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Estonia and Latvia hold a joint government session in Tartu

27.08.2025 | 11:59

On Wednesday, 27 August, a joint session of the Estonian and Latvian governments will be held at the University of Tartu Museum. The agenda includes five important cooperation topics for the future of the region, on which joint decisions will be taken: security and crisis preparedness; connectivity and infrastructure; shared priorities in the EU multiannual financial framework negotiations; development of skills and competitiveness; and digital solutions. Alongside the governmental discussions, we will also participate in the event to showcase our programme and highlight the impact of our cross-border cooperation projects that are bringing real change to communities, businesses, and everyday life in both countries.

The governments of Estonia and Latvia are set to hold a joint session in Tartu this week, strengthening bilateral cooperation and highlighting shared achievements.

Before the session, the delegations will visit the Kuperjanov Infantry Battalion in Võru on Wednesday morning. Following the joint discussions, the prime ministers will hold a press conference. The working day will conclude with the award ceremony of the joint award of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Estonia and Latvia for the promotion of the Estonian and Latvian languages, taking place at Tartu Town Hall. The award will be handed over by Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, and Baiba Braže, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia.

Estonia–Latvia Programme participates to demonstrate the results and impact of our projects

We are proud to take part in this important event and showcase what our work has achieved for people, communities, and businesses across Estonia and Latvia. Through our co-funded projects, we have made a real impact on regional development and everyday life on both sides of the border.

In 2024, Estonia and Latvia celebrated 20 years of EU membership, including participation in Interreg cooperation programmes. Since our launch, we have supported 190 projects across three funding periods (2007–2013, 2014–2020, and 2021–2027), with more than 900 partners involved and a total ERDF co-funding of €98.6 million.

The programme has addressed a wide range of priorities, including:

  • improving mobility and connectivity for everyday life,
  • strengthening communities and cultural ties,
  • boosting tourism and SME growth,
  • advancing cross-border cooperation,
  • supporting nature protection and waste reduction.

We see every day how our projects are making real change in people’s lives, and that is why we believe our programme must continue beyond 2028. We are recognised as one of the EU’s best-performing cooperation frameworks, delivering tangible benefits such as business support, innovation, protection of natural and cultural heritage, improved mobility, and job creation.

Looking ahead, it is important for Estonia and Latvia to have a joint voice when negotiating the continuation of Interreg.
For us, this cooperation is essential for balanced growth, stronger cross-border ties, social cohesion, and resilience in border areas.

KATRIN JUHANSON

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