The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in areas that have a direct impact on everyday life in border regions. Topics discussed included cross‑border public transport, healthcare services in the Valga-Valka area, crisis preparedness and civil protection, security issues related to unmanned aerial vehicles, food security and crisis‑time supply chains, prevention of African swine fever, as well as environmental, spatial planning and technical cooperation along the border.
Cross‑border cooperation in practice
Many of the issues addressed at the meeting highlighted the reality that challenges in border regions do not stop at national borders. In crisis situations, the movement of people, rescue operations and the delivery of assistance may involve both countries. Similarly, access to services such as healthcare and public transport in border areas depends on close cooperation between authorities and service providers on both sides of the border.
The meeting underlined the importance of agreed contacts, information exchange, joint planning and cooperation between national, regional and local actors. It also demonstrated the role of long‑term dialogue and coordination in ensuring that cross‑border services and responses function effectively in practice.
The role of the Interreg Estonia-Latvia Programme
The Interreg Estonia-Latvia Programme provides a framework that supports this type of cross‑border cooperation. The Programme is designed to help Estonian and Latvian partners work together to address shared challenges in the border area and to develop joint solutions that bring clear cross‑border added value.
Through its priorities, the Programme focuses on strengthening cooperation between regions and institutions, supporting the development of joint solutions and services, and contributing to a more sustainable and resilient programme area. By encouraging partners to cooperate across borders, the Programme helps reduce administrative and practical barriers that affect people living and working in border regions.
The Programme supports cooperation in fields that are particularly relevant in border areas, such as mobility, safety, health and environmental management, where coordinated approaches are essential and national solutions alone are often not sufficient.
Supporting long‑term cooperation
The Estonia-Latvia and Latvia-Estonia intergovernmental commissions have been operating since 2004 with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation, supporting regional development and finding joint solutions to cross‑border challenges. The Interreg Estonia-Latvia Programme complements this work by enabling cooperation at operational level, involving regional and local partners who implement joint activities and develop practical solutions on the ground.
Strong cross‑border cooperation helps improve connections, increase security and enhance everyday life for people on both sides of the border. The discussions in Pärnu once again demonstrated the importance of sustained cooperation and shared responsibility in addressing common challenges. The next joint meeting of the intergovernmental commissions will take place in Latvia, following the established rotation principle.
The Estonia-Latvia and Latvia-Estonia intergovernmental meeting, 22.05.2026, Pärnu, Estonia. Photos by Karoliine Aus.
