RIGA, June 28 (LETA) - The eastern border region requires special regulations and targeted support programs, according to Climate and Energy Minister Janis Vitenbergs (National Alliance).

The Ministry of Climate and Energy (KEM) told LETA that on Saturday, during a regional visit to Latgale, Vitenbergs met with the Ludza Municipality to discuss preparations for the upcoming heating season, smoother coordination of municipal land-use planning, and other issues.

Given the developments in the geopolitical situation, which have created new security challenges, particularly in the border zone, during a meeting with the State Environmental Service (VVD), discussions focused on ensuring the continuity of services in situations posing a threat to airspace and on priorities for reducing the bureaucratic burden.

"The Ludza Municipality's border with Russia is approximately 140 kilometers long-that is almost as far as the distance from Riga to Jekabpils. This clearly illustrates both the scale of the challenge and the state’s responsibility to strengthen security, the economy, and people’s opportunities to live and work in this region. To achieve this, the eastern border region requires special regulations and targeted support programs," said Vitenbergs.

In his discussion with local municipal officials, the minister emphasized that, in addition to preparing for the heating season, investments in the sustainability of local governments’ capacity are also essential. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (KEM) has developed a EUR 40 million support program to mitigate flood risks, which is currently being coordinated with local governments and other relevant institutions.

The program is intended to enable local governments to improve drainage systems, watercourse and stormwater management infrastructure, as well as to purchase the necessary equipment for flood mitigation.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development explains that the program’s goal is to strengthen local governments’ preparedness for increasingly frequent extreme weather events and to mitigate their impact on residents and infrastructure.

At the same time, the meeting discussed possible solutions for more efficient review of land-use planning documents.