Background information

In Latvia, one of the planned support measures of the Just Transition Fund investments (determined by Cabinet Order No. 841 of 16 November 2021 “On the European Union Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027”), is the "Development of research for the sustainable use of natural resources in the context of environmental and climate goals". More details on the framework of the Just Transition Territorial Plans in Latvia are provided in case LV-2024-17/3702.

Content of measure

Like other legislative acts, these Cabinet regulations were also available for public participation on the Digital Platform for Legislative Act Projects (TAP portal). Two employer organizations - the Latvian Employers' Confederation (LDDK) and the Latvian Peat Association (LKA) have participated in the development of this legal act, submitting four opinions with a total of 40 objections and proposals. Of these, 31 have been taken into account and 9 have not been taken into account. LDDK and LKA share common concerns about business involvement, economic efficiency, EU policy alignment, and data usage, but their focus areas differ. LDDK represents a broader business perspective, advocating for clear rules that allow flexibility across industries, while LKRA is specifically concerned with the peat sector’s transition. Both organizations emphasize the need for companies to be actively engaged in research projects. A large part of the proposals are on very detailed issues, for example, it is indicated that the clause of the regulations should be supplemented with an indication that GHG emissions and removals should also be calculated in renaturalised areas, because currently the opinion is often expressed that renaturalisation is the only acceptable form of reclamation, although it does not allow reducing GHG emissions, therefore, studies need not only to make emission forecasts, but also to develop a forecasting methodology. The rejected proposals in many cases concern nuances in the process of conducting scientific work. For example, organizations have proposed to determine that the results of the program reach at least the TRL5 level. The drafter of the legislative act, in turn, has indicated that higher legislative acts do not provide for the TRL5 level, therefore there is no basis for requiring it in these regulations. In another proposal, organizations ask to supplement the draft regulations or annotation with criteria for attracting foreign experts, but the state indicates that such criteria are already included in the guidelines of the Latvian Science Council for the selection of foreign experts, therefore it is not necessary to mention it in the regulations. The Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Employees (LIZDA) has approved the regulatory act without objections.

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 Trade unions Employers' organisations	European Funds

Social partners

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

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Agreed (outcome) incl. social partner initiative	Agreed (outcome) incl. social partner initiative
Form	Direct consultation outside a formal body	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

Like other legislative acts, these Cabinet regulations were also available for public participation on the Digital Platform for Legislative Act Projects (TAP portal). Two employer organizations - the Latvian Employers' Confederation (LDDK) and the Latvian Peat Association (LKA) have participated in the development of this legal act, submitting four opinions with a total of 40 objections and proposals. The Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Employees (LIZDA) has approved the regulatory act without objections.

Views and reactions

Employers' representatives have expressed concerns about business involvement, economic efficiency, EU policy alignment, and data usage. Trade unions raised not concerns.

Sectors and occupations

This case is not occupation-specific.

Sources

• 14 July 2022: Par Taisnīgas pārkārtošanās teritoriālo plānu (likumi.lv)
• 15 November 2024: Par Eiropas Savienības kohēzijas politikas programmu 2021.–2027. gadam (likumi.lv)
• 26 January 2025: Tap portāls: 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" 6.1.1.2. pasākuma "Pētniecības attīstība dabas resursu ilgtspējīgai izmantošanai vides un klimata mērķu kontekstā" īstenošanas noteikumi (tapportals.mk.gov.lv)