On 15 May this year, the first meeting of the European Union (EU) Home Affairs Funds 2021-2027 Monitoring Committee* was held at the European Union House to discuss the EU Funds’ investments in strengthening the internal security of Latvia so far and the objectives set for 2024.
Given that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the accession of Latvia to the EU, the discussions highlighted the growth of the home affairs sector thanks to significant EU financial support. The EU is also investing significant resources in strengthening the home affairs services of Latvia through the Internal Security Fund, the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Recovery Fund, the European Regional Development Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy.
The session took place in the framework of a visit by the Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) of the European Commission and was also attended by representatives of non-governmental organizations.
Giulia Camozzini from the DG HOME informed the participants about the EU priorities and their relation to the funding instruments as well as the changes in the EU laws and regulations.
Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior Kaspars Āboliņš thanked the European Commission for its significant financial support for strengthening internal security. He stressed that the European Union contributes not only to economic development, but also serves as a guarantor of security. Latvia appreciates the investment of the European Union’s home affairs funds, which enables the purchase of modern equipment and machinery for the internal affairs services, training of staff and other measures to strengthen the internal security of the country. Thanks to the cooperation between the European Commission and the Ministry of the Interior, Latvia has been able to respond successfully to new security challenges and provide a safe and stable environment for its citizens.
In turn, Inese Vilcāne, Senior Expert on Equal Opportunities at the Ministry of Welfare, informed about the importance of equality, inclusion, anti-discrimination and respect for fundamental rights in the process of implementing the EU home affairs funds.
The EU Home Affairs Funds Monitoring Committee will continue its active work, taking timely decisions to ensure the effective use of the EU funds.
* First meeting of the Monitoring Committee for the 2021-2027 programming period of the Internal Security Fund, the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (EU Home Affairs Funds).
Prepared by:
Ministry of the Interior
Communication Department