Distinguished ministers, rector, and guests,

We gather on Europe Day, marking the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which called for cooperation and peace in Europe. Latvia has been part of the European Union for 21 years, benefiting from significant support that has driven national development.

Latvia continues to leverage opportunities from EU funds. From 2021 to 2027, more than 10 billion euros are available to Latvia, including two billion from the economic recovery mechanism.

Latvia has met 38 criteria to receive the third payment from the recovery mechanism, supporting reforms and investments in green and digital transformation.

Recovery fund resources have been allocated to various projects, such as the purchase of laptops for schools and the development of industrial parks, boosting local economic growth.

Energy-efficient apartments are being constructed in Latvia, addressing housing availability issues and fostering economic development.

The recovery fund also strengthens education and research, funding higher education reforms and digital skills projects, such as the Quantum Technology Initiative.

Projects at the University of Latvia are developing language technologies and quantum technology skills, promoting innovations with high export potential.

Adapting to changes, fund amendments allow reallocating investments to priority projects, like Rail Baltica development.

The European Commission will continue to support Latvia to achieve all set goals.