Background information

In Latvia, the process of implementing Just Transition Fund investments is determined by Cabinet Order No. 841 of 16 November 2021 “On the European Union Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027”. In turn, specific planned support measures are set out in the Just Transition Territorial Plan (Cabinet Order No. 531 of 14 July 2022). Within the framework of the JTTP, one transformation direction is planned: "Measures to reduce GHG emissions from the peat sector and support for the diversification of the regional economy, mitigating the socio-economic consequences of the transition to a climate-neutral economy." It is planned to implement three activities within its framework: (1) Sustainable use of natural resources and phasing out the use of peat in the energy sector; (2) Development of regional entrepreneurship, promoting the transition to a climate-neutral economy; (3) Improving the skills of the employed and support for obtaining qualifications, support for training of the workforce in accordance with the demand of companies. One of the planned support measures is "Abandonment of the use of peat in energy"

Content of measure

Like other legislative acts, these regulations were also available for public participation on the Digital Platform for Draft Legislative Acts. Two employer organizations - the Latvian Employers' Confederation (LDDK) and the Latvian Peat Association (LKA) - participated in the development of this legal act, submitting three opinions with a total of 10 objections and proposals, with LKA being the most active with 9 objections and proposals. The proposals were mostly taken into account. LKA seeks greater clarity, accuracy, and expert involvement in peatland reclamation regulations. Key concerns include terminology precision, data correctness, field surveys, and ensuring peat industry associations are involved in decision-making. Additionally, they emphasize separating reclamation efforts from energy-use policies for better readability and implementation.

Use of measure

Not relevant

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Does not apply to businesses	Does not apply to citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government Employers' organisations	European Funds National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Unknown	Agreed (outcome) incl. social partner initiative
Form	Not applicable	Direct consultation outside a formal body

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Unknown
• Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level

Involvement

Two employer organizations - the Latvian Employers' Confederation (LDDK) and the Latvian Peat Association (LKA) - participated in the development of this legal act, submitting three opinions with a total of 10 objections and proposals, with LKA being the most active with 9 objections and proposals.

Views and reactions

No specific views

Sectors and occupations

This case is not occupation-specific.

Sources

• 14 July 2022: Par Taisnīgas pārkārtošanās teritoriālo plānu (likumi.lv)
• 09 July 2024: Tap portals: Eiropas Savienības kohēzijas politikas programmas 2021.–2027. gadam 6.1.1. specifiskā atbalsta mērķa "Pārejas uz klimatneitralitāti radīto ekonomisko, sociālo un vides seku mazināšana visvairāk skartajos reģionos" 6.1.1.1. pasākuma "Atteikšanās no kūdras izmantošanas enerģētikā" pirmās projektu iesniegumu atlases kārtas īstenošanas noteikumi (tapportals.mk.gov.lv)
• 15 November 2024: Par Eiropas Savienības kohēzijas politikas programmu 2021.–2027. gadam (likumi.lv)