Active labor market policies as a part of social investment approach

ENFocusing on active labor market policies in Lithuania, this chapter examines principal institutions and actors, division of responsibility between central administrative and municipal levels, policy goals, planning, beneficiaries, and expenditures. In Lithuania, the primary responsibility for implementing an active labor market policy is allocated to the central authorities, primarily the Ministry of Social Security and Labor. The analysis of urban (Kaunas city), suburban (Kaunas district), and rural (Pakruojis district) municipalities demonstrates that they have no discretion with regard to implementing, managing, and supervising active labor market policy measures. The findings indicate a need for early labor market interventions, a reconsideration of the financing system, and a fostering of regional and municipal initiatives and social dialogue as a part of the Social Investment approach. [From the publication]