The donor states will allocate a total of €109.5 million to Latvia, supporting initiatives in local development and resilience, green business and innovation, and correctional services.
Today’s signing marks an important continuation of Latvia’s long-standing partnership with Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The EEA and Norway Grants have consistently provided vital support for Latvia’s economic and social development – from strengthening business development, education, and research to promoting green innovation and social inclusion. In this new period, the funding will directly contribute to Latvia’s key national priorities – security, sustainability, and support for families. Minister of Finance of the Republic of Latvia, Arvils Ašeradens
The EEA and Norway Grants 2021-2028 aim to promote the European green transition, democracy, rule of law, and human rights, as well as social inclusion and resilience.
Strengthening civil society will continue to be an important priority. Around €10 million will be earmarked for the EEA Civil Society Fund, which will be operated by an independent Fund Operator, selected later in the autumn.
Furthermore, approximately €5.5 million is allocated to address challenges resulting from the invasion of Ukraine, integrated across the programme and bilateral funds.
Find the agreements here:
Memorandum of Understanding EEA Grants Latvia 2021-2028
Memorandum of Understanding Norway Grants Latvia 2021-2028
Building on the achievements of the 2014–2021 funding period, the donor states and Latvia have agreed on three programmes for the 2021–2028 period:
Local Development and Resilience
Funding: €43 million (EEA Grants)
Donor Programme Partners: Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB), Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS)
Programme Operator: Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia
This programme aims to strengthen societal resilience in Latvia, particularly in response to challenges stemming from the invasion of Ukraine. Key areas include:
- Strengthening the resilience of the border region to Russia and Belarus
- Disaster prevention and preparedness, including civil protection infrastructure
- Local development, good governance, and social inclusion
- Capacity building for emergency preparedness and response among municipalities, NGOs, and citizens
- Enhancing crisis response coordination between state, local authorities, and civil society
- Promoting information integrity, civic engagement, and crisis resilience
- Special attention will be given to supporting development in the Latgale region.
Green Business and Innovation
Funding: €27.5 million (Norway Grants)
Donor Programme Partner: Innovation Norway
Programme Operator: Investment and Development Agency of Latvia
This programme will foster green value creation and economic competitiveness by supporting:
- Development of innovative green and digital products and services
- Investments in renewable energy, biofuels, and hydrogen technologies
- Support for start-ups and female entrepreneurs
Additionally, a potential project with the Ministry of Climate and Energy of Latvia will explore the remediation and economic reuse of contaminated sites.
Correctional Services
Funding: €15 million (Norway Grants)
Donor Programme Partner: Directorate of Norwegian Correctional Service
International Partner Organisation: Council of Europe
Programme Operator: Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Latvia
This programme will focus on:
- Rehabilitation programmes for juveniles with addictions
- New approaches for women prisoners
- Capacity building for the Latvian Prison Administration
Opportunities to support the Latvian Prison Administration Training Centre and the Addiction Centre will also be explored.
An additional €3.2 million is earmarked to strengthen bilateral relations between the donor states and Latvia, including cooperation with the Baltic Centre for Media Excellence.
At a time of complex challenges and geopolitical uncertainty, Latvia remains a close friend and ally in Europe. The EEA Grants have strengthened our mutually beneficial cooperation, and Iceland looks forward to continuing this partnership to support development, resilience, and closer ties between our countries. H.E. Harald Aspelund, Ambassador of Iceland to Latvia
For Norway, the EEA and Norway Grants are among our most important contributions to a strong, secure, and united Europe. They are a cornerstone of our close and trusted partnership with Latvia – a partnership built on solidarity, mutual respect, and shared values. Today, we take another step forward together. By deepening and expanding our cooperation, we are investing in the resilience of our societies and in the democratic values that unite us. At a time when democracy and human rights are under increasing pressure, standing shoulder to shoulder in defense of our common European project has never been more important. Ms Maria Varteressian, State Secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Today, we mark an important milestone in the shared journey of cooperation and solidarity between the EEA EFTA States and Latvia. This moment stands as a powerful expression of our collective commitment to the values that unite us as Europeans, and to the very objectives of the EEA – solidarity and cohesion. H.E. Pascal Schafhauser, Ambassador of Liechtenstein in Brussels
The EEA and Norway Grants 2021-2028
The EEA and Norway Grants are funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The Grants have two goals – to contribute to a more equal Europe, both socially and economically – and to strengthen the relations between Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, and the 15 Beneficiary States in Europe.
The EEA and Norway Grants 2021-2028 will allocate €3.268 billion to support Europe’s green transition, democracy, and social resilience across 15 programme areas, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Read more about the programme area and funds for EEA and Norway Grants 2021-2028.