Reflecting on two intensive days of discussions, she emphasised the need to fundamentally change how Europe views and supports its Eastern Border regions. In her speech, Inese Suija‑Markova highlighted that it is time to abandon the long‑standing narrative portraying these regions as lagging, poor or incapable peripheries.

“We must stop cultivating the image of Eastern Border regions as weak or backward. In today’s geopolitical reality, it is far more important to unite efforts and resources so that these regions can become examples of how to attract investment and build resilience,” she stressed.

Speaking from Latvia’s experience, she noted that the country has two regions — Vidzeme Planning Region and Latgale Planning Region – that share a direct border with aggressive neighbouring regimes. However, the challenges faced by border regions go far beyond Latvia and are shared across Europe’s Eastern flank, from Northern Norway and Finland to the Polish border regions.

In her address, the BSSSC Chairwoman underlined that resilience cannot be achieved through security measures alone. Instead, it requires a comprehensive approach combining security and development. She called for targeted, place‑based investment to support existing businesses, attract new economic activity, strengthen mobility and strategic infrastructure, improve the quality of education, develop and retain talent, and ensure dignified and secure living conditions for local communities.

“There is a great deal of work ahead of us — not only in Latvia, but across all Eastern Border regions. We face the same challenges, and only coordinated, long‑term solutions will allow these territories to thrive,” she noted.

Inese Suija‑Markova also emphasised the importance of listening to regional voices and learning from partners facing similar realities. She stressed that future solutions must be more tailored to territorial needs and that regions must play a stronger role in decision‑making, both at national and European levels. She concluded by thanking colleagues from across the Baltic Sea Region for the open discussions, exchange of ideas and the shared commitment to move forward together in strengthening Europe’s Eastern Border regions.

In addition to the keynote address, BSSSC was also represented in the panel discussions by Marcin Skwierawski, Deputy Marshal of the Pomorskie Voivodeship, who contributed to the exchange of regional perspectives on resilience, cooperation and policy adaptation in Europe’s Eastern Border regions.

The EU Local Dialogue in Olsztyn builds on the Regio‑Silience project, implemented in 2024–2025 under the Interreg Europe 2021–2027 programme at the initiative of the Warmińsko‑Mazurskie Voivodeship. The success of the project provided the impetus to establish an annual forum in the Warmia and Mazury Region for international dialogue on the future of the EU’s Eastern Border regions.

The 2026 event, organised by Marcin Kuchciński (PL/EPP), Marshal of the Warmińsko‑Mazurskie Voivodeship, brought together more than 130 participants, including political leaders and representatives of local and regional authorities from Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Norway, as well as stakeholders from the European Commission, the World Bank, TESIM and Interact. During the conference, political leaders endorsed a joint commitment to strengthen cooperation, resilience and security across Europe’s Eastern Border regions, marking an important step from dialogue towards more coordinated and concrete action, supported by Interreg Europe.

About BSSSC

The Baltic Sea States Subregional Cooperation (BSSSC) is a political network representing regions, cities, and sub‑regional authorities around the Baltic Sea. It strengthens the voice of local and regional authorities in Baltic Sea cooperation and at the European level. For the next two years – 2026 and 2027 – the network is chaired by the Vidzeme Planning Region. More information: https://www.bsssc.com/

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The Digital Rural project focuses not on technology for its own sake, but on its practical value for regional development. During the meeting, participants explored how digital solutions can help municipalities work more efficiently, provide new opportunities for local businesses and ensure more accessible and convenient services for residents. In regions with lower population density and very specific local needs, digitalisation can become a key development driver rather than an abstract vision of the future.

An important role in Vidzeme’s digital development ecosystem is played by the EDIH: Vidzeme regional hub, which provides hands-on support to businesses and the public sector in developing and advancing digital transformation. Discussions highlighted that digitalisation in regions often starts with small but targeted steps – digital maturity assessments, consultations and tailored training. This gradual and needs-based approach helps strengthen business competitiveness and improve the efficiency of municipal work.

One of the key conclusions of the meeting was that without digital skills, even the most advanced technologies remain unused. For this reason, international partners showed particular interest in the experience of the Cesis Digital Centre, where digital skills are actively developed among residents, entrepreneurs and municipal employees. This approach not only builds new competencies, but also creates trust in digital solutions and reduces concerns about change.

Similar approaches to digital literacy can be found across Europe. For example, the Creative Heartlands initiative in Ireland supports creative entrepreneurs in rural regions by helping them adopt modern digital manufacturing technologies – from 3D printing to virtual reality. This experience demonstrates that digital skills can become a foundation for new business models even in regions traditionally dominated by conventional industries.

During the meeting in Cesis, participants were also introduced to the digital twin of the Ogre River, developed to predict flood risks and provide early warnings to responsible authorities and residents. The solution attracted strong interest as it clearly demonstrates how data analysis and digital modelling can support environmental management and civil protection, particularly in the context of climate change. Across Europe, digital solutions are becoming increasingly important in this field – for example, precision agriculture in Poland uses drones to analyse crop conditions and reduce resource consumption.

On the second day of the event in Valmiera, special attention was given to the role of municipalities in digital transformation. Valmiera’s experience showed that digitalisation is not a standalone project, but a long-term and systematic approach covering both internal processes and improved service accessibility for residents. From electronic document management and unified IT platforms to security solutions and data-driven decision-making, these examples confirmed that regional municipalities can also act as drivers of digital innovation.

In the international context, participants also discussed Estonia’s experience with participatory budgeting, where digital tools enable residents to take part in decisions on the use of public funds. This approach not only increases civic engagement, but also strengthens trust between local authorities and communities.

Digitalisation was also explored through the lens of sustainability and the circular economy. The Ce4Re project presented digital tools designed to reduce food waste in the catering sector – from food waste monitoring systems to circular menu planning tools. These solutions illustrated how digital technologies can help simultaneously reduce resource consumption and business costs.

International partners were also introduced to the Virtual Reality Laboratory of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA VR Lab), which has more than ten years of experience in developing virtual and augmented reality solutions. The laboratory works across a wide range of fields – from education and safety training to medicine, tourism and digital twins – while contributing to applied research and the training of future specialists in the region.

The Digital Rural partner visit to Vidzeme once again confirmed that rural regions do not need to replicate solutions created for large cities. Instead, they can develop digital solutions tailored to local needs and capacities. Vidzeme’s experience shows that by combining digital skills, data and cross-sector cooperation, it is possible to create solutions that are both practical and sustainable, while preserving regional identity and strong ties to local communities.

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Policy analysis points to systemic gaps

A key focus of the meeting was the presentation of a policy analysis report on assistive technology (AT) in Latvian social and health care. The report identifies several systemic gaps requiring legislative attention, including the need to reduce bureaucratic barriers in AT application processes, expand the range of state-funded devices, and develop technical standards and testing requirements for AT in Latvia. It also calls for stronger AT integration in public environments and clearer delineation between devices that support social inclusion and those that sustain vital medical functions.

The report highlights that many devices go unused after distribution due to insufficient follow-up, pointing to the need for repeated consultations and more targeted service delivery. It also notes that software for many technologies is unavailable in Latvian, underlining the importance of intermediaries between the medical and technology sectors.

Structural challenges in AT provision

Representatives from the Vaivari Technical Aids Centre outlined current operational challenges, including growing demand – over 22,000 devices were issued last year – against insufficient funding. Participants identified a clear gap in AT provision during the acute and sub-acute care phases, with no defined responsibility assigned to hospitals, municipalities, or the centre. A structured dialogue with the Ministry of Health, local governments, and social service providers was identified as a necessary next step.

Co-creation workshop and policy matrix

The meeting also featured a co-creation workshop covering four thematic areas aligned with TechSocialcare’s core objectives: practical aspects of AT use, ethics, procurement and maintenance, and safety, accessibility and ergonomics. A policy matrix developed within the project was also presented. The findings from both the report and the workshop will feed into policy-level recommendations applicable across all TechSocialcare partner countries.

About TechSocialcare

The project “Promoting Technical Standards for Assistive Technology in European Social care services” (TechSocialcare) is implemented under the Interreg Europe programme (2021–2027). It aims to engage national authorities, local governments, and social care providers in developing a unified legal framework and establishing baseline requirements and standards – including ergonomics, open communication, and usability – for ICT tools and assistive technologies in social and health care.

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Waste heat is generated as a by-product of various processes in industry, commercial and public buildings, including hospitals, sports and leisure complexes with swimming pools, as well as data centres. Such heat is often produced through continuous cooling, ventilation or water preparation processes, yet in practice it is rarely integrated into district heating systems.

One of the key factors determining the feasibility of using waste heat in district heating is the distance between the heat source and the boiler house or district heating network. The greater the distance, the higher the investment required for pipeline construction and the greater the heat losses, which in many cases makes the project economically unviable.

An additional challenge in the Latvian context is the limited number of large-scale heat sources, especially outside major cities. Unlike Northern European countries, where data centres are often identified as significant and stable sources of waste heat, the situation in Latvia is different, with fewer such facilities in operation. According to industry experts, one of the main reasons is that electricity prices in other countries are currently more competitive for the development of energy-intensive facilities.

In Salaspils, a solution is currently being developed that would allow waste heat generated by a data centre to be used in the district heating system. “We always look at energy as a resource that may be surplus for one party but highly valuable for another. A data centre must be cooled, while for us this waste heat is exactly what can be used in district heating. This cooperation makes it possible to combine cooling and heat production within one system, creating benefits for both sides,” emphasises Ilze Siliņa, Head of the Energy Efficiency Department at Salaspils Siltums Ltd.

“At the same time, our development vision is based on sustainability and the gradual electrification of heat supply. Renewable energy sources already dominate heat production, while the next step is a shift towards zero-emission technologies. A large share of Europe’s energy consumption is related to heat and transport, and we see strong potential for the centralised electrification of these sectors. In this context, thermal energy storage will also play an important role, ensuring system flexibility and balancing different energy sources in the future,” adds I. Siliņa.

Experience from other countries within the Green4HEAT project shows that the integration of waste heat into district heating networks is most effective in urban areas with well-developed networks and low-temperature systems. At the same time, public buildings can also serve as good examples of local waste heat utilisation.

At Vidzeme Hospital, an assessment has been carried out to identify which processes and equipment within the hospital infrastructure generate excess heat and what its utilisation potential is. “At Vidzeme Hospital, waste heat is generated in several daily processes – laboratory and radiology equipment, server rooms, cooling systems, as well as wastewater. Using, for example, heat pumps, this heat can be utilised for domestic hot water preparation or space heating, particularly in low-temperature heating systems,” explains Arita Krūmiņa, Energy Manager at Vidzeme Hospital Ltd.

The utilisation of waste heat in Latvia is also significantly influenced by the temperature of the heat carrier. In many cases, waste heat is available at low or medium temperatures, requiring additional technological solutions, such as heat pumps, to adapt it to district heating network requirements. This increases investment costs and extends payback periods, which, without targeted support instruments, can become a major barrier to project implementation.

Overall, waste heat is a significant but highly location-specific resource in Latvia. Its effective use requires not universal solutions, but detailed data analysis, an understanding of local conditions, and close cooperation between municipalities, district heating companies and major heat sources.

Green4HEAT regional stakeholder meetings bring together municipal representatives, district heating companies, energy managers, public building operators and other sector stakeholders involved in the planning and development of heat supply on a daily basis. The aim of these meetings is to build a shared understanding of sustainable heating solutions and to identify practically implementable directions at both regional and national levels. At the same time, the stakeholder meetings also serve as a platform for developing proposals for the Vidzeme Planning Region Development Programme for the next planning period, based on the needs identified during discussions and practical experience.

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During the event, it was emphasised that societal resilience and active public involvement in crisis situations are among the most important preconditions for effective crisis management. Experts shared experiences and practical examples that help strengthen the ability of local communities to act in the face of various threats.

Speaking about mechanisms for public engagement in climate governance, the head of the Valmiera Region Community Foundation, Patricija Siliņa, introduced the experience of Brussels. There, a structured volunteer system is being developed, which provides for the involvement of residents in crisis management also at an individual level. Volunteers are trained and prepared to act in a coordinated and effective manner during emergencies. This approach helps prevent situations where spontaneous, albeit well-intentioned, assistance may interfere with the work of professional services.

At the same time, it was emphasised that a volunteer system cannot replace professional services – strong public safety and rescue services are a fundamental basis for effective crisis management.

Undīne Blumberga-Šakuna, an expert on civil society and community development at the Valmiera Region Community Foundation, introduced the programme “Safe Communities in Vidzeme”. Its aim is to strengthen the capacity of local communities to self-organise, cooperate, and participate, while promoting an understanding of the common good and responsibility towards others, as well as developing societal resilience skills.

Within the programme, several activities are planned:

· to promote the formation of new neighbourhood communities and the involvement of residents in community development;

· to identify and train motivated residents who, in crisis situations, would be able to coordinate spontaneous volunteers in cooperation with municipalities;

· to strengthen cooperation among residents, creating cohesive and resilient communities and a safer living environment.

Communities will also have access to funding for the implementation of local initiatives.

Particularly valuable for participants was the experience shared by Gunta Bazone, an expert from the Response Management Division of the Civil Protection Administration of

the Riga City Council. She shared practical examples of establishing and organising evacuation points in Riga, as well as outlined research results on public preparedness for crisis situations. The findings indicate that although residents are interested in safety issues, practical preparedness remains insufficient – many do not know where the nearest shelters are located or how to act in emergency situations.

Seminars organised in Riga, titled “Riga Civil Protection Plan – Know It and Get Involved”, were also highlighted, where residents can obtain detailed information on actions in crisis situations – from evacuation to shelter locations.

At the end of the meeting, participants worked in groups to develop an action plan for flood situations. Crisis scenarios were modelled, focusing on public preparedness, information flow and communication, evacuation, the involvement of NGOs and volunteers, as well as institutional cooperation. Using the backcasting method, participants defined concrete steps to be taken today to ensure effective crisis management in the future.

The event also provided an opportunity to exchange up-to-date information on planned activities of organisations aimed at strengthening societal resilience and engagement in the Vidzeme region.

This publication has been prepared with the financial support of the European Union. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the Vidzeme Planning Region and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

The project “Improving EU regions’ environmental and socioeconomic resilience to climate change” (CLIMATE) is being implemented under the Interreg Europe cross-border cooperation programme from 2021 to 2027. It aims to support participating regions in strengthening their ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change by improving disaster risk prevention, enhancing civil protection capacities, and fostering inclusive, cross-sectoral cooperation.

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