European Sails 2025 – winners shaping the future of Lithuania
The award ceremony European Sails 2025, which is organized by the Ministry of Finance for the 17th time, took place at the Presidential Palace. This traditional competition brought together the authors of the most important European Union investment projects and presented to the public the initiatives that create the greatest value for the state, people and regions. This year's competition evaluated projects from Vilnius, Jonava, Plungė, Kėdainiai, Telšiai, Klaipėda, Šiauliai, Tauragė, Ignalina, Utena, Visaginas, Kaunas, Molėtai and Panevėžys municipalities.
"Today, European investments allow us not only to strengthen the economy, improve the quality of life, but also to preserve what makes us unique – to cherish our culture, traditions, and statehood. EU investments arise from our needs, connect us with the wider world, while people and companies that successfully implement projects prove that progress is possible only when investments serve the person, the community, and our future", Januš Kizenevič, Vice-Minister of Finance, who participated in the event, said.
This year, the winners of the European Sails 2025 were:
- Inthecategory of Investment in People – the project “Transition from Institutional Care to Community-Based Services in the Capital Region, Central and Western Lithuania”. The project helps people with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities find employment by developing and maintaining their work skills through meaningful activities focused on the creation of real goods or services and social entrepreneurship.
- In the category of Investments in the School of the Future – the establishment of the science and innovation dissemination centre “Science Island” in Kaunas. The project resulted in the creation of the science popularization centre “Science Island” with exhibition spaces, a planetarium, four STEAM laboratories and an open access centre, which became part of the Lithuanian STEAM network, which was visited by more than 120 thousand visitors in the first six months.
- In the category of Investments in Modern Medicine – modernization of the tuberculosis diagnostic and treatment infrastructure of the Public Institution Panevėžys Hospital and increasing the efficiency of treatment. The renovated, modern microbiology laboratory, which meets European standards and has an installed pneumatic mail system, ensures fast sample transportation, the highest quality diagnostics and more effective patient care in Panevėžys region.
- In the category of Investments in Innovative Decisions – Klaipėda State Seaport project - hydrogen-powered unmanned drone and accompanying ship for marine research.
- In the category of Investments in a Sustainable Environment – protection and adaptation of landscape values for learning. The project aims not only to protect landscape values, but also to make them more attractive and accessible to the public. One of the most important strengths of the project is its integrated approach. Instead of managing individual objects, their complexes and surroundings were created, for example, trails were installed near existing attractions, etc. Such an approach promotes environmental awareness and deepens visitors' connection with protected nature.
- In the category of Investments in Community – preservation of Telšiai Yeshiva building, adapting it for educational and other activities. The restored Telšiai Yeshiva building has been adapted for cultural and educational activities, creating a space for excursions, educational programmes, and presenting Jewish cultural heritage to the public.
- In the category of Investments in Business Innovations – synthesis of 5G and private radio network for remote and semi-automated vehicle control. Ostaralab UAB has developed a remote vehicle control solution that combines 5G, radio communication and MESH technology, allowing a single operator to control multiple vehicles in various industrial and service areas.
The European Sails Awards are annual awards that highlight how EU funds help Lithuania grow, strengthen communities, innovate and ensure a higher quality of life. Over the course of almost two decades, the competition has honoured hundreds of initiatives that are changing the face of Lithuania and its everyday life.
Last updated: 19-09-2025
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