Since joining the EU, projects in the amount of 688 million euros have been implemented in Riga with the support of the European Union

Since Latvia’s entry into the European Union (EU) on May 1, 2004, Riga Municipality has implemented projects in traffic infrastructure, building insulation, education, health and other areas in the amount of 688 million euros with the support of EU funds, informs the External Communication Department of Riga City Council.

Among them, the direct support to the municipality was about 381 million euros.

In the construction of bridges and roads, Riga managed to attract 115 million euros of EU co-financing for the renovation of the Salu bridge complex, the construction of the Sarkandaugava overpass over the Riga – Skulte railway line, the construction of the Eastern highway, the Brasa overpass, as well as the traffic infrastructure in the cultural and sports quarter in the vicinity of Grīziņkalns.

The municipal company “Rīgas satiksme” has received 65 million EU co-financing for the development of public transport. these funds were used for the purchase of low-floor trams and the construction of infrastructure, the purchase of electric buses, a hydrogen production plant, and electric charging stations.

Co-financing in the amount of approximately 44 million euros was received from the EU for the renovation and insulation of various municipal buildings – schools, cultural institutions. With these funds, the renovation of the Latvian National Museum of Art, the reconstruction of the VEF Palace of Culture, the insulation of schools and kindergartens, the renovation of the Vidzeme administration building of the Riga Municipality Police, the renovation of the Riga Sports Arena, the renovation of the Latvian archery field, as well as the installation of new science corps and offices in schools.

By attracting more than 20 million euros of EU co-financing, residents of Riga and guests of the city got several renovated areas where they can relax and spend their free time. Works have been carried out in Grīziņkalns Park, Ziedondārzā, Miera dārža, the territory of the former garbage dump on Deglava Street and the former garbage dump on Kleistu Street has been cleaned up, the Spīķeru quarter has been renovated, the Bolderāja flood dam has been built and the territory has been improved, the walking trail of the “Piijūra” nature park has been created and the cultural and historical heritage tourism of Grīziņkalns has been carried out potential strengthening.

The EU’s contribution to the development of Riga’s water management during these years was approximately 106 million euros. The construction and expansion of city networks in Vecāki, Mežaparki, Bieriņi, Šampēteri, Dārzciem, Katlakalni, Bolderāi, Bergi, Imanta, Beberbeki, Ziepniekalni and Teika have been carried out with this funding. Also, a new water preparation station was built in Baltezers and the pumping station “Baltezers -1” was reconstructed.

With these funds, the construction of the sewer tunnel collector from Vairoga Street to Gaujas Street, the construction of the Hanzas Street sewer collector in the section up to Eksporta Street, the construction of the Lielirbe and Kalnciema Street sewer collector in the section from Dreiliņu Street to Kārļa Ulmaņa Street, the separation of the common sewerage system in the Teikas-Čiekurkalns neighborhood and domestic sewers construction on Ropažu street.

Riga Water has purchased four large diesel generators to ensure the continuity of operation of the pumping stations, expanded the “Zaķumuiža” water reservoir, replaced the strategic valves of the water supply system and reconstructed the main water pipes and sewerage pipelines.

With the support of the EU, JSC “Rīgas siltums” has also installed biofuel equipment in five heating plants, while the company “Getliņi EKO” has improved waste management in various projects.

Various projects in education and health protection have also been implemented with EU co-financing.

“This time has been full of challenges and opportunities, implementing 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,” emphasizes Riga Mayor Vilnis Ķirsis (JV).

He points out that this has strengthened Riga’s ability to compete in the global market.