The “European sails 2026” are approaching the finish line: the finalists were revealed
From new opportunities for people with disabilities and children to nuclear medicine, smart technologies and reviving urban spaces – different ideas met this year at the “European sails” final.
This year, the number of applications was a record breaking – 107 contestants.
20 shortlisted finalists are already known, but who will be the winners in their categories, it will be announced on September 24.
The competition held for the 18th time evaluates the projects in which the European Union Funds’ investments and “Next Generation Lithuania” funds have turned into concrete changes for people, communities, businesses and the State.
This year's finalists were selected by a commission of professionals from different fields: Director of the Investment Department of the Ministry of Finance Vaida Žukauskaitė, Head of the Biobank of Lithuanian Population and Rare Disorders Dr Giedrė Kvedaravičienė, PhD in Political Science Viktorija Rimaitė-Beržiūnienė, co-founder of public institution Ribologija Rugilė Butkevičiūtė, architect and CEO of LG projektaiGintautas Vieversys and Director of the Portal lrytas Tautvydas Mikalajūnas.
This year, two representatives of the winners of the previous year's “European sails” joined the commission: Head of the Science and Innovation Dissemination Centre Aistė Lukaševičiūtė and Head of UAB Ostaralab Aistė Lukaševičiūtė.
They both brought their experience in implementing the projects that were awarded last year at the “European Sails” awards.
“A sense of community” – change starts with a person
The shortlisted finalists – three initiatives implemented in different regions of Lithuania.
· “Development of public social services in Druskininkai hospital for socially vulnerable persons, persons experiencing social risk or exclusion”. Expanded support for people facing social risks or exclusion to facilitate access to the services needed. More about the project.
· “Adapting a day care centre in Telšiai for the needs of people with disabilities and the elderly people". The updated environment is adapted to people with disabilities and seniors, providing more opportunities to participate in activities, communicate and access services. How the project was implemented, read in its presentation.
· “Development of public infrastructure to reduce the lack of pre-school education and public services in Sendvaris municipality”. In the rapidly growing Klaipėda District Municipality, investments aim at reducing the lack of services and creating more space for the community. Read more about Sendvaris' changes.
“Investing in people” – more opportunities to live independently
Selected projects focusing on more independence, opportunities and less social exclusion.
· “Establishment of sheltered dwellings in Klaipėda District Municipality”. Creating conditions for people in need of additional assistance, while providing more opportunities for independent living in the community. More about the project.
· “Development of community-based accommodation and employment services with intellectual and mental disabilities in Telšiai District”. Accommodation, employment and social services are being developed for people with intellectual and mental disabilities, providing more opportunities for life in the community. More about the changes in Telšiai District - in the description of the project.
· “Establishment of a day care centre in Druskininkai Municipality”. A new space is dedicated to meaningful employment, capacity building and social relations, providing more opportunities to engage in everyday life. More about the opportunities at the centre.
“Medicine” – investment transforms patient care
From emergency to advanced diagnostics – the finalists in this category strengthen access to healthcare in different ways.
· “Improving the quality of emergency medical care and intensive care services at Telšiai Regional Hospital”. The aim is to better organise patient flows and to improve the safety of emergency and intensive care services. You can find the full description of the project here.
· “The Nuclear Research Centre”. The LSMU study centre combines the possibilities of radioisotope production, radiopharmaceutical development and PET/CT diagnostics, which are important for both medicine and research. More information in the description.
· “Modernisation of the emergency unit and the resuscitation and intensive care unit infrastructure’. The refurbishment of infrastructure aims at more efficient work and a safer environment for patients in critical condition. How the project was implemented you can find in its description.
"A school of the future" – expanding learning opportunities
The projects that change the quality of vocational training, the accessibility of education and the study environment through different approaches were shortlisted.
· “Millennium Schools I”. The educational infrastructure was renewed in Druskininkai, teachers' competences and school cooperation were strengthened, and STEAM/STREAM spaces were installed. More about the project.
. “Millennium Schools II”. Learning spaces have been modernised in Telšiai District, competences of educators and managers have been strengthened, STEAM activities and inclusive education has been developed. For a more detailed description, see the competition page.
· “Improving access to education for marginalised children in Jonava District”. Three schools in the district have been adapted to increase the accessibility of children’s education by upgrading infrastructure and equipping them with the necessary adaptation solutions. More about the changes that have been made.
“A sustainable environment” – changing the spaces we live in
The finalists in this category are transforming public spaces and infrastructure while creating new places for culture, community and everyday urban life.
· "Establishment of Stasys Eidrigevičius Arts Centre in Panevėžys by modernising public cultural infrastructure”. A new cultural centre combines contemporary art, education and community activities, while revitalising the city centre. More about the project and its solutions.
· “ Establishment and adaptation of the Venta River public space to community and business needs in the town of Kuršėnai”. The reconstructed territory is adapted to the needs of the community and business, creating a new space open to residents. How the public space of Kuršėnai has changed, read in the presentation of the project.
· “Revitalisation of the southern part of Viršuliškės by reconstructing the public space between J. Rutkausko st. and Pilaitė ave.” The public space is being renovated in order to make the environment more comfortable and lively for residents. You can find the full description of the project on the competition page.
"Innovative solutions" – technologies for specific challenges
The Commission drew attention to technological projects focusing on different areas: from smoking detection to public data and health.
· “Development of a gas monitoring sensor for electronic cigarettes”. The solution developed by UAB Nano sensorics makes it possible to detect evaporation and smoking in various spaces. More about the technology developed.
· “Integration of State information resources into the State Data Lake”. Different State information resources are pooled in a common data environment for more efficient use and analysis. Find out more about this initiative.
· “Development of a chronic disease prevention algorithm application that determines individual physical activity load for optimal individual health”. A tool is being developed to help identify physical activity loads on an individual basis and thus contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases. How this technology will work is presented here.
“Small Business” – ideas with ambitions to grow
This year, two different business stories came to the final, which are united by the desire to develop new products and strengthen their position on international markets.
· “Development of advanced technology IN-MOD by UAB Euro Meta in order to develop research for the production of sustainable products”. A modular roof system is being developed to improve the use of materials, reduce waste and shorten the installation process. Find out more about the technology developed in the project presentation.
· "Development of exports and strengthening internationalisation”. The project focuses on business growth outside Lithuania, increased export opportunities and stronger presence on international markets. More information about the project.
Which projects will be the best?
There are many different stories in this year’s final. Some of them are about human independence, others about technological breakthrough, while others are changing schools, hospitals or urban spaces.
So far, only one thing is clear: all 20 finalists have already passed an important selection of the competition. Which of them will be the winners, it will be announced at the “European Sails 2026” awards ceremony in Vilnius on 24 September.