On 19–22 May 2026, the 5th General Assembly of the ESIRA project (Enhancing Social Innovation in Rural Areas) took place in Druskininkai, Lithuania. The event was organised by the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences (LCSS) together with the Druskininkai LAG and brought together project partners from seven European countries to discuss the progress of the project, strengthen cooperation, and exchange experiences related to social innovation and social economy development in rural areas. The General Assembly included working sessions dedicated to the advancement of ESIRA Work Packages, methodological discussions, and planning of future project activities.
Alongside the formal meetings, participants took part in study visits to social economy initiatives in Druskininkai and surrounding rural areas, including Jovaišiai, and Leipalingis. The visits showcased community-led initiatives, youth and seniors’ activities, educational programmes, social services, and cultural heritage projects contributing to local economic and social development. These examples demonstrated how social innovation can strengthen community resilience, social inclusion, and local entrepreneurship in rural territories.
The General Assembly in Lithuania became an important platform for knowledge exchange, collaborative learning, and strengthening international partnerships within the ESIRA network. Discussions highlighted the importance of community-based approaches and cross-sector cooperation in addressing social and economic challenges in rural Europe.
Project start date: 1 January 2024
Duration: 4 years
Budget: 4 499 840,00 EUR
Coordinator: University of Burgos (Spain)
15 partners from 8 countries, piloting 9 regions.
More information about the project: www.esira.eu
The project is implemented by:
Dr. Živilė Gedminaitė-Raudonė (project manager in Lithuania), tel. (+370 5) 2617 978, e-mail zivile.gedminaite@ekvi.lt
Dr. Rasa Melnikienė, e-mail rasa.melnikiene@ekvi.lt
Dr. Rita Lankauskienė, e-mail rita.lankauskiene@ekvi.lt
Dr. Vitalija Simonaitytė, e-mail vitalija.simonaityte@ekvi.lt
© The source must be indicated when citing.