Approved with Cabinet
Order No. 258
of 18 April 2016)
Development Co-operation Policy
Plan for 2016
I. Summary of the Plan
The Development Co-operation Policy Plan for 2016 (hereinafter
- the Plan) lays down the utilisation of the development
co-operation funding allocated in the budget of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. The Plan has been developed in accordance with
Section 6, Clause 1 of the Law On International Assistance.
In planning and implementation of the development co-operation
policy the Ministry of Foreign Affairs co-operates with the
responsible public administration institutions, non-governmental
organisations (hereinafter - NGOs), and social partners. In the
course of development of the Plan, the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs organised a meeting of the Consultative Council for
Development Co-operation Policy on 13 November 2015, during which
the society "Latvian Platform for Development Co-operation"
(hereinafter - the LPDC) expressed objections against
non-transparent process for inclusion of measures in the Plan.
Members of the Consultative Council do not decide on measures
included in the Plan.
EUR 451,400 were allocated in the budget of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs for implementation of bilateral development
co-operation in 2016.
By using these funds, firstly,
grant project tenders will be organised. A grant project tender
will be organised for implementation of development co-operation
projects to support the countries of the European Union
(hereinafter - the EU) Eastern Partnership - Georgia, Moldova,
and Ukraine, as well as Central Asian countries - Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. A tender will also be organised for the
allocation of co-funding to development co-operation and
development education projects implemented by NGOs, social
partners, and local governments, which have obtained funding from
the financial instruments provided for external activities of the
European Commission (hereinafter - the EC) and other providers of
international assistance.
Secondly,
long-term development co-operation projects will be implemented
according to the needs expressed by the partner countries and the
Latvian expert-examination and/or projects, for the
implementation of which co-funding of other donors in the amount
of at least 50 % will be attracted. The project for regional
development will be continued in Moldova. By attracting 50%
co-funding from the Emerging Donors Challenge Fund of the USA,
projects will be implemented for support to Ukraine in the field
of agriculture and anti-corruption, as well as for support to
Uzbekistan for improving the customs procedures. Support for
implementation of training programmes for representatives of the
European Neighbourhood Policy countries, Central Asian and
Western Balkan countries in Riga Graduate School of Law will be
continued; also scholarships for Ukrainian students at the
University of Latvia will be funded. A project will be
implemented by the State Audit Office of the Republic of Latvia
for support to Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine to strengthen the
Supreme Audit Institutions of these countries in establishment of
a transparent and efficient control system of State funds.
Funding will also be provided to ensure a wider participation of
Latvian experts in other international projects funded by
providers of international assistance.
Thirdly, to promote
public awareness and support to the development co-operation
objectives and policy, support will be provided to NGOs and the
Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments for
implementation of measures and projects, including through
participation in EU development co-operation platforms.
II. Characterisation of the
Current Situation
The Development Co-operation Policy Plan has been drawn up in
accordance with Section 6, Clause 1 of the Law On International
Assistance, and it lays down the utilisation of the development
co-operation funding allocated in the budget of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs for 2016. The Plan also includes a description of
the measures to be implemented.
EUR 451,400 were allocated in the budget of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs for implementation of bilateral development
co-operation in 2016, which is EUR 37,587 more than in 2015.
With the allocated funding the co-operation activities already
initiated will be continued and new development co-operation
initiatives will be supported.
The Development Co-operation Policy Plan for 2016 prioritises
implementation of bilateral and trilateral development
co-operation for support to the partner countries by supporting
also promotion of public awareness and support to the development
co-operation objectives and policy, including involvement of NGOs
and social partners, as much as possible.
In order to ensure sustainability and efficiency of the
assistance provided by Latvia, it is necessary to continue to
focus on certain priority countries and range of priorities, as
well as to develop the possibilities of co-operation with other
providers of international assistance.
In order to achieve more effective results of the measures
implemented and provide a significantly wider target audience of
projects and more varied opinions on the problems to be solved,
it is necessary to promote implementation of such development
co-operation projects and measures that contribute to
co-operation of Latvian State institutions, NGOs, private sector,
and social partners.
According to the recommendation made in the meeting of 14
October 2015 of the Economic Co-operation and Development
Organisation (OECD) Working Group on Bribery in International
Business Transactions, regarding the Latvian official development
assistance in implementation of the Development Co-operation
Policy Plan for 2016, appropriate measures for prevention of
bribery of foreign officials, detection and reporting thereof
will be ensured. Also, natural persons who have been convicted of
bribery, as well as legal persons who have been applied coercive
means due to bribery, will be excluded from implementation of
official development assistance projects.
Within the framework of the Development Co-operation Policy
Plan for 2016, firstly,
grant project tenders in the amount of EUR 115,800 will be
organised.
In response to the current political developments in the
neighbouring region, taking into account the Latvian foreign
policy priorities and according to EU and international
efficiency principles of assistance, in 2016 it is planned to
announce a grant project tender for the implementation of
projects for support to the EU Eastern Partnership countries -
Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, as well as to the Central Asian
states - Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The priority
areas of co-operation are determined on the basis of the previous
co-operation of Latvia and recognised experience of reforms, the
information provided by the Latvian embassies, and taking into
account the areas of co-operation set by the EU in these
countries. 50 % of the funding available in the grant project
tender are planned to be marked for implementation of projects of
NGOs and social partners. The grant project tender will be
announced in accordance with the Law On International Assistance
and Cabinet Regulation No. 2 of 5 January 2010, Procedures for
Implementation of Grant Project Tenders. (If within the scope of
the budget for 2016 additional funds are allocated for
implementation of grant project tenders, then these funds are
intended to be channelled for the implementation of projects for
support to Ukraine.)
In 2015 four grant projects were implemented from the State
budget programme "Development Co-operation Projects and
International Assistance", of which three projects were for
support to Moldova and one project for support to Georgia.
Similarly, in 2015 additional funding was allocated from the
State budget funds for unforeseen cases for support to Ukraine,
which made it possible to implement six grant projects in this
country. The grant projects funded in 2015 covered areas such as
promotion of economic development, support for the reform process
of local governments and regional development, for strengthening
capacity of the border police of partner countries, support to
the agricultural sector, strengthening of good governance and the
rule of law, support for civil society and public
participation.
Ensuring continuation of the practice commenced in 2012, in
2016 a grant project tender will be organised for allocating
co-funding to development co-operation and development education
projects implemented by NGOs, social partners, and local
governments, which have acquired funding from financial
instruments intended for the EC external actions and from other
providers of international assistance. The Plan provides for that
the amount of co-funding in 2016 is maintained at the level of
the previous year, primarily for support to the development
co-operation projects. In 2015 co-funding was allocated to two
projects in the field of development of education, which had
obtained funding from the EC. In 2015 no projects were submitted
for development co-operation projects. The grant project tender
will be announced in accordance with the Law On International
Assistance and Cabinet Regulation No. 2 of 5 January 2010,
Procedures for Implementation of Grant Project Tenders.
Secondly, long-term
development co-operation projects will be implemented according
to the needs expressed by the partner countries and the Latvian
expertise and/or projects, for the implementation of which
co-funding of other donors in the amount of at least 50 % will be
attracted. These projects will be implemented in the amount of
EUR 312,600.
The Development Co-operation Plan for 2016 provides for
allocation of funding for continuation of the project initiated
in 2012 by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional
Developmentt for support to Moldova in the field of regional
development. The successful results of the previous years in
the project implementation and the willingness expressed by
Moldova to continue the co-operation confirms the significance of
the contribution of Latvia in provision of long-term support to
Moldova in its reform process.
It is planned to continue two projects in co-operation with
the USA, which were commenced and successfully implemented in
2015 for support to Ukraine - the project implemented by the
Riga Graduate School of Law in the field of anti-corruption, and
the project implemented by the Latvian Rural Advisory and
Training Centre in the field of agriculture. It is planned
that the USA will participate in these two projects with a 50 %
co-funding.
Following up on the current situation in Ukraine, its European
integration efforts and processes of democratisation, it is
planned to continue the practice of 2015 by allocating funds
for scholarships for Ukrainian students at the University of
Latvia.
On the basis of long-term development co-operation with
partner countries implemented by the State Audit Office of the
Republic of Latvia since 2010, which is highly appreciated and
demanded by these countries, in 2016 it is planned to finance
a project for support to Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine to
strengthen the capacity of the Supreme Audit Institutions of
these countries in creation of a transparent and efficient
control system of public funds.
Taking into account the previous professional and highly
evaluated activity of the Latvian customs experts in Central
Asia, in 2015 it was planned to implement a project of the
State Revenue Service Customs Administration in Uzbekistan in
co-operation with the USA. Due to unforeseen circumstances with
respect to internal administrative procedures of the USA, as well
as complex and time-consuming project harmonisation process with
the customs of Uzbekistan, it was not possible to start the
project provided for in the Plan in 2015. The USA participates in
the project with a 50 % co-funding, therefore, taking into
account the situation and the interest of Latvia to implement the
project in Uzbekistan, financial support is intended for this
activity in the Plan in 2016.
The communique of the First Meeting of EU and Central Asian
Ministers for Education organised within the framework of the
Latvian Presidency of the Council of the EU outlines a
comprehensive framework for co-operation between the EU and
Central Asia in the field of higher and vocational education.
From 2015 to 2018 Latvia carries out the functions of the EU
co-ordinating country in the project "Central Asian Education
Platform" funded by the EC Directorate-General for Cooperation
Development, within the framework of which Latvian experts convey
their experience in development of education policy, methodology
and process organisation to Central Asian countries. Within the
framework of project activities Latvian education institutions,
State and private sector co-operation partners, as well as social
partners are visited, thereby giving an opportunity to develop
further development co-operation projects.
In evaluating the successful results of 2014 and 2015 and
substantial interest in the training programme offered by the
Riga Graduate School of Law, within the framework of the budget
for 2016 it is planned to continue to co-finance the training
programme for representatives of the European Neighbourhood
Policy countries, Central Asian and Western Balkan countries
regarding international policy, economic and legal matters,
including theoretical and practical training, as well as exchange
of experience in Latvian and EU institutions. The training
programme of the Riga Graduate School of Law is a dedicated
3-month programme that includes an intensive training course not
only in Riga, but also visits to Brussels and Luxembourg. In 2014
and 2015 already 70 representatives of public administration and
civil society were trained within the framework of this
programme. During this period of time, Latvia has provided
funding in the amount of EUR 319,550 for implementation of the
programme, attracting funding of other donors in the amount of
EUR 440,000, which accounts for 58 % of the total costs of the
programme. The quality of the programme is evaluated on a regular
basis and improved accordingly.
To find an opportunity within the framework of 2016 to respond
to the needs expressed by the partner countries, funding is
planned for involvement of Latvian experts in broader projects of
other donors, also by continuing the co-operation commenced
in 2015 with the representative office of the United Nations
Development Programme (hereinafter - the UNDP) in Uzbekistan. In
2015 within the framework of a broader project implemented by the
UNDP in Uzbekistan, a visit of Uzbek experts to Latvia took place
to get acquainted with the experience of the Ministry of Welfare
in social policy issues related to determination of disability
and rehabilitation. In 2016 it is intended to extend this type of
co-operation to other beneficiary countries for priority
areas.
Thirdly, to raise
public awareness and support to development co-operation
objectives and policy, support will be provided to NGOs and the
Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments in
implementation of measures and projects, including through
participation in development co-operation platforms. Measures and
projects will be implemented in the amount of EUR 23,000.
Taking into account the previous co-operation, it is planned
to continue to provide financial support to NGOs working in
the field of development co-operation and for strengthening their
capacity - for operation of the LPDC, evaluating the needs
expressed by the LPDC co-relating them with the possibilities of
the development co-operation budget. Support will be provided to
the LPDC capacity with the aim to organise and co-ordinate
thematic measures for informing the public, including for
implementation of sustainable development objectives, as well as
for continuing the measures undertaken within the framework of
the European Year for Development.
In examining the request of the Latvian Association of Local
and Regional Governments (hereinafter - the LALRG), funding
will be allocated for participation of the LALRG in the European
Platform for Local and Regional Governments for Development
"PLATFORMA" to continue awareness-raising of Latvian local
governments in development co-operation issues.
In the Development
Co-operation Policy Guidelines for 2016-2020 according to Section
5, Clause 6 of the Law On International Assistance, the Latvian
foreign policy priorities, and international principles of
efficiency of international assistance, it is planned to include
the criteria for inclusion of projects and financial support in
the annual Development Co-operation Policy Plan.
The Plan has been co-ordinated with Paragraph 62 of the
Declaration Regarding Intended Activities of the Cabinet Led by
Māris Kučinskis.
The Plan is linked to the priority "Security Capabilities" of
the Latvian National Development Plan 2014-2020 (hereinafter -
NDP) (Paragraph 339 of the NDP and justification document of the
indicative financial framework of NDP priorities, action
directions, and tasks), which lays down the following action -
tender regarding development co-operation and development
education projects and project co-funding for NGOs.
The Plan has been developed according the new global long-term
development framework approved by the UN member states in 2015 -
2030 Agenda. The 2030 Agenda replaces the Millennium Development
Goals adopted in 2000 and includes 17 sustainable development
objectives and implementation and monitoring tools thereof. The
new framework ensures interdependence of three dimensions of
sustainable development (economic, social, environmental), thus
providing for poverty eradication and economic growth that does
not harm the environment.
The Plan has also been harmonised with the Treaty of Lisbon
amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing
the European Community, signed at Lisbon on 13 December 2007 and
which states that the Union policy in the field of development
co-operation shall be conducted within the framework of the
principles and objectives of the Union's external action. The
Treaty also states that Union's development cooperation policy
and that of the Member States complement and reinforce each
other.
The Plan is based on the first European consensus European
Consensus on Development, adopted jointly by the Council of the
European Union, the European Parliament and the European
Commission on 20 December 2005, which is the first common
document of the Community institutions and Member States, which
lays down the action of the Commission and Member States in the
field of development policy.
The Plan is also based on the EU Agenda for Change, adopted in
2011, which is a strategy for poverty reduction, significantly
changing the way the EU assistance is provided, including
focusing assistance on fewer sectors, provision of assistance to
least developed countries, emphasis on human rights, democracy
and good governance, etc.
The objectives of the Latvian development co-operation funding
arise from the Addis Ababa Action Agenda adopted by the UN in
July 2015, and funding obligations approved within framework of
the EU. In conformity with these obligations, the EU and its
Member States must by 2030 allocate 0.7 % of gross national
income (hereinafter - GNI) to the development co-operation, of
which 0.2 % must be allocated to least developed countries.
According to the EU obligations Latvia shall allocate 0.33 % of
GNI for development co-operation by 2030. Currently the amount of
the Official Development Assistance provided by Latvia accounts
for 0.08 % of the GNI, which is EUR 19 million.
If, upon implementing the measures laid down in the plan for
2016, a situation arises when it is not possible to implement any
of the measures provided for in the Plan or funding from
implementation of the relevant measure has remained unutilised,
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall decide on utilisation of
the available funding in accordance with the Law On International
Assistance, according to the priority directions set out in the
Plan, also including the opportunity to provide additional
financial support for the co-funding tender, taking into account
its results. When deciding on the utilisation of the unutilised
funding, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall co-ordinate the
decision with the Consultative Council for Development
Co-operation Policy.
Objective of the Plan |
I. To implement the EU development co-operation
objectives according to the Latvian foreign policy priorities
and the specified development co-operation partner countries.
To promote sustainability of the Latvian development
co-operation policy. |
Result(s) and performance
indicator(s) of the policy |
Indicate the results of the policy referred to in the
guidelines or other development planning documents, and in
parentheses indicate the performance indicators at the end
of the activity of the plan
Development co-operation strengthens its role as an
integral part of the foreign policy of Latvia (Latvia
acquires additional efficient tools and mechanisms for the
establishment of bilateral relations with developing
countries and economies in transition; bilateral/trilateral
assistance funding increases).
Visibility of Latvia increases in the partner
countries and at wider international level (the volume
of projects implemented by Latvia in the EU
Eastern Partnership and Central Asian countries
increases).
Demand of the partner countries for Latvian expertise
increases (Latvian expertise and comparative advantages
are used in projects; experience and expertise of the
Latvian development co-operation implementers increases,
which allows them to successfully build joint projects with
other donors and to apply for membership in international
donor-funded projects).
The assistance provided by Latvia leaves a lasting
positive effect on sustainable development of the
beneficiary countries (the assistance provided by
Latvia becomes more efficient and meets the needs and
priorities of the beneficiary country; the number of
bilateral and trilateral assistance programmes increases
(against the proportion of projects); multiannual
commitments are introduced in funding of co-operation
programmes and projects).
|
1. Action direction |
Implementation of grant project tenders. |
No.
|
Measure
|
Result of
the activity
|
Performance indicator
|
Responsible institution
|
Jointly
responsible institutions
|
Term for
execution
(with accuracy of up to half a year)
|
Task of guidelines and its
no. (if applicable)
Strengthening the role of Latvia as a bilateral donor,
thus implementing the external policy interests of
Latvia. |
1.1.
|
Implementation of grant projects for support to the EU
Eastern Partnership countries - Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine,
as well as Central Asian countries - Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Grant funding will be available to all organisations in
accordance with Section 9, Clause 5 of the Law On
International Assistance. It is planned to mark 50 % of the
funding available in the grant project tender for
implementation of projects of NGOs and social partners.
A
representative, well-informed regarding the situation of
NGOs, will be involved in the commission for evaluation of
grant project tender for the assessment of NGO
projects.
In cases when the draft by-laws of the tender provide
for allocation of grants also to such projects, which will
qualify as State aid projects, the by-laws of the tender
will include the requirements for State aid control in
order to ensure conformity with the legal framework for
State aid.
The following
priority countries and sectors have been defined in the
grant project tender (the sectors have been selected
on the basis of the previous fields of co-operation, the
information provided by the embassies of Latvia and the
priorities of the EU for co-operation with the relevant
countries):
Georgia
1. Strengthening of good governance and rule of law
(reforms in public administration, acquisition of EU
funding, decentralisation of finances, and territorial
co-operation, etc.);
2. Economic development and agricultural
development;
3. Social protection and employment.
Moldova
1. Strengthening of good governance and rule of law;
2. Regional development, decentralisation of finances,
and territorial co-operation;
3. Support for development of democratic and civil
society; social protection; gender equality;
4. Economic development - improvement of the investment
climate and strengthening of export abilities, introduction
of international standards in export-oriented sectors.
Ukraine
1. Strengthening of good governance and rule of law;
2. Support to the development of democratic and civic
society;
3. Regional development, decentralisation of finances,
and territorial co-operation; development of agricultural
sector.
Kyrgyzstan
1. Strengthening of good governance and rule of law;
2. Economic development; rural development;
3. Social protection; gender equality; education;
4. Support to the development of democratic and civic
society.
Tajikistan
1. Strengthening of good governance and rule of law;
2. Economic development; rural development;
3. Social protection; gender equality; education;
4. Support to the development of democratic and civic
society.
Uzbekistan
1. Strengthening of good governance and rule of law;
2. Economic development; rural development;
3. Social protection; gender equality; education;
4. Support to the development of democratic and civic
society.
|
Funding has been allocated for
the implementation of 5-6 grant projects. |
Number of implemented
projects. |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Other institutions, depending on
the project tender results. |
31 December 2016 |
1.2.
|
Allocation of co-funding to NGOs and social partners,
which have acquired funding from providers of international
assistance, including EC, for implementation of development
co-operation and development education projects.
Priority will be given for support to development
co-operation projects. Co-funding for the projects will be
allocated by announcing a project tender.
|
Co-funding has been ensured for
8-10 projects. |
Number of implemented
projects. |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Depending on the tender
results. |
31 December 2016 |
2. Action direction |
Implementation of long-term development
co-operation projects according to the needs expressed by the
partner countries and the Latvian expertise and/or projects,
for the implementation of which co-funding of other donors in
the amount of at least 50 % will be attracted. |
No.
|
Measure
|
Result of
the activity
|
Performance indicator
|
Responsible institution
|
Jointly
responsible institutions
|
Term for
execution
(with accuracy of up to half a year)
|
Task of guidelines and its
no. (if applicable)
Strengthening the role of Latvia as a bilateral donor,
thus implementing the external policy interests of
Latvia. |
2.1.
|
A project implemented by the Ministry of Environmental
Protection and Regional Development for support to Northern
region of Moldova in the field of regional development.
The project with support of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs is being implemented since 2012.
|
1) A mentoring programme for the specialists of Northern
region of Moldova and its local governments (provisionally
20 people) has been implemented as regards issues topical
to the Moldovan specialists (including water management,
waste management, promotion of entrepreneurship,
development of tourism, etc.).
2) Methodological support has been ensured for the
development of regional tourism development strategies
(including attraction material), for the development,
implementation and evaluation of the regional development
strategy for 2016-2020, exchange of experience in matters
of entrepreneurial support at regional and local level has
been ensured (purposeful and efficient use of
resources).
3) In co-operation with the Latvian Rural Forum, support
has been provided for activation of non-governmental sector
for planning and implementation of development of
territories.
|
Project implemented. Number of
the trained representatives of Moldova. |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
The Ministry of Environmental
Protection and Regional Development and other competent
authorities (the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia,
planning regions), NGOs (including Latvian Rural Forum, the
Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments),
entrepreneurs. |
31 December 2016 |
2.2.
|
A project implemented by the Latvian Rural Advisory and
Training Centre for support to Ukraine in the field of
agriculture, attracting 50 % co-funding from the Emerging
Donors Challenge Fund of the USA.
Taking into account the current situation in Ukraine, it
is important for Latvia to support the reform process in
the agricultural sector and the related European
integration issues.
With this project it is expected to enhance economic
development of Ukraine, the development of the agricultural
sector and export capacity of agricultural products, based
on the experience of Latvia in its integration in the
EU.
|
Approximately 24 Ukrainian
specialists of agricultural sector management have been
trained in five training modules; training was attended by
Ukrainian agricultural sector policy-makers, specialists,
regional representatives, and non-governmental
representatives. |
Project implemented. Number of
the trained representatives of Ukraine. |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Latvian Rural Advisory and
Training Centre |
31 December 2016 |
2.3.
|
A project implemented by the Riga Graduate School of Law
for support to Ukraine in the field of anti-corruption,
attracting 50 % co-funding from the Emerging Donors
Challenge Fund of the USA.
Corruption issues are one of the most topical and
complicated challenges in Ukraine, therefore, it is
important to provide support in this area.
|
1) In co-operation with Ukrainian and Latvian experts a
training programme for representatives of the Ukrainian
civil society was created with the objective of creating
supervisory approaches/mechanisms for the anti-corruption
policy of Ukraine.
2) The created training programme within the framework
of the visit to Latvia will be acquired by approximately 20
persons - representatives of Ukrainian NGOs, the
government, parliament and media.
|
Project implemented. Number of
the trained representatives of Ukraine. |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Riga Graduate School of Law |
31 December 2016 |
2.4.
|
Scholarships for Ukrainian students at the University of
Latvia.
Taking into account the current situation in Ukraine, it
is particularly important for Latvia to support the reform
processes in Ukraine and its European integration efforts.
Investment in education is to be considered as a long-term
investment.
The academic and lecturer basis of the University of
Latvia provides an opportunity for foreign students,
including from Ukraine, to acquire academic programmes of
their interest.
It is expected to contribute with this project to the
development of democracy in Ukraine and professionalism of
future implementers of reform, as well as to promote
forming of bilateral contacts.
|
Approximately 15 Ukrainian
students have been trained. |
The number of trained Ukrainian
students. |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
University of Latvia |
31 December 2016 |
2.5.
|
A project implemented by the State Audit Office of the
Republic of Latvia for support to Georgia, Moldova, and
Ukraine to strengthen the capacity of the Supreme Audit
Institutions of these countries in creation of transparent
and efficient control system of public funds.
The project is implemented on the basis of the long-term
development co-operation with the partner countries
implemented by the State Audit Office of the Republic of
Latvia since 2010, which is highly appreciated and demanded
by these countries. The project is implemented in
collaboration with the Supreme Audit Institution of Sweden.
The project is co-financed by the State Audit Office of the
Republic of Latvia.
|
1) Within the framework of 4 seminars at least 80
representatives of Supreme Audit Institutions of Georgia,
Moldova, and Ukraine have been trained in adaptation of the
International Standards on Auditing (ISSAI); in matters of
institutional aspects of supreme audit institutions, etc.
2) Forum for Supreme Audit Institutions of Eastern
Region was implemented in Riga.
|
Project implemented.
Number of the trained representatives of Georgia,
Moldova and Ukraine.
|
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
State Audit Office of the
Republic of Latvia |
31 December 2016 |
2.6.
|
A project implemented by the Customs Board of the State
Revenue Service for support to the customs of Uzbekistan,
attracting 50% of the co-funding from the Emerging Donors
Challenge Fund of the USA.
The project was approved already in the Plan for 2015,
but due to the internal procedures of the USA, allocation
of co-funding was delayed, and an official agreement of the
Uzbek State Customs Committee for the plan of activities
provided for in the project was not received either, thus
it will be possible to start the project only in 2016.
|
1) Up to 40 Uzbek customs officials have been trained
regarding issues on improvement of customs control risk
governance, information systems for the provision of
efficient customs control.
2) Efficient risk governance system has been developed
with the support of the Latvian experts.
|
Project implemented.
Number of the trained representatives of Uzbekistan.
|
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Customs Board of the State
Revenue Service |
31 December 2016 |
2.7.
|
A training programme implemented by the Riga Graduate
School of Law for representatives of the European
Neighbourhood Policy countries, Central Asian and Western
Balkan countries.
The programme is implemented in co-operation with other
donors, including with Norway, Sweden, Luxembourg, and the
Netherlands.
In order to increase the presence of Latvia in the
priority co-operation regions - in the Eastern Partnership
and Central Asian countries, as well as to promote
stability and growth of the neighbouring region, a training
programme for the studies in Latvia of representatives of
public administration and civil society of the Eastern
Partnership and Central Asian countries was established in
2014. The training programme includes a course on the EU
and international economy, political and legal issues, and
ensures conveying of knowledge and experience of Latvia as
an EU Member State.
The 12-week course includes theoretical and practical
training, and exchange of experience in Latvian and EU
institutions.
The programme is coordinated by the Riga Graduate School
of Law, and it is implemented by a consortium of several
institutions of higher education - Riga Graduate School of
Law, the University of Latvia, Stockholm School of
Economics in Riga, the European Institute of Administration
(EIPA), and the Latvian Institute of International
Affairs.
The programme costs include airline tickets for the
participants, accommodation expenses, study visits to the
EU institutions, costs of preparation and course of the
programme (including Latvian and foreign lecturers),
etc.
|
10 representatives of the
Eastern Partnership and Central Asian countries have been
trained; four modules have been acquired, which include 12
courses on the EU and international law, economy, politics,
and financial issues. EU institutions in Brussels and
Luxembourg have been visited within the framework of
training. |
Number of the trained
representatives. |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Riga Graduate School of Law |
31 December 2016 |
2.8.
|
Involvement of Latvian experts in larger-scale projects
financed by other donors.
The funding is intended for finding an opportunity of
responding to the needs expressed by the partner countries
within the framework of 2016, through involvement of
Latvian experts in larger-scale projects of other
donors.
It is planned to continue the successful co-operation
with the representative office of the UNDP Programme in
Uzbekistan, started in 2015.
|
At least one project has been
implemented. |
Number of implemented projects.
Number of the trained representatives of the partner
countries.
|
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Depending on the project
implemented. |
31 December 2016 |
Objective of the plan |
II. To promote public awareness and support to
the development co-operation objectives and policy. |
Result(s) and performance
indicator(s) of the policy |
Indicate the results of the policy referred to in the
guidelines or other development planning documents, and in
parentheses indicate the performance indicators at the end
of the activity of the plan
Public awareness of the priorities of the Latvian
government in development co-operation is increased
(with the assistance of the implemented projects public
involvement in defining Latvian development co-operation
objectives and priorities is increasing).
Public support to the Latvian contribution in
development co-operation is increasing (the public is
informed regarding expenditure of State budget funds for
development co-operation, the public is informed regarding
the opportunities of participation in government-supported
development co-operation activities).
|
3. Action direction |
Raising of public awareness and support to the
development co-operation objectives and policy |
No.
|
Measure
|
Result of the activity
|
Performance indicator
|
Responsible institution
|
Jointly responsible
institutions
|
Execution deadline (with
accuracy of up to half a year)
|
Task of guidelines and its
no. (if applicable)
To promote public awareness regarding development
co-operation and involvement in determination of priority
areas and directions. |
3.1.
|
Support to the participation of the LPDC in the EU NGO
platform, support to capacity of the LPDC
with the objective to organise and co-ordinate public
information activities. |
1) annual membership fee of the European Confederation of
Relief and Development NGOs - CONCORD - EUR 1000;
2) thematic public information activities, including on
implementation of sustainable development objectives, have
been organised and co-ordinated, and the measures taken
within the framework of the European Year for Development
have been continued.
|
The number of public information measures implemented and
co-ordinated.
Number of persons informed/ involved.
|
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
LPDC |
31 December 2016 |
3.2.
|
Support to the participation of the Latvian Association of
Local and Regional Governments in the EU local government
platform, including for implementation of public information
measures. |
Participation in the EU local government platform, which
operates in the field of development co-operation.
The number of public (local government) information
measures implemented.
|
The number of public information
measures implemented and co-ordinated. |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Latvian Association of Local and
Regional Governments |
31 December 2016 |
3.3.
|
Informative, logistical and consular support to
activities/measures implemented by State administration
institutions, NGOs, and social partners in the field of
development co-operation. |
Support has been provided to 3-5 measures organised by NGOs
and social partners in the field of development
co-operation.
Also support has been provided to the Ministry of
Education and Science, ensuring duties of Latvia as a
co-ordinating country of the Central Asian education
platform.
|
The number of measures
supported. |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
State administration
institutions, NGOs, social partners |
31 December 2016 |
3.4.
|
Regular dialogue with State administrative institutions,
NGOs, local governments, and social partners regarding
development co-operation objectives and priorities of
Latvia:
● meetings of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the
LPDC in order to discuss the current co-operation
issues;
● discussion events on the current issues of the
development co-operation policy, involving NGOs, social
partners, State administrative and local government
representatives.
|
- Meetings with the LPDC 6-8 times a year.
- Two meetings of the Consultative Council for
Development Co-operation Policy have been convened.
- Expanded forum of the Consultative Council has been
convened.
|
Number of measures
implemented. |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Depending on the type of
measures. |
31 December 2016 |
3.5.
|
Co-operation with State administration institutions, NGOs,
local governments, and social partners in formulation of
positions of Latvia on current issues on the agenda of the
international development policy. |
Positions prepared by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs on international development
policy issues co-ordinated with the relevant institutions and
organisations (4-5 positions). |
Number of harmonised positions,
informative reports. |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
31 December 2016 |
3.6.
|
To
maintain a regular dialogue with the Saeima regarding
the objectives, priorities and action directions of the
development co-operation policy of Latvia. |
The Saeima participates
in defining of the objectives and priorities of the
development co-operation policy (1-2 meetings with
representatives of the Saeima). |
The number of meetings with
representatives of the Saeima. |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
31 December 2016 |
III. Territorial perspective
(not
topical)
IV. Impact assessment on the State
and local government budget
euro
|
|
|
|
The
medium-term budget framework funding planned in the law
|
Necessary
additional funding
|
Year of
carrying out the measure
(if carrying out of the measure has a time limit)
|
Task
|
Measure
|
Budget
programme
(sub-programme)
code and name
|
2016
|
2017
|
2018
|
2017
|
2018
|
2019
|
during
further period of time until completion of the
measure
(if carrying out has a time limit)
|
henceforth
every year
(if carrying out of the measure does not have a time
limit)
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
For execution of the funding plan,
total |
|
|
451,400
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
2016
|
including |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11. Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
|
451,400
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Task 1
Strengthening the role of
Latvia as a bilateral donor, thus implementing the external
policy interests of Latvia.
|
|
|
428,400
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
2016
|
|
Measure 1
Implementation of grant
projects for support to the EU Eastern Partnership
countries - Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and Central Asian
countries - Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
|
State budget programme of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07.00.00 "Development
Co-operation Projects and International Assistance" |
90,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
11.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measure 2
Allocation of co-funding to
NGOs, social partners, and local governments, which have
obtained funding from providers of international
assistance, including from the EC, for the implementation
of development co-operation and development education
projects.
|
State budget programme of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07.00.00 "Development
Co-operation Projects and International Assistance" |
25,800
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
11.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measure 3
A project implemented by the
Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional
Development for support to Northern region of Moldova in
the field of regional development.
|
State budget programme of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07.00.00 "Development
Co-operation Projects and International Assistance" |
20,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
11.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measure 4
A project implemented by the
Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre for support to
Ukraine in the field of agriculture, attracting 50 %
co-funding from the Emerging Donors Challenge Fund of the
USA.
|
State budget programme of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07.00.00 "Development
Co-operation Projects and International Assistance" |
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
11.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measure 5
A project implemented by the
Riga Graduate School of Law for support to Ukraine in the
field of anti-corruption, attracting 50 % co-funding from
the Emerging Donors Challenge Fund of the USA.
|
State budget programme of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07.00.00 "Development
Co-operation Projects and International Assistance" |
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
11.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measure 6
Scholarships for Ukrainian
students at the University of Latvia.
|
State budget programme of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07.00.00 "Development
Co-operation Projects and International Assistance" |
40,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
11.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measure 7
A project implemented by the
State Audit Office of the Republic of Latvia for support to
Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine to strengthen the Supreme
Audit Institutions of these countries.
|
State budget programme of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07.00.00 "Development
Co-operation Projects and International Assistance" |
34,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
11.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measure 8
A project implemented by the
Customs Board of the State Revenue Service for support to
the customs of Uzbekistan, attracting 50% of the co-funding
from the Emerging Donors Challenge Fund of the USA.
|
State budget programme of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07.00.00 "Development
Co-operation Projects and International Assistance" |
50,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
11.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measure 9
A training programme
implemented by the Riga Graduate School of Law for
representatives of the European Neighbourhood Policy
countries, Central Asian and Western Balkan countries.
|
State budget programme of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07.00.00 "Development
Co-operation Projects and International Assistance" |
110,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
11.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measure 10
Involvement of Latvian experts
in larger-scale projects financed by other donors.
|
State budget programme of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07.00.00 "Development
Co-operation Projects and International Assistance" |
8600
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
11.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Task 2
Promotion of public awareness
and support for the development co-operation objectives and
policy.
|
|
|
23,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measure 11
Support to membership of the
LPDC in the EU NGO platform, support to the LPDC capacity
with the objective to organise and co-ordinate public
information activities.
|
State budget programme of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07.00.00 "Development
Co-operation Projects and International Assistance" |
19,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
11.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measure 12
Support to the participation
of the Latvian Association of Local and Regional
Governments in the EU local government platform, including
for implementation of public information measures.
|
State budget programme of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07.00.00 "Development
Co-operation Projects and International Assistance" |
4,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
11.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|