More spending planned on science

The European Commission objects to several positions regarding Latvia’s absorption plans for EU funds in the next planning period; therefore, 89 million euros could be redistributed in favor of science and innovations, reports LETA.

Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis (Unity) told reporters after a Nov. 1 meeting of the coalition task force on EU funds that the Commission has several objections to Latvia’s plans for absorbing the bloc’s funding, and it is necessary to clarify Latvia’s proposals and redistribute funds.

The Commission objects to Latvia’s plans for channeling significant funds to transport infrastructure development. The prime minister, however, hopes that Latvia will be able to defend its stance and use the bloc’s funding to renovate its regional roads in the next planning period.

The Commission also has objections to constructing new infrastructure projects at the expense of the EU. Instead, the Commission recommends renovating and modernizing existing infrastructure projects. The Commission believes that more funds should be allotted to supporting business activities and European Social Fund projects.

Finance Ministry Deputy State Secretary Kaspars Eberhards said, therefore, that considerable increases in the bloc’s funding are expected in research, science and innovations - up to 89 million euros.

It is possible that EU funds will also be allotted to the needs of ports, railways and the Riga Airport. These positions, however still require precise data from the Transport Ministry, said Eberhards.