- Funding Programme
- Year
- 2021
Improving the efficiency of the construction supervision system in Lithuania
The construction sector is heavily regulated given the potential impacts on safety, the environment and urban planning. However, the supervision and enforcement system of Lithuania tends to focus on bureaucratic requirements rather than prioritising public risks. This project delivered recommendations to simplify the permitting process, harness the use of data and enhance the use of market-based mechanisms to drive compliance.
Context
The reforms that the project was designed to support strive towards the European Commission’s priorities for 2019-2024. This project supported the digital transformation of the public sector in Lithuania. The construction and supervision system relies on the analysis of data from sources collected from different authorities. One of the key challenges was to make sure all data is digitalized and that all IT systems are interoperable for a swift exchange of information. Additionally, the project supported the Green Transformation by introducing efforts to improve compliance with regulations related to environmental aspects of construction.
Support delivered
With funding from the EU, the OECD provided recommendations to Lithuania to improve the efficiency and efficacy of the construction supervision system. The project was implemented in close co-ordination with the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania, the State Territorial Planning and Construction Inspectorate, and the Construction Sector Development Agency.
Starting in the fall of 2021, the OECD held a series of in-person discussions and workshops in Vilnius, Lithuania. These dialogues had the goal of collecting information and eventually to discuss and disseminate the recommendations. These were held with institutions from the public and private sector.
Results achieved
The project was successful in delivering the recommendations it was set out to provide. These have already helped the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania to draft preliminary reforms in the sector. As part of the project, the OECD held a multistakeholder workshop, with public and private sector institutions to disseminate the recommendations. This helped increasing the acceptance of some of the upcoming reform efforts.
Ultimately the construction sector will face a less burdensome regulatory framework, and thus increasing economic activity. Meanwhile the citizens will be better protected from potential safety and environmental hazards.
Useful links
The press release (in Lithuanian):
The video recording of the press conference - https://www.facebook.com/aplinkosministerija
More about the project
You can read the final reports here: