On January 31, 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the draft regulations developed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (MoEPRD), which provides for funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in the amount of 377,295 euros for improving the administrative capacity of planning regions and municipalities in matters of territorial development planning and implementation. Thus, the preparation of high-quality project applications for the attraction of European Union fund support for the development of territories will be promoted in order to strengthen the competitiveness of municipalities and ensure the sustainable development of the population and living environment of the territories.
Within the framework of the measure*, based on the feasibility study of capacity needs, at least five capacity-building events for development planning and project specialists of planning regions and municipalities will be organized - seminars, campaigns, exchange of experiences or other events in which specialists from all planning regions of Latvia and municipalities will have the opportunity to participate.
Evaluation and improvement of the administrative capacity of planning regions and municipalities in matters of territorial development planning and implementation is planned in the following areas:
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business promotion and innovation development;
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application of smart solutions in improving the efficiency of municipal administration work and services;
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integrated planning and implementation of territory development, adapting to demographic and climate changes, including the development of public outdoor space;
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budget planning, including the use of new regional development support and financial instruments;
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public participation in development planning and implementation, including improving basic knowledge about civil society as a resource and its contribution to the development of the territory.
The measure is expected to be implemented until December 31, 2029.
The evaluation criteria of the project submission were approved at the meeting of the European Union Funds Supervisory Committee on January 26, 2023. The selection is organized by the Central Finance and Contracting Agency.
*Specific objective 5.1.1. "Fostering the integrated social, economic and environmental development of the local area and cultural heritage, tourism and security in the functional urban areas” 5.1.1.2. measure “Improving the capacity of municipalities and planning regions"