Latvia too Bolster Emergency Shelters with EU funding
Riga, Latvia – In a move to enhance civil defence capabilities, Latvia is set to convert premises in 570 buildings into emergency shelters. The initiative is backed by 22.19 million euros (25.07 million U.S. dollars) in co-funding from the European regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Key Investments and Approvals
The Latvian government approved a list of eligible properties on Tuesday, paving the way for owners to access ERDF funding. The breakdown includes:
- 453 municipal buildings
- 117 state-owned buildings
This investment aims to fortify the nation’s infrastructure against potential hazards.
Upgrading to Third-Category Standards
The ERDF funding will facilitate the reconstruction or renovation of existing spaces to meet stringent third-category emergency shelter standards. These standards are designed to provide robust protection against a range of threats, including explosions and natural disasters.
Extensive Survey and Identification
The State Fire and Rescue Service played a crucial role in identifying suitable properties. They surveyed over 3,000 state and municipal properties across Latvia and pinpointed more than 1,600 buildings with basements that are well-suited for conversion into emergency shelters.
Legislative Framework
The initiative is underpinned by recent legislative changes. On April 30,the Latvian parliament adopted amendments to the Civil Protection and Disaster Management Law. These amendments mandate the construction of emergency shelters in specific types of buildings and establish clear regulations for their development and use.
The Latvian parliament adopted amendments to the Civil Protection and Disaster Management Law, mandating the construction of emergency shelters in specific types of buildings and setting regulations for the development and use of shelters.
Latvian Parliament
Expert Insights
Experts emphasize the importance of these shelters in enhancing national resilience. By upgrading existing infrastructure and establishing clear guidelines, Latvia is taking proactive steps to protect its citizens in times of crisis.
