Suchergebnisse

The government acknowledges problem of emigration. There are more and more social initiatives encouraging the return of emigrants to the country's regions. However, the efficiency of implemented measures is not clear if expatriates are actually encouraged to return. Amid vast discussions about possibilities in Lithuania, it is not yet clear what are the tangible incentives for Lithuanians living abroad. The paper has investigated the Lithuanian policy on the involvement of the diaspora and improving the quality of life in the country's municipalities. Comparison of Lithuania, Ireland and Israel was performed. The possibilities and obstacles of Lithuanian municipalities to cooperate with the diaspora has been examined. An analysis of the policies of Utena, Širvintos, Tauragė and Panevėžys municipalities regarding the involvement of the diaspora and ensuring the quality of life in the country has been performed. Expatriate participation in the joint development of public services (co-production) in Lithuanian municipalities has been examined. Foreign community's contribution to the creation of municipal welfare has been reviewed. Possible directions for improving the participation of foreign Lithuanians in Lithuanian municipalities in the development of public services have been formulated. Recommendations are provided to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Association of Lithuanian Municipalities and Lithuanian municipalities. General theoretical and empirical research methods of social sciences are applied in the research. The analysis of the scientific literature and generalization of the situation has been performed. Primary and secondary data has been used for the empirical research. It was accompanied by semi-structured interviews with specialists and diaspora representatives. It was determined that state level policies such as empowerment, access to services, support, cooperation, recognition are applied to encourage expatriate involvement in country's life. However, the funding for diaspora projects is significantly less in comparison to other countries. The policy in Lithuania is being developed for a relatively short time, therefore continuity of work is needed. The project "Global Regions" created by the Association of Lithuanian Municipalities which aims to provide assistance in encouraging Lithuanian municipalities to cooperate with expatriates, has been assessed only as satisfactory. The launch of the "Global Regions" has been very effective but cooperation at municipality level has not been productive. The attitude of the local government towards cooperation with the diaspora of their country is very important. The research has proven work carried in Tauragė municipality with expatriates has brought tangible results.

The government acknowledges problem of emigration. There are more and more social initiatives encouraging the return of emigrants to the country's regions. However, the efficiency of implemented measures is not clear if expatriates are actually encouraged to return. Amid vast discussions about possibilities in Lithuania, it is not yet clear what are the tangible incentives for Lithuanians living abroad. The paper has investigated the Lithuanian policy on the involvement of the diaspora and improving the quality of life in the country's municipalities. Comparison of Lithuania, Ireland and Israel was performed. The possibilities and obstacles of Lithuanian municipalities to cooperate with the diaspora has been examined. An analysis of the policies of Utena, Širvintos, Tauragė and Panevėžys municipalities regarding the involvement of the diaspora and ensuring the quality of life in the country has been performed. Expatriate participation in the joint development of public services (co-production) in Lithuanian municipalities has been examined. Foreign community's contribution to the creation of municipal welfare has been reviewed. Possible directions for improving the participation of foreign Lithuanians in Lithuanian municipalities in the development of public services have been formulated. Recommendations are provided to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Association of Lithuanian Municipalities and Lithuanian municipalities. General theoretical and empirical research methods of social sciences are applied in the research. The analysis of the scientific literature and generalization of the situation has been performed. Primary and secondary data has been used for the empirical research. It was accompanied by semi-structured interviews with specialists and diaspora representatives. It was determined that state level policies such as empowerment, access to services, support, cooperation, recognition are applied to encourage expatriate involvement in country's life. However, the funding for diaspora projects is significantly less in comparison to other countries. The policy in Lithuania is being developed for a relatively short time, therefore continuity of work is needed. The project "Global Regions" created by the Association of Lithuanian Municipalities which aims to provide assistance in encouraging Lithuanian municipalities to cooperate with expatriates, has been assessed only as satisfactory. The launch of the "Global Regions" has been very effective but cooperation at municipality level has not been productive. The attitude of the local government towards cooperation with the diaspora of their country is very important. The research has proven work carried in Tauragė municipality with expatriates has brought tangible results.