Vilniaus ir Kauno dvimiesčio strateginio plano pagrindimas

Abstract

Vilnius and Kaunas dipolis is the largest urbanistic unit in the region of the Baltic states: 45 % of Lithuania’s population and 22 % of the Baltic states’ population live in this stripe between the twin cities. The dipolis accounts for 61 % of Lithuania’s GDP (General Development Plan) and 25 % of that of the Baltic states. In order to suggest a feature vision of Vilnius and Kaunas dipolis, its strategies, development priorities and practical principles, its Strategic Plan is being grounded, summarizing the experience of Lithuania, world cities and regions as well as prevailing tendencies and applicable features of their strategies. Taking into consideration Lithuania’s experience in the development of a balanced social and economic system of the country, its largest cities and the existing situation in this sphere, the Strategic Plan of Vilnius and Kaunas dipolis aims to solve its future tasks which will show up as soon as Lithuania becomes a member of the EU. The Strategic Plan accords with the guidelines of the EU regional development where Lithuania is called a one-purpose region which lags far behind developed countries concerning their GDP. One of the reasons of such a situation in the country is lack of a metropolitan centre developed on a European scale. Therefore, the Strategic Plan of Vilnius and Kaunas Dipolis suggests such projects which would enhance competitiveness of the region and could potentially be financed from the EU funds or attract private investments.