This year, from 19 May to 20 May, the supervisory authorities of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia in charge of monitoring European Union (EU) funded projects in the field of the environment will meet in the so-called 3B seminar, a forum for information and exchange of experience organised on a regular basis that this time takes place on-site in Līgatne, Latvia.
During the event, the supervisory authorities of the Baltic States for EU funds projects in the field of the environment exchange their experience by sharing news and also informing of indicators and progress. This year the seminar also covers such topics as investment priorities for the new EU funding period (2021–2027) and the main changes in comparison with the previous period, State aid issues, risks to achieving project indicators, application of the norms for aid for commercial activity, comparing national approaches in relevant areas, and looking for ways to simplify the existing procedures and also the cooperation of the Baltic States in various environmental policy issues such as:
- promoting the use of hydrogen energy technologies;
- development of wind farms;
- reducing pollution in the Baltic Sea;
- blue economy;
- circular economy;
- reducing the spread of invasive species;
- environmental awareness;
- green education.
During the event, the supervisory authorities of the Baltic States for EU funds projects in the field of the environment exchange their experience by sharing news and also informing of indicators and progress. This year the seminar also covers such topics as investment priorities for the new EU funding period (2021–2027) and the main changes in comparison with the previous period, State aid issues, risks to achieving project indicators, application of the norms for aid for commercial activity, comparing national approaches in relevant areas, and looking for ways to simplify the existing procedures and also the cooperation of the Baltic States in various environmental policy issues such as:
- promoting the use of hydrogen energy technologies;
- development of wind farms;
- reducing pollution in the Baltic Sea;
- blue economy;
- circular economy;
- reducing the spread of invasive species;
- environmental awareness;
- green education.
Dana Heiberga, Director of the Department of Environmental Investment and International Cooperation of the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFCA), states: “Continuing multiannual tradition, not only we share experience with the representatives of Estonian and Lithuanian environmental investment agencies, but also discuss the current challenges in the implementation of environmental and energy efficiency projects co-financed by EU funds and other financial assistance programmes. It is very helpful to learn how the neighbouring countries are dealing with the current challenges in project implementation caused by the global pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine, e.g. the sharp increase in prices in different sectors, delays in project implementation, and what national initiatives are in place to address these challenges. However, we also analyse and compare the approaches in other practical issues of project monitoring that arise from practices in each country.”
In order to provide a chance to witness the largest solar collector system in the Baltic States that has been built with the support of EU funds, the participants of the seminar also have the opportunity to visit SIA “Salaspils Siltums”.
The venue for the annual seminar of the three Baltic States is chosen on a rotation basis, and this time it was Latvia’s turn to be the host. The next annual meeting of environmental investment authorities is planned in Lithuania in 2023.
, Director of the Department of Environmental Investment and International Cooperation of the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFCA), states: “Continuing multiannual tradition, not only we share experience with the representatives of Estonian and Lithuanian environmental investment agencies, but also discuss the current challenges in the implementation of environmental and energy efficiency projects co-financed by EU funds and other financial assistance programmes. It is very helpful to learn how the neighbouring countries are dealing with the current challenges in project implementation caused by the global pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine, e.g. the sharp increase in prices in different sectors, delays in project implementation, and what national initiatives are in place to address these challenges. However, we also analyse and compare the approaches in other practical issues of project monitoring that arise from practices in each country.”
In order to provide a chance to witness the largest solar collector system in the Baltic States that has been built with the support of EU funds, the participants of the seminar also have the opportunity to visit SIA “Salaspils Siltums”.
The venue for the annual seminar of the three Baltic States is chosen on a rotation basis, and this time it was Latvia’s turn to be the host. The next annual meeting of environmental investment authorities is planned in Lithuania in 2023.
Triju Baltijas valstu ikgadējā semināra vieta tiek izvēlēta pēc rotācijas principa, un šoreiz bija pienākusi mūsu, Latvijas, kārta uzņemt viesus savā zemē. Nākamā ikgadējā vides investīciju institūciju tikšanās plānota Lietuvā 2023. gadā.