A new law has been developed in the Saeima that provides for a special support system for Latgale and other eastern border territories of Latvia. Its authors believe that without additional measures, the region will continue to lose population and lag behind other parts of the country in terms of development.
The authorities of Latvia intend to create a separate support mechanism for the eastern border regions of the country. The Saeima subcommittee on Latgale has prepared a law on the development of the eastern territory of Latvia, which is expected to serve as the basis for long-term support for Latgale and the Alūksne region.
The authors of the initiative emphasize that this is not only about regional policy but also about issues of national security, economy, and demographics. The law provides for a comprehensive set of measures aimed at attracting investments, developing businesses, and creating new jobs. Support for housing construction, modernization of road, digital, and energy infrastructure is also planned. Special attention is proposed to be given to the accessibility of education and public services.
In fact, the state acknowledges that the eastern regions face specific challenges that cannot be addressed with existing support tools.
The chairman of the subcommittee on Latgale, Edmunds Teirumnieks, stated that the development of the border region is directly linked to the resilience of the state. According to him, without additional incentives, it will be difficult to maintain the population, economic activity, and the region's attractiveness for young people.
The necessity of the new law is explained by the authors as the eastern areas of Latvia have been facing population outflow, lack of investments, and slower economic development compared to other regions of the country for many years.
One of the most serious problems remains youth migration. Many residents move to Riga or abroad after obtaining education, which accelerates the aging of the population and intensifies the shortage of specialists. The new law also includes measures to strengthen special economic zones, develop information security, preserve cultural identity, and support the Latgalian language.
For the residents of the region, the most important part of the initiative may be the measures related to jobs, housing, and the quality of public services. These issues are often cited as key factors influencing people's decisions to stay in the region or move away.
The document was developed with the participation of local governments and representatives of non-governmental organizations, which, according to the authors, should enhance its practical effectiveness.
If the law is adopted, the eastern border region will receive a separate system of state support for the first time. The authors of the initiative hope that this will help reduce the region's lag behind other parts of the country and strengthen its long-term development.
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