State of play of LEADER implementation in Latvia and transnational cooperation Valdis Kudiņš, Latvian Rural Forum Īvande,

LEADER Operational Programme for the Implementation of the EFF Support in Latvia: – Priority axis IV „Sustainable development of fisheries areas” – Initial funding 7,02 Mi EUR (EFF & LV) – 24 local development strategies: Submitted 196 projects ( ), Approved: 122 projects, 1,92 Mi EUR (27,4 %) – Max per project – EUR (municipalities – EUR) Rural Development Programme –4th axis measures –Public funding 23,42 Mi EUR (EAFRD & LV) –40 local development strategies: –Submitted 1691 projects ( ), –Approved: 1090 projects, 9,98 Mi EUR (42,6 %) Max per project – EUR

M421: Inter-territorial and transnational cooperation (I) Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers are sent for announcement in Meeting of State Secretaries (2 weeks) Total amount: LVL / ~3,25 Mi EUR Amount per LAG: LVL / ~ EUR Project application has to be submitted within 6 month after signing cooperation agreement All projects have: – to meet the aim – to support international cooperation that promotes acquisition and transfer of high-quality experience the will help to tackle actual problems of local inhabitants, as well as bring new and innovative ideas into cooperation; – to be in line with at least one of the LAG local development strategy's development priorities and contribute to the achievement of its objective. In case of EFF support, projects have to have joint actions that are closely related to fisheries.

M421: Inter-territorial and transnational cooperation (II) SELECTION CRITERIA: – Volume of co-financing of the cooperation partners: More than 50% (5 points); 15 to 49% (3 points); 1 to 14% (1 point). – Number of cooperation partners: More than 3 partners (5 points); 3 partners (3 points); 2 partners (1 point). – Number of publicity and information dissemination activities: 3 and more (5 points); 2 activities (3 points); 1 activity (1 point).

M421: Inter-territorial and transnational cooperation (III) Eligible costs: – setting up and development costs of new joint products and services, including e-services and databases; – organizing costs of meetings, seminars, conferences, training camps and exhibitions as well as costs of attending in mentioned events; – publicity and information dissemination costs; – purchase of fixed assets; – administration costs (up to 8%).

We wish that joint ideas will bring to joint activities that will increase the quality of life in rural areas and will bring innovative solutions for rural development!