The Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027 marks a significant step toward fostering cross-border cooperation between Latvia and Lithuania. With the conclusion of the first Subsidy Contracts of the 2nd Call for Proposals three projects were supported, marking significant changes in strengthening of social inclusion through involvement of vulnerable groups in library activities, accelerating rehabilitation with innovative health solutions, improvement of access to social services in remote areas and enhancement of emergency preparedness for seniors.
33 projects of the 2nd Call of Proposals, with the total 13,437 million EUR of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) co-funding were approved by the Monitoring Committee of the Programme on 11-12 December 2024. In total, 66 projects have been approved for funding under the 1st and 2nd Call for Proposals, with a total commitment of 28,076 million EUR ERDF co-funding.
The Joint Secretariat will organise trainings focused on project reporting, communication and financial management for the newly started projects to support smooth and effective project implementation. The date of the event will be announced soon.
We extend our best wishes for successful implementation of new projects and strengthening of cooperation between Latvia and Lithuania, which fosters sustainable and cohesive socioeconomic development in the Programme regions.
Let’s explore the new projects and anticipate the positive impact they are set to achieve:
“EMERG”: Enhancing Social Services and Emergency Preparedness
The “EMERG” project aims to enhance social inclusion of seniors in remote areas by improving access to social services and activities, which support independent living in Akmene and Plunge regions in Lithuania and in Dobele and Augsdaugava regions in Latvia. The project will ensure a wide range of social services for seniors, such as different trainings for over 340 seniors and cross-border events for about 240 seniors, bilingual emergency guidelines, and training for social workers on evacuation strategies. It will offer training on emergency preparedness for seniors and several events to enhance quality of life for seniors and provide specialised transport and equipment. Local authorities will enhance their capacity to respond to emergencies and foster more inclusive and resilient communities. By enhancing emergency preparedness and social integration, the project will address gaps in the civil defence system and improve community-based services tailored to the seniors. The project will create stronger, more supportive communities and deepen cross-border cooperation in a changing geopolitical environment. Find out more about opportunities for seniors to improve their quality of life through expanded social services in remote areas and to enhance their emergency preparedness here.
“Wind of Change”: Enhancing Social Inclusion Through Libraries
The “Wind of Change” project is focused on fostering greater social inclusion and integration for people with disabilities and seniors in Ludza, Rokiškis, and Šiauliai, where poverty and exclusion rates are higher than average. It promotes involvement of seniors and people with disabilities in library activities. The project will develop 20 specialised programs, run 65 classes for people with disabilities and organise 30 sensory reading sessions, applying modern technologies and the STEAM approach. Over 100 educational and entertaining activities will be offered to engage seniors and strengthen community links. Moreover, the project will enhance accessibility for seniors at Ludza Library through construction of a lift, which will provide better access for individuals with mobility issues. The project activities will enhance social inclusion and improve the quality of life for these vulnerable groups, thus ultimately contributing to a fairer, more inclusive society. Cross-border cooperation will enable sharing of expertise and resources, enhancing accessibility to services, encouraging inclusion and fostering more connected and supportive communities in the partner municipalities. Explore more about libraries unique contribution to social inclusion here.
“SPEED UP”: Speeding Up Rehabilitation With Innovative Health Solutions
The “SPEED UP” project is dedicated to the creation of an innovative digital health solution which will accelerate the rehabilitation process and improve social inclusion of vulnerable groups, particularly children and seniors with physical and mental disabilities. By introducing advanced digital tools, the project will enhance participation, speed up recovery, and reduce the likelihood of relapse, ultimately supporting a smoother return to the society. The rehabilitation spaces of three institutions in Palanga and Kintai in Lithuania and Liepāja in Latvia will be equipped with innovative digital health solutions. The project will provide theoretical and practical training for specialists, create methodical manual and test the new approach with over 700 patients. In total 15 specialists will improve their qualifications, and more than 3 000 patients will benefit annually. In total 420 patients will participate in theoretical-practical trainings of rehabilitation as a prerequisite for better social inclusion. The cross-border cooperation will open possibilities to create innovative approaches for sustaining and increasing mental and physical health of vulnerable groups and will enhance medical collaboration. Learn more about innovative digital health solutions for speeding up rehabilitation of vulnerable groups here.
