Suspended EU-funded integration project may be challenged in court
The Ministry of Culture has suspended an EU-funded integration project worth almost 100,000 euros, citing the criminal proceedings against a board member of the implementing association. Authorities worry about reputational risks, while implementers suspect political interference and consider legal action.
The Latvian Ministry of Culture has halted an integration project supported by European Union funds, with a total value approaching 100,000 euros. The official reason given is the criminal case against Ieva Raubiško, who serves on the board of the association "Gribu palīdzēt bēgļiem" (Willing to Help Refugees), the same organization responsible for implementing the project. The criminal proceedings involve allegations of assisting illegal border crossings.
The Ministry of Culture, together with the Ministry of Interior, has expressed concerns about potential reputation and financial risks. From their perspective, associating the project with a person facing criminal charges could negatively affect its implementation and undermine public confidence in the use of European funds.
Project implementers, however, disagree with the decision. They argue that the ministry's move may indicate unwarranted political interference in the administration of EU funds. According to them, the connection between the individual's criminal case and the project's objectives has not been proven, making the suspension unlawful. Consequently, the association is considering taking the matter to court to challenge the ministry's decision and resume the project.
