The information comes from a plan for the development of the Eastern border for the years 2025-2027 developed by the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM).
"The purpose of the plan is to promote the region's security, quality of life, economic growth and competitiveness, strengthen security and increase crisis resilience. The information space will be strengthened and the production of dual-use products will be planned," said the ministry.
One of the key priorities is "ensuring the operation of six military bases and 550 soldiers of the National Defense Service placed in the Latgale region" as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russia borders Latgale region. However, the plan appears to refer to strengthening and upgrading existing bases rather than constructing new ones.
What are new will be seven dedicated disaster management centers, plus no fewer than 25 storage areas for "anti-mobility" infrastructure that could be deployed on the eastern border quickly if necessary.
In total, 476 million euros have been allocated to 53 measures, providing for investments in the fields of security, economy and human resources.
Taking into account the geopolitical situation on the Eastern border of the EU after Russia's full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, it is planned to:
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build 7 new disaster management centers in the Eastern border area;
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create depots of anti-mobility materials (e.g. tank obstacles) in 25 locations, providing more than 100 jobs for local residents;
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provide 6 military bases and deploy 550 National Defense Service soldiers in the Latgale region;
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produce dual-use products [exactly what these are is not specified but usually refers to things with both military and civilian applications such as the 'dragon's teeth' anti-mobility blocks made in Daugavpils], strengthening the region's crisis preparedness and deterrence capabilities, as well as business opportunities;
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to strengthen the information space for crisis management and strengthen non-governmental organizations,
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increase the number of visits by senior government officials to the Eastern border, improving communications and talking to the people on the ground about how to improve policy implementation and better meet their needs.
The plan envisages creating 712 new jobs and attracting 56.9 million euros of private investment in the industrial park and infrastructure, as well as provide support to 34 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within an innovation cluster program. It is planned to provide loans to exporting companies and investments to promote agricultural competitiveness.
Access to services and infrastructure will be improved for 30% of residents of rural areas, open areas in the urban environment will be developed, as well as a housing construction model with rent subsidies and energy efficiency of buildings will be improved, the ministry estimates.
Improvement of 34 km of highways, reconstruction of Vienības bridge [an important crossing of the River Daugava in Daugavpils] and purchase of 18 emission-free vehicles for municipalities for the development of transport infrastructure. Investments will also be made in the development of the region's broadband network.
The plan also hopes to attract 95 people who have left to live abroad to return to Latgale per year.
The Ministry invites the public to express their opinion on the action plan and suggest amendments or proposals for the improvement of the plan until November 27 .
The summary of the Action Plan can be found here.
