On December 8–9, 2025, the Institute of Economics and Rural Development of the Lithuanian Center for Social Sciences, together with the Druskininkai Local Action Group, organized a two-day ESIRA project working meeting. The event brought together representatives of the local action group, researchers, and community leaders to discuss the progress of the project, plan activities for 2025–2026, and prepare for the upcoming ESIRA General Assembly, which will take place in Lithuania in 2026. The meeting became an important platform for dialogue, cooperation, and strengthening the development of social innovation in the region.
On the first day of the meeting, which took place in Viečiūnai, most of the attention was focused on planning the work of the ESIRA project and distributing responsibilities. The LCSS research team, together with the Druskininkai LAG, discussed the guidelines for activities in 2025–2026, planned initiatives, and preparations for welcoming international partners at the General Assembly. The discussions emphasized the need to strengthen local partnerships, clearly define responsibilities, and ensure the smooth implementation of the project in the Druskininkai region.
The second day of the event took place in Stračiūnai and focused on practical activities, including the presentation of a community-developed educational programme that is currently being created as part of the ESIRA Living Lab. The Stračiūnai community and representatives of the Druskininkai district introduced participants to the concept of educational activities, the development process, and the involvement of local residents.
On the same day, a MAP (Multi-Actor Platform) meeting was held, during which the platform gained new members from various sectors. The expansion of MAP strengthened cooperation between communities, local authorities, non-governmental organizations, and researchers, thus broadening the impact of the project's activities and ensuring a broader social partnership. The presentation and discussions revealed how community-led initiatives can become an effective tool for social inclusion and strengthening the empowerment of local residents.
At the end of the event, researchers and the LAG team discussed the results achieved and the next steps that will help to continue the project activities in a sustainable manner and prepare the Druskininkai region for the important stages of the project in 2026.
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. Dalia Vidickienė, e-mail dalia.vidickiene@ekvi.lt
Dr. Rita Lankauskienė, e-mail rita.lankauskiene@ekvi.lt;
Dr. Vitalija Simonaitytė, e-mail vitalija.simonaityte@ekvi.lt.
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