This page contains examples, inspirational initiatives, and actions implemented in Latvia, which contribute to advancing the Rural Pact in the country.
The examples and information provided below aim to inspire other EU Member States to take action, highlighting some of the relevant efforts made in the country by September 2024.
The information has been gathered by the Rural Pact Support Office national experts. It will be regularly updated with new information provided to the Rural Pact Support Office.
Designated government member and dedicated services for rural issues across policies
Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development
The Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development is the primary authority responsible for regional development. The Ministry designates functional urban areas as key regions for development, which also allows it to address the needs of surrounding rural areas through integrated initiatives. The Ministry ensures effective coordination between national, regional, and local levels, fostering synergies among the administrations of planning regions and municipalities to support balanced territorial development.
The Ministry is responsible for the Regional Development Guidelines. This coordination helps align policies between the functional urban areas and rural regions, enhancing administrative synergies between planning regions and municipalities.
Ministry of Agriculture
The Ministry of Agriculture implements various agricultural, fisheries, forestry and rural development policies.
The Ministry leads efforts related to the National Rural Development Plan in its preparatory stages, in close coordination with the National CAP Network. It also oversees the implementation of the LEADER programme, which promotes rural innovation and local community development.
Forward-looking vision implemented through a holistic strategy/action plan
The guidelines emphasise a holistic approach that leverages functional urban areas to serve as hubs, extending development initiatives to surrounding rural zones. Key focus areas include developing the regional economy, enhancing services, improving energy efficiency in municipal buildings, and expanding pre-school education and childcare services.
At the national level, the Guidelines are implemented through coordination across national, regional, and local government levels to ensure that planning regions and municipalities align with the broader regional development goals. Regular monitoring of progress is integrated into the plan, with clear milestones to measure advancement towards reducing social and economic inequalities between regions.
Regional examples
Action Plan for economic growth and security enhancement: Latgale region
The plan prioritises economic development, human resource adaptation to demographic trends, and entrepreneurship, aiming to create jobs, improve accessibility, and foster a better living environment.
Development programme 2021-2027: Vidzeme region
The Vidzeme Planning Region Development Programme for 2021-2027 is a medium-term planning document outlining the region's priorities for sustainable development. It focuses on four main objectives: preserving ecosystems; enhancing quality of life; driving economic growth through innovative business models; and fostering collaboration.
The programme includes tailored solutions for rural development, such as improved access to services and remote working opportunities. A multistakeholder consultative board was established during the planning process to ensure diverse input.
Appropriate governance systems to facilitate coordination
Cross-ministerial implementation and monitoring of the Regional Development Guidelines
Additionally, all ministries and relevant parties participate in the mid-term evaluation of the Guidelines, ensuring comprehensive oversight and stakeholder engagement throughout the process.
Regional example
Action Plan for economic growth and security enhancement: Latgale region
The Plan ensures that actions are aligned with existing development strategies, sectoral priorities, relevant legislation, and EU policies, promoting a coherent approach to regional development and security enhancement.
Mechanisms to coordinate the allocation of funding and ensure synergies
Integrated funding support for regional development
The Regional Development Guidelines for 2021–2027 establish a framework for EU investments in Latvia, prioritising regions with significant development disparities based on GDP levels. A territorial approach guides the implementation of regional projects, focusing on key areas such as mobility, innovation, and service accessibility. Investments in 30 development centres consider factors including workforce migration and commuting patterns.
The framework ensures that support for rural areas is integrated with the LEADER programme which focuses on rural community development as part of Latvia's Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan for 2023-2027. This coordinated approach aims to enhance overall regional growth and address the specific needs of underdeveloped areas.
Coordinated implementation of CLLD and synergies with other EU funds
The implementation of Community-led Local Development (CLLD) strategies in Latvia is coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture. The CLLD selection committee includes representatives of four ministries, including the main managing authority for Cohesion Funds, CAP paying agency, regional administrative authorities, national farmer and fisherman networks, and a non-governmental organisation uniting Local Action Groups (LAGs).
The goal is to ensure complementarity and avoid overlap between programmes funded under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), and other EU initiatives, such as the Cohesion Funds (CF), and the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The CLLD strategies supports rural communities by promoting local development, entrepreneurship, and social cohesion in alignment with Latvia's Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027.
Effective rural proofing and adequate data systems
Regional Development Indicator Module
The Regional Development Indicator Module (RAIM) is a tool used to monitor regional development, support decision-making, and evaluate trends in municipal territories. Its primary aim is to offer reliable data for specialists in government institutions, regions, investors, and the public.
By collecting data from 15 institutions, including the Central Statistical Bureau, the European Social Fund (ESF) information system, the CAP paying agency and Latvian State Roads, RAIM tracks socio-economic indicators alongside sectoral policy impacts. Indicators related to sectoral policy implementation are included to assess the effectiveness and coordination of these policies in promoting regional development.
RAIM uses data from different support instruments, primarily sourced from the EU Structural and Cohesion Funds’ management information system. It also incorporates information from programmes administered by the CAP paying agency and the state treasury.
Territorial Development Planning Information System
TAPIC facilitates the creation and management of territorial development planning documents, allowing for the development, publication, and maintenance of both text and graphic data across all planning levels. It supports data exchange with other state systems and streamlines public consultations. Local governments benefit from centralised access to geospatial data, significantly enhancing the planning process by digitising communication and ensuring timely access to reliable information for national-level planning.
The public section of TAPIS enables citizens and businesses to access essential information related to territorial planning. It promotes public participation in the consultation process, allowing users to submit proposals electronically and stay informed about relevant developments.
Strengthened NGO oversight of EU fund allocations for rural development
A coalition of seven national NGOs in Latvia, supported by NextGeneration EU, aims to strengthen oversight of EU fund allocations. This initiative focuses on safeguarding public interests, particularly in rural development.
The NGOs work closely with the Public Expenditure and Audit Committee of the Latvian Parliament to enhance transparency and accountability. They employ the rural proofing method to identify challenges impacting rural areas and propose actionable solutions, ensuring investments effectively benefit local communities.
Structures and mechanisms to engage with rural communities
Latvian Rural Communities Parliament
The Latvian Rural Communities Parliament is held the every two years by the Latvian Rural Forum. The 2023 event gathered around 300 participants, including local and regional authorities, businesses, policymakers, academics, and rural development professionals. This gathering facilitated the exchange of experiences and culminated in a resolution that will guide decisions relevant for rural areas over the next two years, ensuring that rural voices are actively represented in policymaking processes.
Citizen Councils
Citizen Councils were established in Latvia following an administrative territorial reform in 2021, which reduced the number of municipalities from 119 to 43. This reform increased the physical distance between residents and municipal centres, resulting in more detached governance. In response, the reform introduced several tools for citizen participation, including the option of establishment of Citizen Councils of the administrative territorial units in rural areas.
Citizen councils aim to improve communication between residents and local governments, ensuring that rural voices are heard. They address various local issues, such as public space cleanliness, economic and cultural opportunities. Council members and voters are residents from the territory, aged 16 and over.
Dialogue Circles
In 2023, the State Chancellery of Latvia, in collaboration with the Latvian Rural Forum, initiated the Dialogue Circles programme. This initiative aimed to strengthen trust within communities, particularly in rural areas, by addressing the dynamics of mutual trust, trust in state institutions, trust in local governments, and trust in politicians.
Dialogue Circles were held in 20 locations, both urban and rural, bringing together a diverse range of participants, including local communities, action groups, associations, entrepreneurs, and educational institutions. The discussions provided an opportunity for participants to share their perspectives. The insights gathered from the Dialogue Circles were compiled and presented at a conference in the Latvian Parliament.
Capacity building and networking support for a broad array of actors and stakeholders
Latvian Rural Forum
Latvian Rural Forum (LRF) plays a vital role in building capacity and fostering networking among rural stakeholders through various initiatives.
‘Regional Mondays for LEADER Community’ are online meetings held weekly since 2017. These meetings provide a platform for Local Action Groups (LAGs) to receive updates on national and European regulatory changes, share experiences, and engage in discussions on rural development. Experts are often invited to offer insights, while participants collaborate to identify community needs.
The ‘Smart Village’ recognition sign is an annual event launched in 2021. This event recognises active rural communities that excel in creating innovative solutions to improve local life. Through an open application process, villages are rewarded based on their success in fostering social, technological, and business advancements. The initiative highlights best practices in rural development and aims to inspire other communities by showcasing success stories at national gatherings such as the Latvian Rural Community Parliament.
‘Smart Wednesdays’ was created in 2023 to empower rural stakeholders. Held biweekly, these online sessions serve as a networking and learning platform for NGOs, community leaders, and activists. The meetings provide practical guidance on topics such as citizen engagement, project preparation, digital tools, and critical thinking, fostering collaboration and enhancing community capacity.
The LLKC Business Mentor Network offers ongoing support for rural entrepreneurs. Through free consultations, new and aspiring business owners receive expert advice aimed at strengthening their businesses and improving their competitiveness. The network also hosts events to facilitate networking and mutual learning, allowing participants to create new contacts, gain inspiration, and acquire innovative ideas.
The ‘Today in the Countryside’ competition encourages young participants at preschool and school-age children to explore rural areas, fostering an early connection with agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. The competition is divided into three age groups, allowing children between the ages of 3 and 16 to engage in different tasks that deepen their understanding of the rural environment.
The ‘For Rural to Be!’ competition supports aspiring rural entrepreneurs up to 40 years old. This initiative offers an intensive training programme on entrepreneurship, complemented by mentoring, to help participants develop and implement their business ideas. The competition is divided into categories such as agriculture, rural services, and production, ensuring a broad spectrum of business ideas are supported. Participants benefit from a day of experience exchange, training sessions, and opportunities for collaboration which enhance their business skills and connect them with potential mentors.
