On the 9th – 13th of October 2017 “Innovation week 2017” took place across Lithuania. It is a series of events, which invites Lithuanian business, scientific and public sector representatives, youth to share their thoughts about the future. In 2017 all the events of an innovation week had the common theme – innovative cites. LIFE programme, its capacities for creating sustainable cities and project examples have been presented in four regional events: Panevėžys, Šiauliai, Alytus and Marijampolė.

On the 9th of May 2017 Lithuanian LIFE capacity building project organized an event titled ‘LIFE Fair/LIFE 25’. It was organized to celebrate 25 years of LIFE programme, share the experience of implemented LIFE projects and introduce LIFE programme and 2017 Call to potential applicants. The Minister of Environment of Lithuania Mr. Kęstutis Navickas, European Commission representative Mr. Christian Strasser, LIFE project coordinator Mr. Michal Miazga from ‘REC Poland’ and Lithuanian NCPs presented LIFE programme’s achievements, requirements and objectives. During the break, participants had a chance to visit demonstration stands of Lithuanian LIFE projects, photography exhibition, watch film about LIFE and exchange contacts with potential project partners.

A seminar for experienced LIFE applicants ‘What is required for a LIFE project?’ took place on the 24th of April 2017. Project manager A. Šmitienė presented LIFE programme, 2017 LIFE Call, thematic priorities and application process, while Ulf Castenfors, an expert from GIA Sweden AB, presented LIFE programme financing, shared insights on most common mistakes of applicants, provided valuable practical advice. The speaker stressed the importance of “close-to-market” projects too. The seminar was also attended by Lithuanian LIFE NCPs and Latvian capacity building project’s representative which gave an opportunity for the applicants to get a support and address co-operation for LIFE projects. Second part of the seminar consisted of 6 individual consultations. During the consultations, the potential LIFE applicants discussed their projects’ ideas and difficulties, the expert facilitated discussion and provided advice for the improvement of their proposals.