On Tuesday, the government approved the allocation of 41 million euros from European Union (EU) funds for the completion of the reconstruction of the Latvian Oncology Center (LOC).
In addition, the redistribution of 51.9 million euros from EU funds for the implementation of priority high-readiness projects has been approved.
On Tuesday, the Cabinet of Ministers reviewed amendments to the EU funds program developed by the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with relevant ministries, which confirm the government-supported redistribution of funding for the completion of the reconstruction of the LOC.
The amendments to the program provide for the allocation of 41 million euros from EU funds for the completion of the reconstruction of the inpatient facility of the Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital's Oncology Center. With national co-financing, the total project budget amounts to 48.3 million euros.
Funding will be secured through the redistribution of funds from several activities of the EU funds program: 1.3 million euros from the development of information and communication technologies, 11.9 million euros for improving the energy efficiency of public buildings, 23.1 million euros for wastewater sludge processing, and 4.7 million euros for the development of "dry ports."
Finance Minister Arvils Ašeradens explained that in the event of delays in investment utilization, funds must be directed to critically important projects for society. The completion of the reconstruction of the LOC is one of the government's priorities in the healthcare sector, so amendments to the EU funds program have been prepared to ensure funding and the timely start of project implementation. The Ministry of Finance has already conducted relevant consultations with the European Commission.
A total of 69 million euros is required for the reconstruction of the LOC, of which 17.7 million euros for the construction of the operating room has been provided by previous amendments to the EU funds program.
In addition to the amendments to the EU funds program, the redistribution of 51.9 million euros from EU funds (61 million euros with national co-financing) is planned for investments managed by departmental institutions, without changing the total volume of the relevant investments.
Funding is directed to priority high-readiness investments, while accelerating the implementation of projects. Part of the funds - 25.5 million euros from EU funds (30 million euros with national co-financing) - will be used under the financial instruments program for enterprises implementing large investment projects to strengthen industrial potential and produce military or dual-use goods.
