Minister for Finance and EU Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn Agree on Further Work to be Accomplished
On Wednesday, 4 June, Minister for Finance Andris Vilks met with European Union (EU) Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn. At the meeting, there have been currently topical issues about EU funds planning period 2014-2020 and Latvia’s priorities in the Cohesion Policy* during Latvia’s Presidency of the Council of the EU which will take place at the first half of 2015.
"Cohesion policy is one of the most visible EU policies in Latvia, which has provided a substantial contribution to the development of Latvia. In the new planning period 2014-2020, there will be 4.4 billion euros available to Latvia, what will allow Latvia to head for attaining the EU average standard of living. Within the context of Latvia’s Presidency, we are interested in strengthening the significance of this policy in the whole Europe and in promoting the efficiency of this policy and result-orientation" emphasized Minister for Finance Andris Vilks during a talk with Commissioner.
Minister negotiated with Commissioner about the planning period 2014-2020. Provision of efficient aid to small and medium-sized enterprises as well as issues about city environment and territorial development were discussed. Minister specified that by implementing the investments of city environment, it is not advisable to create new structures and it is not permissible to increase an administrative burden for city administrations.
At the same time, Minister expressed his hope for a rapid approval of the Partnership Agreement that was submitted by Latvia to the European Commission on 3 June for an official approval.
There were also issues discussed regarding preparation for Latvia’s Presidency to the Council of the EU in the first half of 2015 and the priorities in the Cohesion Policy.
During a two-day stay in Latvia, European Union (EU) Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn will meet also other state and municipal officials, will open a forum ‘Quality of Life’ and will visit the cities Jelgava and Ogre in order to acquaint himself there with the projects supported by EU funds.
*Cohesion Policy – political regulation for the solidarity of European level, which manifests itself in hundred thousand projects that are financed from two funds in Europe, i.e. the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF) as well as from the Cohesion Fund.
Information prepared by:
Ieva Raboviča
Senior Expert of Communication Division
Tel.: 67095880
Ieva.Rabovica@fm.gov.lv
