On 15 October 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers took a decision to allocate financial resources to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance in the amount of EUR 1 736 000 from funding previously earmarked for this purpose in this year’s State budget for measures of comprehensive support and reconstruction of Ukraine.
Russia’s war of aggression continues, with Russia carrying out targeted attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure, including civilian and energy. The Agreement between Latvia and Ukraine on long-term support and security commitments signed this past April 11 sets out Latvia’s commitments to reconstruction of Ukraine and specific areas of support. The support measures approved today are yet another step towards achieving the objectives of the bilateral security commitments. They are also in line with the current needs highlighted in the Ukraine Peace Formula.
Given the approaching winter and damage to energy infrastructure under the crisis conditions, the Cabinet has supported measures to strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s energy sector and Ukrainian society during the winter months. Support also focuses on promoting human rights protection, civilian mine clearance, support for Ukraine’s EU integration reforms, as well as Ukraine’s involvement in strengthening global food security. The funding granted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will mainly cover contributions paid to international organisations for their programmes that ensure achievement of the relevant objectives. Those include the United Nations programmes and bodies, the international Energy Community’s Ukraine Energy Support Fund, the Council of Europe’s Register of Damage, the World Health Organisation, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, The Halo Trust, and the Grain from Ukraine programme.
EUR 100 000 is allocated to the Centre MARTA association for the reconstruction of premises at the Ukrainian Ombudsman’s Centre for the Protection of Human Rights in Chernihiv in accordance with a request from the Chernihiv Region Administration. The Centre MARTA project is administered by the Central Finance and Contracts Agency (CFLA), thereby expanding Latvia’s involvement in the reconstruction of the Chernihiv Region.
EUR 250 000 is allocated to the Ministry of Finance for contributing to the World Bank’s “The Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund” towards Ukraine’s macro-financial and reform support.
Background information
Since autumn 2022, Latvia has been involved in the reconstruction of Ukraine, notably in Chernihiv Region: Latvia is engaged in the restoration of social infrastructure to improve the quality of life of the Ukrainian people. Provision of comprehensive support to Ukraine, including contributions to international institutions and involvement in the reconstruction of Ukraine in the long term, is one of the priority activities of Latvia’s foreign policy.
