Latvian Government Adds Six New Measures to Eastern Border Development Plan

On Saturday, June 27, during an extraordinary out-of-town meeting in Latgale, the government approved the updated action plan for the eastern border region. The update was initiated by the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM), based on progress evaluation, proposals from sectoral ministries, and priorities identified by local municipalities.

Security Measures

Two new security measures include establishing a legal mechanism to compensate losses caused by drones, other weapons, or hybrid attacks, aiming to enhance economic resilience and provide quick compensation for residents and businesses. The second measure strengthens cooperation between the Latgale Civil Defense Commission and the Ministry of Climate and Energy by organizing regular crisis exercises and improving coordination for natural disasters and energy security risks.

Economic Development

In the economic sphere, the plan adds two measures: strengthening the capacity of the Latgale Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by assessing possibilities to expand supported industries, and providing an additional €2.03 million to municipalities for business infrastructure in the Latgale planning region, bringing total funding to at least €67.32 million. Eastern border municipalities will also benefit from higher EU co-financing rates of up to 90% to attract investment.

Education and Culture

For human resources, a new measure focuses on enhancing students' physical safety and mental well-being by introducing flexible solutions for emergencies. Cultural heritage and community resilience efforts include developing a risk assessment and crisis preparedness plan for Daugavpils Fortress, conducting inter-institutional crisis simulations, and training librarians and local community leaders in media literacy.

The plan retains existing measures, including VARAM's €26 million for natural capital development, environmental infrastructure, and air pollution reduction. The updated plan serves as a coordinated framework for strengthening the region's security and development.