Empowering cross-border regions and strenghtening Estonia-Latvia ties

Within the 2021-2027 funding period, the Interreg VI-A Estonia-Latvia Programme supports local initiatives and actions that address legal, administrative, and developmental challenges with the aim to foster cooperation across borders. Addittionally we support trust-building through community-level events, enhancing public administration efficiency, legal cooperation, and citizen engagement. Priority 1. More cooperating cross-border regions and development of joint services focuses on developing cross-border strategies, action plans, and public services without major investments in infrastructure, aiming for impactful, sustainable cross-border cooperation structures and improved governance.

The First Call for project proposals within the Estonia-Latvia programme was open from 7 November 2022 to 15 February 2023. In total 26 projects were approved and below are short summaries of twelve projects which were co-financed under priority 1.

Projects which enhance efficient public administration by promoting legal and administrative cooperation and cooperation between citizens, civil society actors and institutions, in particular with a view to resolving legal and other obstacles in border regions:

Green School Dining	The Green School Dining project aims to improve school and kindergarten catering in rural areas of Estonia and Latvia, focusing on healthier diets and more organic food choices for children. It addresses the issue of overweight children by involving various stakeholders to develop a long-term strategy that enhances the appeal of school meals. Through cross-border cooperation, the project introduces the "school restaurant" concept, aiming for a significant increase in the use of organic products in meals and involving students more actively in their dietary choices.
Harbours and PPP	The Harbours and PPP project explores the potential of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in upgrading harbours for offshore wind farm developments. It focuses on assessing the impact of future offshore wind farms on small harbours in Estonia and Latvia, aiming to enhance the resilience and potential of local communities and regions. The project will develop a joint strategy and local plans for harbour development, incorporating PPP solutions for new services related to wind farm construction and maintenance. This initiative highlights the importance of cooperation over competition to benefit the communities and economies of both countries.
River Networks	The River Networks project aims to develop a unified approach to manage and benefit from the River Gauja and River Emajõgi, crossing Estonia and Latvia's rural communities. By focusing on sustainable use of natural resources, heritage, and attractions for economic growth, while adhering to environmental standards, the project involves creating a joint strategy, action plan, and innovative solutions from pilot actions.
ROCC	The ROCC project aims to restore frequent bus services between Estonia and Latvia that were disrupted in the early 1990s due to border controls. Targeting the needs of border area residents linked by family, social, and economic ties, the project will develop a cross-border bus service strategy and action plan, leading to the trial opening of five bus lines by summer 2024. This initiative seeks to address cross-border movement needs, reduce marginalization, and improve connectivity between both countries.

Projects which build up mutual trust, in particular by encouraging people-to-people actions:

Active Manors	The Active Manors project focuses on energizing local communities around the manor areas in Latvia andEstonia. It aims to foster community engagement and cross-border cooperation through shared learning, exchange of experiences, and the establishment of new networks. The project includes practical trainings, study visits, an outdoor painting event, and a closing event, all designed to strengthen community ties and have a positive impact on rural life in both countries.
Active Youth	The "Active Youth" project focuses on empowering young future leaders in the Setomaa and Ape rural areas through cross-border cooperation. It aims to build a strong network of young leaders, crucial for the sustainable development of these regions. The project includes activities to engage young people aged 18-30 and improve their leadership, innovation, and administrative skills through a "Cross-Border School of Future Leaders."
EstLat Gravel`24	The ESTLAT Gravel'24 project is focused on enhancing cooperation between communities in South Estonia and Vidzeme through gravel cycling events. It aims to train experienced gravel event organizers through people-to-people actions, organizing two gravel stages - one in Estonia and one in Latvia. This initiative seeks to improve collaboration among cycling clubs, local governments, and businesses, with success measured by participant, spectator, and organizer involvement.
LauluLaud	The "Laululaud" project aims to strengthen cross-border cultural connections between Latvia and Estonia through music, focusing on a common song repertoire for community engagement. It plans a series of cultural events, educational workshops, and music festivals, engaging around 300 participants. The project emphasizes joint singing in both languages to foster cooperation, cultural understanding, and appreciation of shared historical heritage. A unique collection of Latvian and Estonian songs will be compiled and made available for ongoing cross-border activities.
Local Tastes	The "Local Tastes" project aims to unite small food producers from the Estonia-Latvia border area for future collaboration on joint products or events. It focuses on the exchange of knowledge and networking among 30 small local food producers from specific regions in both countries. The project includes experience exchange events, joint fairs, and training activities to help participants learn about cross-border markets and consumers.
Sports For All	The "Sports for All" project focuses on revitalizing local sports communities in border regions between Estonia and Latvia through cross-border cooperation. It plans to organize 13 joint sports events to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among local inhabitants, with special attention to women's involvement. Approximately 630 participants from Setomaa, Räpina, and Aluksne regions are expected to participate in various sports events, including basketball, beach volleyball, football, yoga, and orienteering, aiming to engage both active individuals and beginners.
Together in Sports	The "Together in Sports" project aims to enhance cross-border cooperation in sports between Latvia and Estonia. It focuses on fostering partnerships among municipal sports specialists and engaging youth in sports activities. The project includes organizing joint athletic competitions, sports camps, and exchange visits for sports specialists to share experiences and promote active lifestyles. It targets sports professionals, athletes, and residents interested in sports within the partner municipalities.
Trust2Integrate	The "Trust2Integrate" project focuses on building social trust and enhancing inclusion for individuals with disabilities in Ogre and Haapsalu. It aims to improve service provision through training, networking, and sharing best practices across borders. The project targets the professional development of 12 individuals and seeks to create equal income opportunities and trust among up to 60 people with special needs. Activities include joint actions in both countries to boost capacity.