European Union (EU) funding is available to Latvia in the form of EU funds. 6 (six) The main types of EU funds are:

1. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF);

2. The European Social Fund (ESF);

3. The Cohesion Fund (CF);

4. The European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF);

5. The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD);

6. European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).

1. The management of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF) in Latvia shall be ensuredMinistry of Finance.

Central Finance and Contracting Agency(CFLA) perform the functions of the Co-operation Authority and administer projects co-financed by these Funds.

The CFLA shall ensure the practical implementation of the funds in cooperation with industry ministries:

• Ministry of Economy,
• Ministry of Education and Science,
• Ministry of Justice,
• Ministry of Agriculture,
• Ministry of Culture,
• Ministry of Welfare,
• Ministry of Transport,
• Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development,
• The Ministry of Health,
• State Kanceleju.

The CFLA shall provide the necessary information on the preparation of the project application or available support facilities for EU funds.

The CFLA shall:

• organisation of the selection of project applications,
• the conclusion of contracts,
• monitoring the implementation of projects,
• functions for making payments, etc.

It is possible to contact the CFLA not only in writing or in telephones, but also in presence, in customer service centres in Riga and in the regions.

More detailed information availableCFLAon the website sectionContacts.

2. The European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF), the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) shall be administered in LatviaMinistry of AgricultureandRural Support Service(LAD).

The LAD administers State aid and European Union aid for rural, agricultural, forestry and fisheries:

• accept and evaluate applications for aid,
• take a decision on the allocation or refusal to grant it,
• decide whether or not to pay the aid,
• keeping records of the aid paid and checking the use,
• advise clients and perform other functions.

It is possible to contact LAD in writing or by telephone, as well as in the presence of customer service centres in Riga and regions.

More detailed information availableLADon the website sectionContacts.

3. The European Social Fund (ESF) aims to promote employment in the Member States of the European Union, to eliminate all forms of discrimination and inequalities in the labour market, and to develop human resources and to promote the creation of an information society.

ESF funding is intended for the following measures:

• the development of local employment, including the development and promotion of active labour market policies,
• preventing long-term unemployment, promoting the integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market and supporting the vocational integration of young people;
• equality between women and men in the field of employment;
• promoting equal access to the labour market for all, with a particular focus on social exclusion risk groups;
• training for improving the education and counselling system to promote lifelong learning with a view to promoting the development of a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce, creating entrepreneurial conditions for new jobs and strengthening skills, etc.

The European Social Fund (ESF) aims to promote employment in the Member States of the European Union, to eliminate all forms of discrimination and inequalities in the labour market, and to develop human resources and to promote the creation of an information society.

4. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) provides assistance to the less developed regions, focusing mainly on improving public infrastructure and promoting entrepreneurship.

ERDF funding is intended for the following measures:

• the development and competitiveness of the business environment, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises;
• the preservation of the local economy, including tourism and cultural heritage;
• research and technological development;
• the development of local, regional transport, telecommunications and energy networks and their adjacent infrastructure;
• the protection and development of the environment;
• raising potential in research, science and technology, etc.

5. The Cohesion Fund (CF) aims to align existing economic and social disparities between countries. It is designed to finance large-scale infrastructure development activities (projects) in the field of environmental protection and transport.

The priorities of the CF in the environmental sector in Latvia are:

• water management infrastructure and services;
• waste management;
• promoting environmental infrastructure and environmentally friendly energy.

The KF's priorities in the field of transport in Latvia are:

• The development of the trans-European transport network;
• sustainable transport development;
• development of road, urban transport, rail, port and airport infrastructure.

6. The European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) funds mainly direct payments to farmers and measures to regulate or support the agricultural market.

7. The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) is linked to the European Union's (EU) rural development policy, financed through the financial resources of this Fund, to help rural areas solve the various economic, environmental and social challenges we face in the 21 st century. This policy and funding complement the direct payments system for farmers and the management measures for agricultural markets. The funding of this fund in Latvia is closely linked toRural Development Programmes (RDPs)measures implemented within the framework.

8. The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) is linked to the European Union's (EU) Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which aims to ensure that fisheries and aquaculture are ecological, economically and socially sustainable sectors that provide healthy food for EU citizens; the aim is a dynamic fisheries sector and a sufficiently high standard of living in fishing-related communities. The funding of this fund in Latvia is closely linked toAction programmes for fisheries development (ZRP)measures implemented within the framework.

For citizens, the information resources of the following institutions are useful for receiving and seeking support from European Union (EU) funds:

• Central Financial and Contract Agencies (CFLA)website SectionEU funds 2014-2020for projects and programmes implemented with support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF) or the Cohesion Fund (CF). Information on the announced selections can be found in the section of the CFLA website.Announced selectionson the other handProject implementationthe program information section is grouped according to the priority directions. Also availableCFLA Customer Service Centers Consultation.
• Financial Institutions ALTUMsection of the website for citizens, such as support for energy efficiency in houses.
• Ministries of Education and Sciencewebsite SectionEU Structural Funds.
• Ministries of Welfarewebsite Section2014-2020 period.
• Section of the website of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA)funds, including the section of the LIAA Business Inhibitors websitePre-fillingavailable information in support of the ideas of establishment.
• National Employment Agencieswebsite SectionESF PROJECTS (2014-2020)available information on the support of EU funds for the unemployed.
• State Education Development Agencieswebsite SectionPupils,Students,Adults.

Information on the process of searching for, announcing and implementing opportunities for citizens from EU funds is also available in the context of this life.The process of searching for opportunities, announcing and implementing projects for citizens, entrepreneurs, non-governmental organisations, scientific institutions and researchers.

If you are a farmer (a natural person), you are also helpful in this section of the life situationReceiving co-financing of European Union funds for farmers, rural entrepreneurs and fish farmers, as well asProcess for searching for opportunities, announcing and implementing projects for farmers, rural entrepreneurs and fish farmers.

The information resources of the following institutions are useful for receiving and seeking support from European Union (EU) funds:

• Central Financial and Contract Agencies (CFLA)website SectionEU funds 2014-2020for projects and programmes implemented with support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF) or the Cohesion Fund (CF). Information on the announced selections can be found in the section of the CFLA website.Announced selectionson the other handProject implementationthe program information section is grouped according to the priority directions. Also availableCFLA Customer Service Centers Consultation.
• European Business Support Networkwebsite SectionAccess to fundinggathering information on EU support programmes (e.g. ERASMUS for young entrepreneurs, EUREKA, EUROSTARS-2, Horizon 2020, INTERREG, etc.).
• Ministries of Economywebsite SectionInnovation,Promoting the competitiveness of small and medium-sized operators,Energy and energy efficiency.
• Financial Institutions ALTUMbusiness start-ups, Business Entrepreneurs, Venture Capital for Business Entrepreneurs.
• Ministries of Education and Sciencewebsite SectionEU Structural Funds.
• Ministries of Welfarewebsite Section2014-2020 period.
• Latvian Employers' Confederationswebsite SectionProjects.
• Investment and Development Agency of Latvias (LIAA) website sectionfundsavailable information on training activities for economic operators to improve innovation management capacity and accelerate business growth, competitiveness, development of new products and technologies, training of employees, including the section of the website of the LIAA Business InhibitorsIncubation(for business development support).
• Rural Support Servicewebsite SectionTypes of aidwhere information is available to rural operators on the aid available, including the LEADER programme.
• National Employment Agencieswebsite SectionESF PROJECTS (2014-2020)available information on the support of EU funds to employers.
• Ministries of Transportwebsite Section2014-2020 programming period.
• National labour inspectorateswebsite SectionSupport for employersin the context of the proposed aid for business operators to organise the working environment within the company.
• State Education Development Agencieswebsite SectionSmall, medium-sized enterprises, foundations and associationswhich summarises information on EU support programmes (e.g. Horizon 2020, Erasmus + Strategic Partnerships, Nordplus programme, etc.).

Information on the process of searching for, announcing and implementing EU funds is available to entrepreneurs in the context of this life.The process of searching for opportunities, announcing and implementing projects for citizens, entrepreneurs, non-governmental organisations, scientific institutions and researchers.

If you are a rural entrepreneur, there is also a useful section of this life situation for youReceiving co-financing of European Union funds for farmers, rural entrepreneurs and fish farmers, as well asProcess for searching for opportunities, announcing and implementing projects for farmers, rural entrepreneurs and fish farmers.

For non-governmental organisations, the information resources of the following institutions are useful for supporting and seeking European Union (EU) funds:

• Central Financial and Contract Agencies (CFLA)website SectionEU funds 2014-2020for projects and programmes implemented with support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF) or the Cohesion Fund (CF). Information on the announced selections can be found in the section of the CFLA website.Announced selectionson the other handProject implementationthe program information section is grouped according to the priority directions. Also availableCFLA Customer Service Centers Consultation.
• Ministries of Education and Sciencewebsite SectionEU Structural Funds.
• Latvian Employers' Confederationswebsite SectionProjects.
• Website section of the Latvian Investment and Development Agencyfundsavailable information on the promotion of international competitiveness.
• National Employment Agencieswebsite SectionESF PROJECTS (2014-2020)available information on the support of EU funds to non-governmental organisations.
• State Education Development AgenciessectionSmall, medium-sized enterprises, foundations and associationsgathering information on EU support programmes (e.g. Erasmus + Strategic Partnerships, Nordplus, Erasmus + Mobility, etc.).

Information on the process of searching for, announcing and implementing opportunities for EU funds for non-governmental organisations is available in the context of this life.The process of searching for opportunities, announcing and implementing projects for citizens, entrepreneurs, non-governmental organisations, scientific institutions and researchers.

For scientific institutions and researchers, the information resources of the following institutions are useful for supporting and seeking European Union (EU) funds:

• Central Financial and Contract Agencies (CFLA)website SectionEU funds 2014-2020for projects and programmes implemented with support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF) or the Cohesion Fund (CF). Information on the announced selections can be found in the section of the CFLA website.Announced selectionson the other handProject implementationthe program information section is grouped according to the priority directions. Also availableCFLA Customer Service Centers Consultation.
• Ministries of Economywebsite SectionInnovation.
• Ministries of Education and Sciencewebsite SectionEU Structural Funds.
• Section of the website of the Latvian Investment and Development Agencyfundsavailable information related to the commercialisation of research results.
• State Education Development Agencieswebsite SectionScientific bodies,Scientistswhich summarises information on EU support programmes (e.g. Horizon 2020, Eurydice, Post-doctoral Research Support, etc.).

Information on the process of searching for, announcing and implementing opportunities for EU funds for scientific institutions and researchers can be found in the context of this life.The process of searching for opportunities, announcing and implementing projects for citizens, entrepreneurs, non-governmental organisations, scientific institutions and researchers.

For farmers and fishers, information resources from the following authorities are useful for supporting and seeking European Union (EU) funds:

1. Financial Institutions ALTUMwebsite SectionFor farmers.
2. LADwebsite SectionTypes of aidwhere information is available to rural operators on the aid available, including the LEADER programme.
3. Rural Support Service(LAD) website section “Rural Development Programme (RAP) Investment Measures 2014-2020'and'Action Programme for Fisheries Development (ZRP) Support Measures 2014-2020'where farmers and fish farmers may apply for measures implementing programmes.
4. Ministry of Agriculturewebsite Sectiondirect payments from 2015in the context of support from the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF).

Information on the process of searching for opportunities for EU funds, announcing and implementing projects for farmers, rural entrepreneurs and fish farmers can be found in the context of this life.Process for searching for opportunities, announcing and implementing projects for farmers, rural entrepreneurs and fish farmers.

The funding of the European Union (EU) funds is additional support that can help you achieve the objective of your project.

It should be noted that the prerequisites for a successful project are:

• a good project idea,
• it is a clear goal and the results to be achieved.

There are two types of project selections:

• open selection, within the framework of which an equal competition is taking place between project applicants for the approval of the project application;
• limited selection where a project applicant or a range of applicants has been identified in advance. In this case, all project applications that meet the criteria shall be approved and financed.

Steps of the process to start the implementation of a project related to projects and programmes financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF):

1. The search for EU funds for projects and programmes financed by the ERDF, the ESF and the CF can be carried out on the website of the Central Financial and Contract Agency (CFLA).EU funds 2014-2020, as well as in consultationCFLA in Customer Service Centers. Information on the announced selections can be found in the section of the CFLA website.Announced selectionson the other handProject implementationin the section, information on programmes is grouped according to priority axes, such as the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises, education, skills and lifelong learning.

On the CFLA website, information is available on all project selections announced, project implementation conditions and all documentation related to the preparation of the project application to be submitted to participate in the selection of project applications.

2. By electronic means, you can prepare and submit a project application and related documentationInformation system for the management of cohesion policy funds(KPVIS). More detailed information on how to become a user of this system is availableCFLAin the section of the website:How to become a user of EU funds projects e-environment (KPVIS).You may also receive advice on the use of THE KPVIS system.CFLA customer service centres in Riga and regions.

The CFLA guide for using THE KPVIS system is also available in video format.

3. If you acquire the right to implement the project as part of the selection of projects, you shall, during the implementation phase, implement the objectives referred to in the project application while ensuring the preparation and submission of the necessary documents (e.g. procurement plans, information on project progress and payment requests) to the liaison body:CFLA.CFLAeach project has its own project manager following the implementation of the project and is prepared to provide support and answer questions of interest to you regarding the implementation of the project.

It should be noted thatCFLAas well as other institutions administering EU funds, not only provide consultative support but also carry out project inspections to make sure that EU funds are used in line with the objectives of the project and that European taxpayers' money is invested in a targeted and prudent manner.

The process steps to start the implementation of the project would receive support related to projects and programmes financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF), the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), support measures:

1. Search for European Union (EU) fundsRural Support Service (LAD)on the website sectionTypes of aidin which it is possible to seek aid financing on a variable basis, such as industry, programme, beneficiary of aid.

The projects and programmes financed by the EAFRD and the EMFF can also be consulted.Rural Support Service(LAD) under the heading of the website “Rural Development Programme (RAP) Investment Measures 2014-2020'and'Action Programme for Fisheries Development (ZRP) Support Measures 2014-2020”.

The sections shall contain information on all measures covered by the programmes, the conditions for their implementation and the necessary documentation for submitting the application.

2. You can publish a statement on the recipient's procurement procedureOn the website of the Procurement Monitoring Bureau, usingPublishing management system. For more information on publishing messages from beneficiaries, see portalLatvija.lva description of the life situationProcurement and statistics'under the heading'How to publish a statement on the procurement procedure of the beneficiary“.

3. By electronic means, you can prepare and submit a project application and related documentationE-application system (EPS)in the case of most aid measures (if there is no possibility of submitting an application dossier electronically for a specific type of aid, you may submit it in paper format.LAD in Customer Service Centers).

More detailed information on how to become a user of this system is availableLADin the section of the website:How to become an EPS user.

4. If you acquire the right to implement the project as part of the selection of projects, you shall, during the implementation phase, implement the objectives referred to in the project application while ensuring the preparation and submission of the necessary documents (e.g. procurement plans, information on project progress and payment requests) to the Co-operation Authority – LAD.

Other useful e-services related to receiving funding from European Union (EU) funds and submitting and implementing project applications, participation in programmes and projects co-financed by EU funds:

1. Secure electronic signature (e-Signature): electronic signature of documents related to the submission of a project application, project implementation, participation in projects co-financed by EU funds, programmes. More detailed information is available in the life situationSigning documents with a secure electronic signature.

2. Official electronic address orE-address– secure and convenient communication with the national authorities that administer and monitor the funding of EU funds. More detailed information about the e-address is available on the portalLatvija.lvsectionE-address issues.

3. Verification of the tax status - for electronic verification of the tax status. More detailed information is available on the portalLatvija.lvon the service card 'Checking the tax status”.

4. Application to the Authority for submitting requests, complaints, proposals or questions to the relevant authority on issues related to, for example, project implementation, receipt of EU funds or participation in projects, use the portal for programmes co-financed by EU fundsLatvija.lvavailable e-service “Application to the Authority”.

5. Please use e-service for communication with authoritiesE-address.