The Cabinet of Ministers has approved amendments to the regulations proposed by the Ministry of Education and Science, significantly improving access to European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding for Latvian scientific institutions participating in the EU’s leading research program, Horizon Europe. The amendments clarify funding eligibility for project coordination and pre-evaluation activities.
Until now, the Latvian Council of Science (LCS), as the funding recipient, could not cover costs for engaging foreign experts due to restrictions in the previous regulation. The new amendments specify eligible costs and conditions, ensuring they align with procedures developed by the LCS and approved by the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES).
Additionally, the LCS will have new responsibilities, including evaluating scientific institutions according to EU fund exclusion criteria and establishing an internal control system to prevent conflicts of interest, fraud, corruption, and double funding.
The amendments also include refinements to the Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3) indicators, ensuring alignment with guidelines from the Ministry of Economics.
These clarifications will allow scientific institutions to utilize ERDF co-financing for preparing high-quality Horizon Europe project proposals and pre-evaluation, enabling more successful participation in international competitions and better qualification for European Commission funding.
Latvia’s Results in Horizon Europe
Latvian institutions have participated in 1,542 project proposals, with 309 projects funded, totaling 105.3 million euros.
Latvia’s Success in Horizon Europe Pillars
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Global Challenges and Industrial Competitiveness – 262 participations, 62.1 million euros
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Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area – 45 participations, 29.6 million euros
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Innovative Europe – 44 participations, 8.5 million euros
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Excellent Science – 44 participations, 5.1 million euros
Most Active Institutions
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University of Latvia – 33 participations
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Riga Technical University – 27 participations
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Institute of Electronics and Computer Science – 16 participations
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Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis – 14 participations
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Riga Stradiņš University – 12 participations
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Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia – 10 participations
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SIA “SmartSol” – 9 participations
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Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies – 9 participations
Largest Funding Awarded
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Children’s Clinical University Hospital – 9.68 million euros (for a "Teaming for Excellence" project)
These amendments mark a significant step toward the strategic and high-quality internationalization of Latvian science, providing researchers with necessary support to fully engage in one of Europe’s most ambitious research programs.
Data as of January 12, 2025
More information:
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Latvian Council of Science website: Latvia’s Participation in Horizon Europe
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Cabinet of Ministers’ regulation amendments annotation
