Background information

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 "Upgrading the skills of employees and supporting them in obtaining qualifications, supporting workforce training in accordance with the demand of companies". 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 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 5 objections and proposals. The proposals were mostly taken into account. LDDK's objections focus on the complexity and inefficiency of the proposed program's implementation, arguing that its administrative structure involves too many organizations while targeting a relatively small group of 6,000 employees. They highlight concerns about potential duplication of funding, given the availability of other adult education initiatives, and emphasize that key employers in the peat industry—who require support for workforce reskilling—are not actively engaged as partners. Their recommendation is to develop employer- and municipality-driven solutions to ensure effectiveness. Additionally, LDDK calls for a clearer framework on employer participation in work-based learning (DVB) and urges direct involvement of businesses in shaping and executing these initiatives. Overall, their main concern is ensuring that the program is streamlined, employer-driven, and practically aligned with labor market needs. The response from the state addresses LDDK's concerns by clarifying that the program's target group is broader, encompassing all individuals over 18 residing or working in specified regions. The risk of double funding is mitigated through a centralized database tracking available and allocated learning support. To streamline implementation, the number of involved institutions has been reduced by engaging the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia as a partner. Overall, while some of LDDK’s concerns are acknowledged, the program remains focused on individual upskilling rather than direct employer support. LKA objects to the lack of clarity on training format and duration, stressing that employed individuals cannot commit to long in-person learning with minimal or no stipend. They request that regulations ensure training is compatible with employment and suggest revising the draft accordingly. The LKA also proposes to reduce the number of involved institutions. LKA requests adding a representative from their organisation to the commission which determines, reviews, approves and updates training offers in line with the labour market demand and economic sector development forecasts, as the Just Transition Fund directly impacts the peat industry. They emphasize their interest in contributing to the development of training programs. The response from the state explains that the Unified Adult Education Coordination Commission was established under the leadership of the Ministry of Economics. It states that the commission's composition has already been approved by the Minister of Economics through an official directive and regulation. However, this response does not directly address LKRA’s request to include a representative from the Latvian Peat Association. Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments has also submitted several proposals. The Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Employees (LIZDA) has approved the regulatory act without objections. The regulation is still in discussion phase and is not approved yet.

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 National 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 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 5 objections and proposals. The proposals were mostly taken into account. The Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Employees (LIZDA) has approved the regulatory act without objections.

Views and reactions

The employer organisations raised concern related to the complexity of the the program, as well as the need to have it streamlined, employer-driven, and practically aligned with labor market needs. Trade unions had not objections.

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)
• 04 February 2025: Tap portāls: Eiropas Savienības kohēzijas politikas programmas 2021.–2027. gadam 6.1.1. specifiskā atbalsta mērķa "Pārejas uz klimatneitrālitāti radīto ekonomisko, sociālo un vides seku mazināšana visvairāk skartajos reģionos" 6.1.1.5. pasākuma "Nodarbināto prasmju paaugstināšana un atbalsts kvalifikācijas iegūšanai, atbalsts darbaspēka mācībām saskaņā ar uzņēmumu pieprasījumu" īstenošanas noteikumi (tapportals.mk.gov.lv)