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Description
The initiative aims to enhance knowledge about improving local government security regarding Russian invasion in Ukraine. The active participation of Latvian municipal representatives (mayors and local leaders) will increase mutual knowledge and understanding between Norway and Latvia. Municipalities on the EU/EEA external border face daily security challenges, making their views and proposals crucial for this forum. Additionally, international perspectives and expertise from donor state institutions will be valuable for Latvia.
On May 6, 2024, four politicians from Latvian Eastern border
Summary of the results
This year, on May 6, Latvian representatives participated in the 5th Local Democracy Conference in Christiania, Norway, and on May 7, they attended the 2nd International Summit of Mayors and Local Government Leaders as part of the Latvian delegation. Latvia''s experience was presented, and a position was defended on strengthening Europe''s eastern borders through various financial instruments that contribute to the development of these territories. Institutional cooperation with representatives of Norwegian municipalities was strengthened through bilateral meetings. In addition to participating in the democracy conference and the local government leaders'' summit, Latvian representatives had the opportunity to learn from the experiences of other countries (Poland, Norway, Ukraine) in strengthening the role and opportunities of local governments in the context of security, particularly in border regions. This was discussed in relation to the research organized by the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development, titled "Assessment of the Impact of the War in Ukraine on the Eastern Border Regions of the European Union."