without the patient's consent: if disclosure is needed to health care provider for medical purposes; if minor is under 16 years old, health information is disclosed to his parents (but there can be exceptions); if it is needed to contact a relative of an injured; to eliminate or reduce a significant risk of serious bodily harm to another person or the public; for legal representatives; if a court or other public authorities requires to disclose health information; if health care institution gives information about patient's health to its insurance company (author doesn't agree with last regulation). It is not always clear when disclosure is lawful and when unlawful. It also depends on the country and its value system. European Court of Human Rights in a case related to the \"necessity\" or \"restrictive\" terms often applies the margin of appreciation doctrine. It should be noted that in some countries, patient's privacy issues are regulated more strictly, and in some other countries, patient's privacy issues are regulated more softly. The patient's private life is violated not only when information about the health status is disclosed illegally in violation of laws and regulations, but also if the legislature ultra vires passes laws that are contrary to the Constitutions and international agreements. In the paper there is presented proposal to change the Law on the Rights of Patients and Compensation of the Damage and prevent the health care institutions to disclose personal health information to their insurance companies without the consent of the patient. The main argument to support this proposal is the lack of legitimate target (national security; public safety; economic well-being of the country; prevention of disorder or crime; protection of health or morals; protection of the rights and freedoms of others) for this kind of regulation. One more proposal is to change the form of the Child Health Certificate which is approved by the Minister of Health. The main argument to support this proposal is the violation of the principle of proportionality and the excess information of the content. It is not necessary to name the exact disease because teachers are not competent to evaluate this information. It would be enough to write conclusion what child can or cannot do, and recommendations for teacher what first aid measures should be made on the basis of the child's illness (not disclosing exact disease).
This study analyses the situation of ethnic minorities in Lithuania with a particular focus on a region of South-Eastern Lithuania densely populated by ethnic minorities. Based on findings, the strategy 2018-2027 for policy on ethnic minorities is developed and an implementation mechanism described. Along with the mechanism scheme, the study offers an evaluation methodology with specific progress indicators. The international law defines an ethnic minority or an ethnic community as a group living in a state, which constitutes less than a half of the state's total population and differs from the majority by objective and subjective features such as language, religion, customs, culture etc. Many states use these characteristics to distinguish ethnic minorities in their national legislation. The Constitution of Lithuania guarantees ethnic minorities' rights to cherish their language, culture and traditions. The country has signed conventions for protection of rights of ethnic minorities and integrated its international commitments to the national law. Ethnic minorities in Lithuania have an opportunity to acquire education in their native tongue from a pre-school to a higher school; laws stipulate their freedom of expression, media, assembly, and association. It sums up in a generally good situation for ethnic minorities in Lithuania. However, a part of Russian-language media in Lithuania forms a sceptical attitude towards Lithuania, there is seen a favourability and priority for Russian's official position. As well as some media outlets of ethnic minorities have no capacity to facilitate advanced training for their journalists or editors by participating in educational sessions. Notably, quality media play a role of particular importance in outbalancing hostile propaganda and misinformation in current geopolitical situation by spreading impartial information. Therefore, Lithuanian media targeting ethnic minorities should be supported by implementing media literacy and propaganda immunity initiatives. Situated around the capital city which is the economic core of the country, the South-Eastern region could be the most economically developed part of the country according to global and EU trends. Yet, the analysis of the region indicates that it fares below the country's average by indicators such as foreign direct investments, entrepreneurship, unemployment, and average wage, especially in e.g. Šalčininkai district. The region is badly in need of more active government's engagement in its development. With these aspects and challenges taken into consideration, the proposed strategy 2018–2027 for policy on ethnic minorities includes following objectives: to improve the informational environment of the ethnic minorities and reinforce their media; to improve representation of ethnic minorities' interests; to promote the social and economic development of the region of South-Eastern Lithuania; to boost South-Eastern Lithuania's competitiveness through education and culture; to strengthen community development in South-Eastern Lithuania. Implementation of each objective includes specific tasks. Importantly, objectives proposed for South-Eastern Lithuania are also suitable for other regions with numerous ethnic minority populations and for the entire country to enable well-balanced and sustainable development of all regions. The implementation thus does not need to be restricted to the South-Eastern region. The Department of Ethnic Minorities, the Ministries of Interior, Economy, Education and Science, and Culture, municipalities of Vilnius, Trakai, Šalčininkai and Švenčionys districts, NGOs, and other entities and individuals shall contribute to the implementation of the Strategy. The Strategy's objectives and tasks shall be implemented in the framework of the National Progress Programme, the Development Plan for Vilnius Region and other mid-term planning documents. The Department of Ethnic Minorities shall coordinate the implementation. If properly implemented, the aspiration of the Strategy is to make a decade-long contribution to resolving issues of regions with large ethnic minority populations and encouraging the social and economic development of these regions by ensuring ethnic minorities' better integration into the social, economic and cultural life of Lithuania and, at the same time, preserving their identities.
