With the support of the EU, Riga municipality has implemented projects worth almost 700 million euros – European Union

Since Latvia’s accession to the European Union (EU) on May 1, 2004, various projects in traffic infrastructure, building insulation, education, health and other areas in the amount of 688 million euros have been implemented in Riga municipality with the support of EU funds, including direct support to the municipality of approximately 381 million euros .

“Our country Latvia has been a full member of the European Union for 20 years. This time has been full of challenges and opportunities, realizing many important projects together. Thanks to the co-financing of EU funds, we have modernized the infrastructure in Riga, making life more comfortable for Riga residents, creating new opportunities for business and tourism. Repaired bridges, new highways, new trams, reconstructed parks, dozens of renovated and insulated buildings, modernized schools – we can see the fruits of joint work almost at every step. Of course, we should also mention the countless projects that are not immediately visible, but make a significant contribution to development – investments in the fields of education and research, as well as providing access to the latest technologies. All this has strengthened our city’s ability to compete in the global market and promoted the development of new talent. The implementation of various ambitious projects continues and soon every Riga resident and city visitor will be able to feel even more benefits from our location in the common family of European countries,” emphasizes Riga Mayor Vilnis Ķirsis.

Traffic infrastructure

Riga municipality has managed to attract 115 million euros of EU co-financing for the construction of bridges and roads:

• Reconstruction of the island bridge complex;

• Sarkandaugava overpass over the railway line Riga – Skulte;

• Eastern Highway;

• Brass transmission;

• Cultural and sports quarter in the vicinity of Grīziņkalns;

On the other hand, the municipal company “Rīgas satiksme” received 65 million EU co-financing for the development of public transport:

• for the purchase of low-floor trams and the construction of infrastructure;

• for the purchase of electric buses;

• hydrogen production plant;

• electric charging stations.

Properties

For the renovation and insulation of various municipal buildings – schools, cultural institutions, etc., co-financing in the amount of approximately 44 million euros has been received from the EU:

• restoration of the Latvian National Art Museum;

• reconstruction of VEF Palace of Culture;

• Insulation of schools, kindergartens, etc. buildings;

• Renovation of the Vidzeme administration building of the Riga municipal police;

• renovation of the Riga sports arena;

• Renovation of the Latvian shooting range;

• New science corps and cabinets in schools.

Urban environment

Attracting more than 20 million euros of EU co-financing, residents of Riga and guests of the city got several renovated areas to relax and spend their free time:

• Grīziņkalns Park;

• Flower garden;

• Garden of Peace;

• Cleaning of the former garbage dump on Deglava street;

• Cleanup of the former garbage dump on Kleiste Street;

• Renovation of Spīķeri quarter;

• Creation of the Bolderāja anti-flood dam and improvement of the territory;

• Nature Park “Piejura” walking trails and other infrastructure;

• “Wooden Riga” – strengthening the tourism potential of the cultural and historical heritage of Grīziņkalns.

Water management, heat supply and waste

The EU’s contribution to the development of Riga’s water management during these years was approximately 106 million euros. The largest projects of the municipal company “Rīgas udes”:

• Construction and expansion of city networks in Vecāki, Mežaparki, Mārupe (part of Riga) and/or Bierini, Šampēteri, Dārzciem, Katlakalni, Bolderāi, Bergi, Imanta, Beberbeki, Ziepniekalni and Teika;

• Construction of a new water treatment station in Baltezers and reconstruction of the pumping station “Baltezers -1”;

• Construction of the postal tunnel collector from Vairoga Street to Gaujas Street;

• Construction of the Hanzas Street sewer collector in the section up to Eksporta Street;

• Construction of the sewage collector on Lielirbe and Kalnciema streets in the section from Dreiliņu street to Kārļas Ulmaņa gat;

• Separation of common sewage systems in the vicinity of Teikas-Čiekurkalns and construction of domestic sewage on Ropažu Street;

• Delivery of four large diesel generators to ensure continuity of operation of pumping stations;

• Expansion of the “Zaķumuiža” water reservoir;

• Replacement of strategic water supply system valves and reconstruction of main pipelines;

• Reconstruction of sewerage pipelines.

JSC “Rīgas siltums” has received approximately 17 million euros in co-financing for the installation of biofuel equipment in five heating plants.

On the other hand, for the improvement of waste management in various projects, the company “Getliņi EKO” attracted 36 million euros of EU co-financing, the largest of which was the creation of a biodegradable waste processing facility at the landfill.

Education

Various projects in the field of education managed to attract EU funding in the amount of approximately 23 million euros. As the biggest can be mentioned:

• Support for the development of individual competencies of students;

• Support for reducing early school leaving;

• Career support in general and professional education institutions;

• Digitization of educational institutions 7.-9. classes.

Health

Riga Maternity Hospital has received 2.3 million euros in EU co-financing for improving the availability of health care services, while 2.2 million euros in co-financing has been received in Riga 1st Hospital for improving health infrastructure and service availability.

Department of External Communication of Riga Municipality