Five Latvian Border Municipalities Form Joint Association to Seek More State Support
Leaders of the Alūksne, Augšdaugava, Balvi, Ludza and Krāslava municipalities agreed to found an association representing areas next to the Latvia–Russia border. They are asking the government for targeted support and funding for the region's economy.
Five municipalities in eastern Latvia that share a direct border with Russia have decided to create a joint association. The heads of the Alūksne, Augšdaugava, Balvi, Ludza and Krāslava municipal governments agreed on this on Monday in Ludza municipality. The association is meant to represent the interests of residents and businesses more effectively and to secure targeted state support. The decision was reported by Evita Aploka, public relations specialist at the Alūksne municipality.
Why the municipalities are joining forces
The local leaders say their areas lie right next to the Latvia–Russia border and therefore feel geopolitical risks, a worsening demographic situation, labour outflow and economic difficulties most acutely. According to them, residents' anxiety and uncertainty are growing daily, and this is linked not only to geopolitical tension but also to a prevailing sense that the state has forgotten them.
Alūksne mayor Dzintars Adlers (of the Unity party, JV) stressed that without immediate, targeted government support it is almost impossible to keep the belief that the regions are needed by their country at this critical moment. He hopes the new government will show real political will and determination, remove regional injustice and genuinely strengthen the eastern border of Latvia and the whole European Union.
What the municipalities want
Their aim is to reduce long-standing regional inequality and the gap in quality of life between border areas and the capital. They want a support programme tailored to this region's specific needs to boost the economy, as well as eased conditions for implementing business support projects.
The municipalities welcome what has been done so far: the Action Plan for the Economic Growth and Security of Latvia's Eastern Border Area and the Law on Latvia's Eastern Territory adopted by the Saeima, the national parliament. Still, they stress that documents are not enough and that real, immediate and targeted action is needed, including funding.
Otherwise, the local authorities warn, people will keep leaving the border municipalities. That would hurt the economy, paralyse local businesses and discourage new investors.
