On May 15 of 2024, the first meeting of the EU Home Affairs Funds Monitoring Committee for the 2021-2027 programming period was held at the EU House in Riga to discuss the EU funds investments made so far in strengthening Latvia's internal security and the goals set for 2024.
Marking the 20th anniversary of Latvia's accession to the EU, the discussions emphasized the growth of the home affairs sector thanks to significant EU financial support. The EU continues to invest substantial resources in strengthening Latvian home affairs institutions through various funds, including the Internal Security Fund, the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Recovery Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy.
The meeting took place within the framework of a visit by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) and was also attended by representatives of non-governmental organizations.
DG HOME representative Giulia Camozzini informed the attendees about the EU's priorities and their connection to funding instruments, as well as changes to EU legislation.
Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Interior Kaspars Āboliņš expressed gratitude to the European Commission for the significant financial support for strengthening internal security. He stressed that the EU contributes not only to economic development but also serves as a security guarantor. Latvia highly values the EU Home Affairs Funds investments, which allow for the purchase of modern equipment and technology for home affairs institutions, the training of employees, and the implementation of other measures to strengthen the country's internal security. Thanks to the cooperation between the European Commission and the Ministry of Interior, Latvia has been able to successfully respond to new security challenges and ensure a safe and stable environment for its citizens.
In turn, Inese Vilcāne, Senior Expert on Equal Opportunities at the Ministry of Welfare, informed about the importance of equality, inclusion, non-discrimination, and respect for fundamental rights in the implementation process of the EU Home Affairs Funds.
The EU Home Affairs Funds Monitoring Committee will continue its active work, taking timely decisions to ensure the effective use of EU fund financing.
