Lithuania and Ukraine Sign Memorandum on Expanding the “Create Ukraine” Programme: Open Call Announced for Young Professionals
10.07.2025
At the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2025) in Rome, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine signed a Memorandum on expanding the “Create Ukraine”programme. The initiative aims to bring young Ukrainian professionals back from abroad. “Create Ukraine” is modelled after Lithuania’s successful talent-return programme “Create Lithuania,” which has been strengthening Lithuanian institutions for over a decade.
The trilateral agreement reaffirms Lithuania’s commitment to supporting the development of the next generation of leaders in Ukraine’s public sector. It provides for the return of talented youth from abroad to work in key institutions responsible for recovery, reforms, and Ukraine’s European integration.
“We are launching the second wave of Create Ukraine to engage even more young professionals in transforming public administration. Last year, 10 talented participants joined our team at the Ministry of Economy – and proved that new ideas, global experience, and faith in Ukraine can transform institutions. This year, other ministries are joining the programme. Ukraine is waiting for those who want to return and build its future,” said First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko.
“Ukraine needs its brightest minds now more than ever. This programme creates a structured pathway for young professionals abroad to return, to lead, to serve, and to shape a European future. For Lithuania, it is an honour to stand with them not only as a donor but as a partner in transformation,” stated Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys.
Open Call for Ukrainian Youth: Applications Now Accepted
A key milestone accompanying the signing is the launch of an open call for Ukrainian professionals worldwide wishing to join the “Create Ukraine” programme. Applications can be submitted through the Kyiv School of Economics website until September 10.
Ukrainians with international education or work experience are invited to apply for positions in state institutions such as the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, and the Office of the President. A total of 25 participants will be selected to contribute to strategic public sector reforms, benefiting from mentorship and wide-ranging opportunities for professional development.
According to the International Labour Organization, over 1.3 million Ukrainians with higher education currently live abroad. Many of them wish to return and work in Ukraine despite the risks of war. The “Create Ukraine” programme provides them with a structured and effective pathway to do so.
“Engaging young professionals in public service is essential, especially on Ukraine’s path to EU integration. Motivated and qualified youth can significantly strengthen the country’s institutional capacity. The ‘Create Ukraine’ initiative provides talented Ukrainians with international experience an opportunity to help build a strong and successful state – and to contribute to realising our shared European dream,” emphasized Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration – Minister of Justice of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna.
Originally launched as a pilot project in the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine with support from Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the EU’s EU4Youth programme, “Create Ukraine” is now entering its second phase with additional support from Lithuania amounting to €1 million. The Memorandum sets out a three-year cooperation framework, including: engaging professionals in Ukrainian public institutions; establishing continuous feedback and monitoring mechanisms; coordination through a high-level steering board and operational task force; and involvement of other donors and stakeholders.
The programme is implemented by Lithuania’s Central Project Management Agency in partnership with the KSE Foundation and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, with support from the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in close cooperation with the Government of Ukraine.
