Latvia expands scope of eastern development law

Latvia’s parliament, the Saeima, adopted a law on eastern territory development on Thursday, extending its coverage beyond the areas initially proposed, LSM reported. The law aims to support business, strengthen security and improve quality of life in the region.

The law initially covered the Latgale planning region and Alūksne Municipality. After local authorities raised objections, lawmakers backed a broader scope during the bill’s second reading and approved it at the third reading.

The territory covered now includes the municipalities of Alūksne, Augšdaugava, Balvi, Gulbene, Jēkabpils, Krāslava, Līvāni, Ludza, Madona, Preiļi, Rēzekne, Smiltene and Valka, as well as the state cities of Daugavpils and Rēzekne.

The law provides for special development support, including priority access to measures funded by the European Union. Its priorities include developing critical infrastructure, improving mobility and housing access, strengthening cultural life and supporting the Latvian-language information environment.

A special fund for the eastern territory will also be established and administered by the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development. The law sets out resilience and dual-use principles, including support for infrastructure that improves residents’ quality of life and economic activity while also strengthening national security.

The committee responsible for strengthening the territory’s socioeconomic development and security will include representatives of the Latgale, Vidzeme and Zemgale planning regions.