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the decision is final and cannot be appealed
and places a major question mark over the club's future.
In its original ruling the LFF had said: "Regarding the club licensing documents submitted by Valmiera FC
legal and social responsibility criteria have been met
the infrastructure and personnel criteria have been partially met
but the granting of an LFF A license is not possible due to unfulfilled financial criteria - debts to club employees/players under Section 64 of the regulations and debts to the [tax authority] under Section 65 of the regulations in an amount that
does not allow the granting of a license."
The decision is the latest incident in a series of problems for a club that were Latvian champions in 2022
Mounting tax debts and unpaid wages saw them part ways with title-winning coach Jurgis Kalns and lose out on the chance of lucrative European matches in 2024
though they still finished fourth in the league last year.
The LFF announced that Jelgava will participate in this year's Virsliga championship as the tenth team
while Valmiera is eligible to participate only in the second-tier
five clubs were found to have deficiencies in some categories of criteria and their licenses to play in the Virsliga were granted with additional deadlines for their fulfillment:
Tukums 2000 was found to have tax debts
Grobina was also found to have inadequate compliance with financial criteria related to future financial information
and Auda was found to have "inadequate implementation of administrative and personnel criteria."
Super Nova was found to have failed to meet the infrastructure criteria
meaning the contract with the club's main stadium
Metta was also found to have inadequate implementation of infrastructure criteria
related to information regarding the construction of the club's stadium and main stadium
In addition to the ten clubs that submitted club licensing documents based on their sporting results in the 2024 season
license applicant status was also granted to Jelgava and JDFS Alberts
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Latvijas Futbola federācijas (LFF) Klubu licencēšanas pirmās instances padome ceturtdien
gada sezonas dalībnieku atbilstību prasībām
licences piešķīra deviņiem no desmit pamata pretendentiem
Pēc licences atteikuma "Valmiera FC" klubam dalībai sacensībās tika apstiprināta licences pirmā rezerviste FS "Jelgava"
Lēmumi pieņemti pēc klubu licencēšanas procesā atrunāto kritēriju atbilstības pārbaudes infrastruktūras
LFF A licence pēc visu noteikumos paredzēto kritēriju pilnvērtīgas izpildes piešķirta "Riga FC"
Pieciem klubiem noteiktās kritēriju kategorijās konstatētas nepilnības
nosakot papildus termiņus to pilnīgai izpildīšanai:
Attiecībā uz "Valmiera FC" iesniegtajiem klubu licencēšanas dokumentiem konstatēts
juridiskie un sociālās atbildības kritēriji
daļēji ir izpildīti infrastruktūras un personāla kritēriji
bet LFF A licences piešķiršana nav iespējama saistībā ar neizpildītiem finanšu kritērijiem – parādi pret kluba darbiniekiem/spēlētājiem noteikumu 64
kas saskaņā ar noteikumiem neļauj piešķirt licenci
kuri iesniedza klubu licencēšanas dokumentus
pamatojoties uz to sportiskajiem rezultātiem 2024
licences pretendentu statuss tika piešķirts arī FS "Jelgava" un JDFS "Alberts" klubiem
FS "Jelgava" klubam kā licences pretendentu pirmajam rezervistam sekojoši piešķirta LFF A licence dalībai čempionātā
janvāris – pilnīgai finanšu kritēriju izpildīšanai (nākotnes finanšu informācija)
gada virslīgas čempionātā ir atkarīga no iespējamajiem Apelāciju padomes lēmumiem "Valmiera FC" licences nepiešķiršanas sakarā
Izrietot no licences piešķiršanas pirmajam rezervistam un desmit komandu nokomplektēšanas dalībai sacensībās
JDFS "Alberts" kluba kā otrā rezervista pieteikums netika izskatīts
Foto: Sanita Ieva Sparāne / tonybetvirsliga.lv
ka arī Nākotnes līgas perspektīvakie tiesneši šomēnes piedalījās Starptautiskās Futbola federāciju asociācijas (FIFA)..
pašmāju klubu futbola augstākā līmeņa turnīrs
martā LNK Sporta parkā tika aizvadīts LFF Superkauss
Duelī starp pagājušās sezonas virslīgas čempionu FC RFS un..
As LSM reported last year
Estonian company Fibenol plans to build the plant on a 26-hectare site in Valmiera municipality
Biomaterials production will start in about five years' time - preparations for construction are currently underway
The entrepreneurs promise that it will be the most modern plant in the world in its sector
"Fibenol processes wood and produces sustainable biomaterials such as lignin and cellulosic sugars
which are used in various industries - chemicals
One of the products you can already see on the highway leading to Riga is bitumen replaced by lignin
In the waste collection system or in the waste bins
where you can use bioplastic bags containing lignin," said Merili Palu
as well as the construction and equipping of the plant with the necessary technology
Valmiera was chosen because of its infrastructure and the railway nearby
The proximity of suitable educational establishments
The Valmiera plant will be looking for around 100 employees
with a promise of salaries above the Latvian average
"We are looking for a variety of specialists
and administration people," said the Fibenol Latvia board member
The company plans to export 90% of its production
The Ministry of Economics estimates that such a large foreign investment is a rare and significant benefit for the Latvian economy
"The increase in the overall Latvian economy
which this newly established factory will be able to provide
is from 0.5 to one percent every year," said Viktors Valainis
Minister of Economics (Greens and Farmers Union)
Fibenol is currently cooperating with Latvijas finieris and will look for more partners in Latvia in the coming years
maijā tika svinīgi atklāta "Defence Partnership Latvia" ražotne Valmierā
kurā gada laikā spēs saražot līdz pat 160 “Patria 6x6” bruņumašīnām
Uz atklāšanas pasākumu bija ieradusies Latvijas ministru prezidente Evika Siliņa
kā arī Valmieras domes priekšsēdētājs Jānis Baiks
Arī “Sargs.lv” komanda devās apskatīt jauno “Patria” rūpnīcu
Darbs pie rūpnīcas izveides sākās pagājušā gada jūnijā un jau pēc mazāk nekā gada tā ir gatava uzsākt ražošanas procesu
lai nodrošinātu Latvijas Nacionālos bruņotos spēkus ar jauniem “Patria 6x6” bruņutransportierim
Intervijā ar “Sargs.lv” "Patria" prezidents un izpilddirektors Esa Rautalinko atklāja
ka bruņu transportieru ražošana tiek pilnībā pārcelta uz Valmieru
lai gan līdz šim daļa no bruņutransportieru ražošanas tika veikta Cēsīs
lai izveidotu pilnībā funkcionējošu transportlīdzekli,” stāsta “Patria” prezidents
ka komponentus nodrošina desmitiem uzņēmumu
ka ražotnes kapacitāte ir pietiekami liela
lai ne tikai nodrošinātu Latvijas pieprasījumu
Patlaban “Patria” projektam apvienojušās Somija
Jebkura valsts var veikt noteikta skaita bruņutransportieru pasūtījumu un tad "Patria" Somijas mātesuzņēmums izlems
kurā no divām rūpnīcām - Somijā vai Latvijā - tās tiks ražotas
"Defence Partnership Latvia" ražotnē Valmierā būs iespējams saražot 160 "Patria 6x6" bruņutransportierus gadā
medijiem veltītajā rūpnīcas tūrē sacīja "Defence Partnership Latvia" valdes priekšsēdētājs Uģis Romanovs
Vienā maiņā rūpnīcas jauda ir 80 bruņutransportieri gadā
bet patlaban rūpnīca izpilda tikai Latvijas Nacionālo bruņoto spēku (NBS) pasūtījumu
Šogad plānots saražot 25 "Patria 6x6" bruņutransportierus
ka lielākā daļa "Patria" metāla daļu tiek ražotas Latvijā
Tostarp bruņutransportieru metāla korpusi tiek ražoti Rīgā uzņēmumā "EMJ Metāls"
savukārt bruņutransportieru šasijas tiek izgatavotas Jelgavā
Uzņēmumā bruņutransportieri tiek sagatavoti tam
lai uz tiem varētu uzstādīt ieročus un citu aprīkojumu
bet ar specifiskā aprīkojuma uzstādīšanu nodarbojas NBS
Tāpat Valmierā tiks veikta arī "Patria" trīs veidu testēšana - peldēšana
braukšana bezceļa apstākļos un normālos ceļa apstākļos
Valmieras ražotnē tiks veikta arī "Patria" tehnikas apkope
kā arī būs iespējama citu Latvijā izvietoto NATO valstu tehnikas apkope
Kopumā ražotnes izveidē investēti aptuveni 10 miljoni eiro
no tiem pieci miljoni eiro ir Valmieras pašvaldības ieguldījums
bet pieci miljoni eiro - "Defence Partnership Latvia" ieguldījums
Patlaban Valmieras ražotnē strādā 19 mehāniķi un seši administrācijas darbinieki
ka jau tuvākajā laikā darbinieku skaitu iecerēts palielināt līdz 40
ka ražotnes atklāšana ir "lielisks atspēriena punkts valsts aizsardzības industrijas izaugsmei"
ka tas ir ieguldījums NATO drošības stiprināšanā
un Latvija un Somija var lūkoties pēc jauniem kopīgiem projektiem drošības jomā
ka Latvijas mērķis ir stiprināt aizsardzības industriju un "Patria" nodotās zināšanas noderēs ekonomikas attīstībai
Somijas premjerministrs Peteri Orpo ražotnes atklāšanā sacīja
kas nostiprinās Eiropas aizsardzības spējas daudzus gadus uz priekšu
kā arī nostiprinās piegāžu drošību gan šeit
ka Latvijas un Somijas aizsardzības nozares kļūst arvien savienotākas un patlaban jau notiek sarunas ar vairākiem citiem uzņēmumiem par iespējamu partnerību
Latvijas aizsardzības ministrs Andris Sprūds uzsvēra
ka "Patria" ražotne ir Latvijas militārās industrijas un Latvijas un Somijas sadarbības veiksmes stāsts
Patlaban NBS jau ir piegādāti aptuveni 100 "Patria" bruņutransportieri un piegādes tiks turpinātas no Valmieras
jo piegāžu drošība un militārā industrija ir tas
Saskaņā ar portālā "Firmas.lv" pieejamo informāciju "Defence Partnership Latvia" 2022
gadā strādāja ar 519 370 eiro apgrozījumu un 129 392 eiro zaudējumiem
"Defence Partnership Latvia" līdzīpašnieki ir SIA "Patria Latvia" (70,03%)
kuras vienīgais īpašnieks ir Somijā reģistrētais "Patria ISP"
Lai varētu pilnvērtīgi izmantot NBS ekipējumā esošā bruņutransportiera “Patria” spējas mācībās un potenciālajās kaujas situācijās
Latvijas Drošības un aizsardzības industriju federācijas (DAIF Latvija) un Somijas aizsardzības un aerokosmosa industrijas asociācijas (PIA) ..
Zviedrijas Aizsardzības iepirkumu aģentūra parakstījusi līgumu ar Somijas aizsardzības un tehnoloģiju kompāniju “Patria” par 321 6x6 ..
a civil protection specialist at Valmiera municipality
said that there are no shelters in the municipality that meet all the criteria
The places that are marked are also meant to be financially supported
The buildings that now have a shelter sign are mainly schools
but there are also other municipal buildings
commander of the Valmiera division of the VUGD
said that residents should be aware that these shelters will not be enough for everyone in case of danger
it will be quite difficult to get in from the outside
if a shelter is more than 300 metres from where you live
you cannot run 300 metres if an alarm siren goes off; the point is that we all have to do our homework
set up our basements so that you can survive for X hours until help comes for you," Lingarts noted
Valmiera housing manager has started to survey and clean up the basements of apartment buildings
head of the company's House Management Department
The experts from the VUGD stressed that it is important to take care of one's safety not only in the context of the threat of war
but also in the context of various natural disasters
do I know where to turn off the electricity or gas in my house
do I know what to do if for example a gas boiler or a pellet boiler [doesn't work]
have I read the instruction manual and do I understand in general what I can do in my home
because the most important thing in such hazards will be the information
the same for the radio - do I have a radio with batteries at home
Making sure that we ourselves are prepared; that we think
we will be calmer if these circumstances do occur."
the way forward will be to improve the marked shelters in line with available funding
Latvian Radio visited one of the construction sites on the Matīši Highway
where we will produce bread and confectionery
and then we will prepare everything produced here for shipment to other consumers in other towns in Latvia and Estonia
hopefully beyond Latvia's borders," Čākurs said
assessing that it is important to think about developing the bread market
The premises where we are working now are already a bit unsuitable for modern production
to produce more and to make it easier to work."
the territory of the former meat processing plant was an eyesore for Valmiera
A Russian businessman had once bought the property
but his plans to restart meat processing did not materialize and
his temporary residence permit was canceled
The 14-hectare site with 27 buildings became abandoned
As the city lacked space for business development
it was decided to acquire this degraded area as a municipal property
explained how the area is now being developed:
"We thought for a long time what to do with these buildings
which are very large in area and complicated in layout
The first thing we did was to sort out all the road and street infrastructure
We also see a lot of interest from businesses
and as this park offers different possibilities - both to rent a plot of land and to offer existing premises - businesses analyze it
Head of the Business Support Department of Valmiera Municipality
pointed out that there are already several tenants in the area
which has set up its metalworking shop here
The military vehicle producer Patria is also developing its activities here
Svarinskis also said that it is good to see that there are young companies that are linking their development to exports:
"I have one of the factories behind me now where an existing entrepreneur has expanded its activities - Culimeta Baltics
Culimeta Baltics also has close cooperation with Valmiera Glass Fibre
They use glass fiber products and further develop these products
Then there is Klasmann-Deilmann [bioenergy producer]
which is designing and planning a factory in Zilaiskalns
Then there is Bitus Latvia [wood processor]
which has also started building its factory."
Both Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences and Valmiera Technical College play an important role in the development of entrepreneurship
more specifically in the sectors that are being developed
[entrepreneurs] are keeping pace with the educational programs that are at the technical college and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences
An important step for the development of the region will be the intention of the Estonian investor Fibenol to invest up to EUR 700 million to build one of the most modern biorefineries in Europe in the Valmiera Industrial Park
Latvia has chosen a simpler export product - logs were simply exported
Estonian entrepreneurs are planning to give added value to wood
very valuable substances are extracted from wood
which can be further used in other areas - in road construction
they are currently preparing an environmental impact assessment," said Svarinskis
Liepkalni is investing around five million euros in the creation of its new production facility
including one and a half million co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund
The new production facility is being built in Valmiera
where construction began last fall and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year
Company manager Dagnis Čākurs told Latvian Radio that the maximum capacity of the new production facility will be five times greater than the bakery's current total production (180 tonnes of bread per month)
"The existing space no longer meets modern requirements
this dough is more specific... now we are looking at such equipment
where we can reduce manual labor and where we can automate it more
while maintaining this bread production according to Latvian traditions and carrying out leavening and folding
And in this new building it will be more possible," said Čākurs
He pointed out that if the factory were opened now
but it is currently impossible to predict what the economic situation will be like in a year
He also concluded that overall demand for various types of bread is currently stable
but there is relatively less demand for traditional rye bread
Liepkalni is also working on developing new products and
"It's not that easy to enter or break into that export market
because we already had the situation that production capacity did not even allow us to produce very
so that we could export large volumes
and if we had a large volume somewhere now
since we probably didn't work so actively towards such a serious export market
which has been dear to us since ancient times
and we've been working more actively there since 2009
but when it comes to five times the capacity
only time will tell," said the company manager
Although the company has managed to save and invest in development
Čākurs acknowledged that challenges are created by the constantly changing costs of energy resources
said that the Liepkalni bakery currently has one of the largest investments in the industry
but other smaller companies are also constantly carrying out smaller activities
he called the food industry as a whole unpredictable
"We are surrounded by new information every day that has a global impact on many processes
there are new challenges from time to time
the government budget cuts and the increase in various fees and taxes
the excise tax on natural gas for processing
The same applies to the fuel excise tax itself
"And the next thing is these various activities from the ministries to reduce food prices
which is not really clear how it will work
because I understand that the consumer always wants food to be cheaper
but now there are many different market conditions – we as a manufacturer are sellers at that moment and the retailer is a buyer
and there we have different conditions for cooperation," explained Zemešs
The association also noted that the export of bread products in Latvia is currently not growing significantly and companies mainly operate in the local market
One of the largest exporting bakers is Cannelle Bakery
The company's main product is confectionery
but it also sells rye bread outside Latvia
said that its bread products are exported to Germany
bread accounts for almost 40% of exports."
"It's clear that this rye bread here is still a national product with its own value and history
And the fact that maybe we don't really appreciate it ourselves is perhaps the bad news in all of this
that it should be popularized here as well
then it's not a big secret that this is a product that is
but to some extent connected to the post-Soviet space
because there are a lot of migrants all over the world who know this product
That's actually the reason why there is a stable market there
Maybe I wouldn't say that it can expand terribly there or that there would be a lot of potential there
but still [there is] a number of people outside of Latvia who know this product and who appreciate it and eat it," Ansons explained
the Medical Company of the 2nd Vidzeme Brigade of the National Guard will conduct training in the vicinity of their Kaugurmuiža military base on the outskirts of Valmiera with the aim of strengthening theoretical and practical knowledge in providing medical assistance to victims in the event of a conventional conflict
Part of the Brigade's Medical Company National Guardsmen work in civilian medical institutions on a daily basis
the Emergency Medical Service and various private practices. The task of the medical company in the event of a military conflict is to receive victims from the battlefield
stabilize their health and transport them to civilian medical institutions
troops will move along public and forest roads
No ammunition or simulation equipment will be used during the training
The training sites will be cleaned up after the training
The construction of the new Liepkalni plant started in September 2024 and is being carried out in cooperation with the Rural Support Service.
Eglīte pointed out that the new plant will be larger than the company's existing plant and will ensure a more efficient production process
The production facility will also house a Liepkalni brand store
The company has also added new types of bread to its product range
and is paying more attention to nutritional issues and working on a new product group in the bakery segment
which is planned to be introduced by the end of the year
Eglīte said that the demand for bakery products is currently stable
but the preferences of buyers are linked to the general situation of the national economy
which influences both the frequency of purchase and the choice in favor of specific products
Eglīte stressed that the price of bread products is significantly affected by general price increases
which are not only related to raw materials for the production of bread and bakery products but also to a range of other services
EUR 1,498,549 will be public co-financing from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)
Liepkalni had a turnover of EUR 11.207 million
which is 15.6% more than the previous year
while the company's profit increased several times and amounted to EUR 637,148
The company was registered in 1992 and has a share capital of EUR 194,682
The sole owner of Liepkalns is Dagnis Čākurs
"Fibenol Latvia Ltd will start feasibility and environmental impact studies on a 26-hectare plot of land in Valmiera Industrial Park... in order to determine its suitability for the construction of a potential biorefinery," Fibenol said in a press release
a building right agreement was signed between the company and the Valmiera Municipality Government
which entitles the company to start all the necessary preparatory works for the implementation of the large-scale construction project
Valmiera Industrial Park is an area of 102 ha
which is being developed by the municipality of Valmiera region in several stages
"A successful feasibility study would result in production commencing around 2030,"Fibenol said
The size of the potential investment was not mentioned in the press release
but the LETA news agency stated that it could be worth up to 700 million euros.
the company already has a successful pilot plant that will be modelled on a commercial-scale biorefinery to convert low-quality wood into functional biomaterials
“Valmiera is a well-suited location for Fibenol's first commercial-scale plant," said Merili Palu
it meets all our key requirements: sufficient space
the potential to establish utilities to support an industrial-scale project
The site's designation for industrial development is a significant advantage
and the emerging industrial park presents opportunities for synergies with other companies
Valmiera is an evolving city that offers a good living environment.”
“After seeing the technology used by Fibenol to produce marketable biomaterials
I am delighted that Valmiera has been chosen as the starting point for such a large
We are in favour of preserving the value of natural capital and using it efficiently and sustainably
The bioeconomy sector has been identified as a priority sector in the Valmiera Industrial Park," said Jānis Baiks
The planned commercial-scale biorefinery in Latvia has already been granted national priority investment project status and access to fast-track 'Green Corridor' services
The project has received strong endorsement from the national government
as affirmed by the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Fibenol and the Ministries of Economy
Climate and Energy of Latvian Government and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA)
Fibenol Latvia Ltd is a subsidiary of Fibenol OÜ, established to expand the Group's activities in Latvia.
real estate prices now reach and sometimes even exceed Rīga prices
assessing the economic development of specific municipalities
in municipalities with lower economic activity
it is increasingly difficult to hope for mortgage loans
Nevertheless, mortgage loan amounts remain fairlymodest in comparison with many other EU countries
and the majority of loans were issued in the economically active Valmiera and Cēsis districts
The situation is much worse in other local governments.
"It seems that Valmiera is one of those cities where the prices of standard apartments are very similar to those in Rīga
and they have remained at a fairly high level because the supply is lower than the demand," said Marika Toma
Head of Mortgage Lending at Swedbank in Latvia
A typical client who takes out loans for the purchase of a home is a family man around the age of 30
Bank representatives indicate that the majority take out loans for the purchase of apartments
The private housing segment is also becoming more active
especially in Valmiera and its surroundings
"The property is the secondary thing we take into account - quality
But the primary thing we look at is cash flow and whether the client has accumulated their equity during this period in parallel with expenses," emphasized Māris Opincāns
Head of the Private Finance Department at SEB Banka
Real estate experts point out that the regional housing market is increasingly influenced by the local economy and demand
Valmiera and Cēsis stand out against the background of other Vidzeme municipalities
there is also a high demand for housing and sometimes prices can even exceed prices in Rīga," explained Daiga Blumberga
manager of the Valmiera branch of the "Latio" real estate broker
The real estate market in smaller municipalities depends on the availability of jobs
well-organized infrastructure in the municipality
quality entertainment and educational offerings
as well as whether quality housing stock is available at all
"If we assume that a three-room apartment is around 50–60 square meters
then it would cost from 50,000 to 100,000 euros
a three-room apartment would cost around 40,000 to 60,000
maybe 70,000 euros," said Guna Pūcīte
a real estate valuation specialist at Arco Real Estate
three-room apartments in a recently renovated and completely rebuilt apartment building cost over 170 thousand euros and all of them have been bought
Experts indicate that residents from Rīga and its surrounding area with good incomes are moving to Valmiera
Forecasts show that real estate prices in Valmiera and Cēsis will remain at the Rīga level in future
The situation in less developed parts of the country will depend on the creation of new jobs
attracting new companies and infrastructure development.
During the reconstruction and renovation project
significant improvements were made to the theatre
Seating areas were extended and modernized
a new Black Box auditorium was created and the working space for the theatre staff was improved.
The funding raised by the Ministry of Culture and Valmiera Theater amounted to EUR 16,310,262
of which EUR 9,547,275 was provided by the European Regional Development Fund
while the remaining costs were covered by the state budget and Valmiera Theater
The Valmiera Drama Theater building was constructed in 1996 according to a design by architects Modris Ģelzis
Olita Upaciere and Juris Gusevs on the site where the Latvian Society House once stood
an art salon and a café is recognized not only as a culturally and historically significant building
but also as a shining example of modern architecture of its time
The theatre building is also part of the Valmiera St
Simon's Church and medieval fortifications of Valmiera Castle area
which are architectural monuments of national importance
During the reconstruction of the Valmiera Theater
the administrative block designed by architect Modris Ģelzis was preserved
while the technically and visually outdated annexes were demolished
"The aim of the training is to maintain and improve the combat skills and abilities of the National Guard for the protection of the territories of responsibility of the National Guard units," said a release from the National Armed Forces January 24
Training tasks will be performed both in daylight and at night in territories agreed upon with the Jēkabpils regional government
During the training military equipment and troops with small arms will move through the territory of Jēkabpils region
so there is no cause for concern if you spot them
Training ammunition and combat simulation equipment will be used to perform training tasks
which create noise but do not in any way endanger human health or life
Training venues will be cleaned after training
the National Guard's 22nd Combat Support Battalion will conduct military training in a forest area near Strenči
The training will test not only the tactical skills of the National Guard members
but also their ability to respond to emergency situations
including entering bodies of water in winter conditions
Troops will travel on public and forest roads in military armored vehicles
No ammunition or simulated explosives will be used in the training
Training for the National Guard mostly takes place on weekends
when volunteers have the opportunity to devote their free time to improving practical defense skills and strengthening Latvia's security
The motorcade of Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo swept into Latvia's northern industrial city in glorious sunshine where a large crowd of local government officials
Finland and Estonia were waiting for them at the 10-million-euro Defence Partnership Latvia facility
Patria's Valmiera presence is a near-copy of one of its plants in Finland and occupies a large space south of Valmiera city center that has been earmarked for future development
While some of the surrounding buildings are still in a semi-dilapidated state
new infrastructure is in place and the cool
white Patria facility shone in the sweltering sunshine
its sheer 12-meter walls looking tantalisingly like a large block of ice cream
Orpo said relations between Latvia and Finland were "deeper and stronger than they have ever been before" and that the new factory would serve to "increase Latvia's attractiveness as a provider in the international market" as well as "enhancing European security for years to come"
Initially the factory will serve the needs of the Latvian military
turning out around 30 armored 6x6 vehicles each year
but capacity is expected to increase and in future it could "serve the needs of allies" in the Baltic region and beyond
Siliņa also said the plant would be able to "increase capacity if needed" and would allow the Latvian military to work with the "highest level equipment
technology and training" in readiness for "various security scenarios"
Valmiera mayor Janis Baiks was clearly delighted to see the plant opening in what he described as "an industrial city"
adding that "In these complex geopolitical times we have a new duty – to contribute to the development of Latvia's military industry – and we in Valmiera are doing that."
but I would like to say this is just the beginning," Baiks said
presenting a flag and symbolic oak tree in a pot to mark the occasion
Several officials also seemed to be dropping hints that future military production cooperation projects might be in the pipline – though they remained tight-lipped about details or timeframes.
Prime Minister Orpo said there was room for even deeper cooperation with Latvia:
On the table we have the security environment
how to ramp up our defense industry together
in the EU and in all these issues we have concrete steps on the table
Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds was equally upbeat describing the day as "a success story for Latvian industry
for Lavian-Finnish cooperation that we are opening the production line here in Latvia
so it's an example of how Latvia can expand its own military industry
its security of supply and also its supply of the armed forces
"It's complex but a strategic decision was made to move forward with local industry and its an excellent example we can use to establish other partnerships as well
We have decided that 30% in our big procurements should be localised
and Patria in this case is an excellent example
We have approved the defense industry law in parliament
we have established a state defense corporation," said Sprūds
describing how cooperation in munitions production was currently planned with Finland
"We are are also establishing a production line for ammunition here," he said
while saying Latvia was additionally "looking for different opportunities and moving forward with different technologies including drone technologies" to establish an "ecosystem with production
The Latvian Armed Forces (NBS) will be the recipients of the vehicles produced in Valmiera
and Defense Chief Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš could barely contain his enthusiasm at the prospect
"This is a huge and very important project of our armed forces
developing our military capabilities" beamed Kalniņš
It's not just one type of armored vehicle – we are looking in the future to see this factory produce wider [types of] platforms for the Latvian armed forces."
Kalniņš confirmed he had been in one of the new 6x6 vehicles and described it as "absolutely amazing – I drove in all terrains and even on the water – it floats!"
As the officials cut the ribbon on the new facility with large scissors that looked as if they might be quite useful in a military situation themselves
the 9-liter Scania diesel engine of a Patria XA-300 6x6 roared into life
After a brief tour of the facility – where certain parts remain off-limits for photography due to security concerns – it was the prime ministerial motorcade that was revving up again
whisking the leaders off to their next engagement
leaving the remaining journalists to sit in the cab of a demonstration vehicle and suppress the strong urge to go "Brrrrm
the Liepāja beach will host the "Summer Sound 2024" festival for the 12th time
Summer Sound has been one the most important and grandest festivals in the Baltic States
you will have the opportunity to see German DJ Robin Schulz
Finnish sensation Käärijä and many more local and foreign artists
You can find out more on Summer Sound's website.
the annual theater festival takes place in Valmiera with premieres and original pieces in the urban environment.
Not only will traditional theater plays be on stage but also documentary stories
partially in English or provide translation
The full festival program (with language info) is available on the festival's website.
For those living on (or taking a liking to) the left bank of the Daugava in Rīga
a grand celebration will take place August 3 at the Uzvaras Park.
You will be able to partake in creative workshops
get to know the fresh look of the Uzvaras Park
participate in contemporary art performances and enjoy concerts
The event is free and takes place at the Uzvaras Park (Uzvaras Boulevard 15
are described by their owners as "the most powerful solar power plants in the region" and together they are able to provide green electricity to 7,000 local households per year
Both projects were implemented by Latvian investment company "Merito Partners" and renewable energy project developer "Saules Energy"
Valmiera SES is located in an industrial area on the outskirts of the city and has a capacity of 7.1 MW and is capable of producing at least 6,900 MWh of renewable energy per year.
Chairman of Valmiera County Municipal Council said: "Attracting more and more new investors
as well as developing new production companies in the district
Green energy is an essential factor that helps reduce the impact of both the district and companies on the environment
The owner of Valmiera SES is the domestic investment fund "Merito Sustainable Energy Fund I"
currently the largest operator of solar power plants in Latvia
Valmiera SES is the eighth and final solar power plant in the green infrastructure initiative of "Merito Partners" and "Saules Energy" with the aim of strengthening Latvia's energy independence.
The official handover event is scheduled for autumn this year
Member of the Board of State Enterprise "State Real Estate" (VNĪ)
furnishing and other works will continue so that staff and spectators can return to the building.
The theater will welcome back its staff and open its season on July 30 with a general meeting
the announcement of the new season's repertoire
as well as traditional events to celebrate the season
Audiences will see the new space as of August 23
The project included a renovation of the Grand Hall
including the construction of acoustic walls
the dismantling of boxes to create additional rows of seats
A Black Box auditorium has also been built
The total cost of the project amounted to EUR 16,310,262
of which EUR 9,547,275 was provided by the European Regional Development Fund and EUR 6,755,039 by the state budget
Valmiera Theater covered EUR 7,948 of the total project costs
The seminars will inform participants about current cybersecurity topics, including cyber hygiene, the current situation in cyberspace, and the services offered by the Cyber Incident Prevention Institution CERT.LV.
Seminar participants will also be told about the changes and new cybersecurity requirements that have arisen in Latvia's cybersecurity management model with the entry into force of the new National Cybersecurity Law
Regional cybersecurity regional seminars will be held in person at the following dates and places:
In order to strengthen cybersecurity in Latvia and implement the requirements of the revised European Union Directive on Security of Network and Information Systems
the National Cybersecurity Law entered into force on September 1
A new institution has also begun its work – the National Cybersecurity Center
which acts as a single point of contact for cybersecurity issues and oversees the implementation of national cybersecurity requirements
several significant changes have been introduced and the range of public and private sector organizations subject to minimum cybersecurity requirements has been expanded
From a place where it seemed that time had stopped
it is starting to become a town where people even move from big cities because of the cheap apartments
the housing stock is still in a rather sad state
locals admit that life in the small town is improving
but the old problem of reliance on nearby Strenči for many daily essentials has not yet been overcome
but has anything changed in these four years
Local resident Galina said: "What's better
Aivars is one of them. "I came from Riga myself
The story of Aivars is what both the residents of Seda and the local government hope for the future of the small town – that new residents will come here
because currently around 100 apartments owned by the municipality are empty
The municipality hopes to solve the housing shortage in Valmiera (which is 25 km away) in this way
the apartment blocks are generally in very poor condition
real estate management company SIA "Valmieras namsaimnieks" undertook to manage them
It was unbelievable that they would do everything so well in one year
The entire housing stock in Seda is dilapidated
The bills were the likes of which I have never seen in my work experience," says Andris Kabraks
Work has been done to reduce heat loss and make bills more manageable, added Kabraks
and this is helping to spark interest from potential buyers
The water supply system in Seda was also in a sorry state
which has now been taken over by SIA "Valmieras ūdens"
But the heat and water supply system was not in a sorry state only in Seda
problems also had to be faced in other parts of the municipality
"Each region acted according to its own actions and capabilities
these things are almost sorted out," believes the head of the Capital Management and Entrepreneurship Department of the municipality
it was very important to build communication with the residents
This task was entrusted to local resident Arsēnijs Cepelevs
the representative of "Valmieras namsaimnieks" in Seda
"People come to me who are interested in writing some kind of application – both for paid services and for free
I need help writing an application in the official language
I also try to respond quickly and help," says Cepelevs
it opened our eyes to the fact that the residents themselves must take action to create a better environment in which we live
there was a feeling that the rules were dictated by the Strenči municipality administration
but when we were added to Valmiera municipality
an attitude - if we come up with ideas ourselves
[the local government] comes forward and supports us," says Laura Liepa
active residents of Seda repeatedly mention the improvement of the housing stock as the main benefit.
"The reform brought about the fact that apartments are now being sold
large families are coming," says Gunta Ungure
says that he would like the funds raised from apartment auctions to return to Seda
"Why can't the money from selling the apartment be invested in the same house to improve the housing stock
Our houses aren't in the best condition," says Brics
The creation of a children's playground and recreation area is also welcomed
but relations with nearby town Strenči
all the sheds in the market square were decorated with lights
we drive into Seda - a poorly decorated Christmas tree
one star on the Culture House and one star by the city hall
"This Strenči Association [also] represents the city of Seda
And right now we are experiencing inequality in various areas and aspects
We can also see from the projects that are being implemented – there are very few in Seda
but more in Strenči," continues Liepa
Association member Anda Kociņa also cites the former peat mining village of Zilaiskalns on the other side of Valmiera as an example: "Zilaiskalns was already the same - look at how they made it
there are no free apartments there anymore."
that we are like a separate country in this country
that Seda is located somewhere in the forest
it is good that people come to us from cities
they come with their new ideas," says Cepelevs
"Beetroot Washing Machine" is part of the Tartu 2024 European Capital of Culture flagship program
It is a joint exhibition project of the Estonian Road Museum
and the Tartu City Museum and tells the story of invention
The exhibition aims to shed light on the hitherto little-studied and collected tradition of do-it-yourself
as well as on the incredible diversity of creativity and skills developed during the Soviet period (1945-1991)
"The three museums offer a broad overview of everyday Soviet life
with an emphasis on the special tradition of imaginative home-making
These stories and objects speak of aspirations that have evolved in limited circumstances
striving for a better and more comfortable life," comments Paavo Kroon
exhibition manager of the Estonian Road Museum
"We want to show how everyday ingenuity and creativity can still provide a better quality of life today and in the future
Making things at home and fixing things is the basis of any innovation
In the context of big and worrying problems
DIY is a real and quick solution that is accessible to everyone," adds Kroon
The exhibition opens on August 16 at 16:00.
The main theme of the festival is "Life" – which is certainly a broad enough topic – which will be viewed from various different angles
Much of this year's program is intended for an adult audience
but for children and families there will be three works revived from last year
when the festival was oriented towards children, the organizers have said
the Festival center - a gathering place for visitors and artists - will be open throughout the festival weekend in the contemporary art space "Kurtuve"
Training sessions of the Children and Youth Theater Institute for young industry professionals will be held in nearby Valmiermuiža
but the International summer school of short-term architecture and urban environment design will also return to Valmiera's urban environment this year after a short break.
More information is available at the festival website: https://www.valmierasfestivals.lv/en/main
The situation in lake management has improved
but this does not mean that it is the case in all lakes
according to the researchers of the company "Saldūdeņu risinājumi" have been studying the fish resources of Latvian lakes and rivers for several years in order to give recommendations to municipalities on how to better manage their water bodies
This week Dauguli Little Lake and Rākis lake are under the microscope
the team removes fish from special research nets on the shore of the lake in order to sort them by species and size
this is by the same analogy as in the forest - that we have deer and there are wolves
wolves regulate the number of deer and at the same time deer regulate the number of wolves; if the wolf has nothing to eat
this is the result of the fact that people use too much of the predatory fish resources
and this disrupts the balance," Žagars explained
and the food base of the fish will also be evaluated in order to find out the ecological state of the lake in general
Then recommendations to the municipality will follow
senior environmental specialist of the Natural Resources Administration of the Valmiera region municipality
they are essential for the development of fishery exploitation regulations
"We need this [data] to further understand whether it is necessary to release fish fry [young fish]; if so
how many and what kind of fish fry should be released
these operating rules are like an alphabet for every fish resource manager," said Ozola
and the main problem in management – as is the case with Dauguli Little Lake – is access
because even though the lake is under the control of the municipality, the surrounding land is private property
"There are simply no public access points there
theoretically we can let those fish fry in
but the question is how many of the public will have access to these resources
it's the problem of the whole of Latvia that there are these smaller lakes
for which there are simply no public access points left
and then we as managers and users of fish resources have to fight," explained Ozola
Biologist Matīss Žagars also emphasizes the issue of access
there should be at least one public access point... I think the most common item in garden stores are those signs that say "Private property"
but that lake is not yours, it belongs to everyone
the legislation is organized in such a way that the municipality manages public waters
so that in principle it is in the hands of the municipality
it is up to negotiations with private owners on which terms they allow access to it," explains Žagars
But when talking about trends in lake management
Žagars considers that the situation is improving and work and funds are being invested in many municipalities
he cites the management of Alūksnes lake and also what has been done in Burtnieks lake two of Latvia's largest and most beautiful lakes
there were still many such socio-economic conflicts between fishermen and anglers
in general the management of Lake Burtnieks has definitely gone in the right direction
Alūksne was already the flagship of Latvia
which began to work systematically with lake management
Alūksne Lake itself is very well managed
Jēkabpils county is also actively working now
Cēsis county woke up when there was a reform of local governments a couple of years ago – it fell asleep with three lakes and woke up with sixty
and to their credit have also started working with a systematic approach to lake management," Žagars mentions as positive examples
If there are many public lakes under the control of the municipality
then Žagars suggests that it would be worthwhile to involve the local community as well
you have to look at how much resources the municipalities have
understanding which [lakes] we can [address] and which we can't
maybe they can be given over to management
to democratically established associations of local people
which then have their own interest in protecting the lake. It's getting better
We've been working like this for ten years
and I'm pleased to say that people's thinking has changed
but that doesn't change the fact that almost all lakes in Latvia could be improved," says Žagars
when thinking about better management of lakes
lake owners these days trust scientific research more – and researchers will not lack work in Latvian lakes this summer
The Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to actresses Lidija Pupure and Ilze Vazdika of the Dailes Theatre
The Valmiera Theater production "Pazudušais dēls" won the award for small form production of the year
its director Reinis Suhanovs was named director of the year
Māra Mennika won actress of the year for her role as Roplainiete
while composer Jēkabs Nīmanis received the award for "New Musical Work of the Year"
The performance also won the LSM.lv Audience Award
The Liepāja Theater's production "Latviešu raķetes" was awarded the prize for the Large Form Performance of the Year
The Latvian Puppet Theatre's "Sibīrijas Haiku" won the jury's award for children's and/or young people's performance of the year
as well as the international foreign critics' jury's award for best performance and the Theater Innovation Award
The Valmiera Theatre team of "Jāzeps un viņa brāļi" also received several awards - actor Aksels Aizkalns was awarded as the Young Stage Artist of the Year
Krista Dzudzilo and Reinis Dzudzilo were awarded as the Stage Designers of the Year
while Linda Milija was awarded as the Choreographer of the Year
The second Young Stage Artist of the Year award went to director Matīss Kaža for his performance "Maigā vara" at the National Theater
while Aleksandrs Grebņevs won the Lighting or Video Artist of the Year award for the video of this performance
Actor Kaspars Znotiņš received the "Actor of the Year" award for his role in the New Riga Theater's production of "Melnais gulbis"
as well as the International Foreign Critics' Jury Award for Best Individual Performance
the awards for Best Supporting Actress went to Evija Krūze for her performance as Mother in the National Theatre's production of "Ugunsseja" and Volodimirs Gorislavecs for his performance as Birgermeister in Mikhail Chekhov's Riga Russian Theatre production of "Vecās dāmas vizīte"
The jury recognized the play "Tēvs klusums" by Rasa Bugavičute-Pēce
The Costume Designer of the Year Award went to Kate Krolle and Reinis Bērziņš for their work in the theatre company "Kvadrifrons" production "Ērces"
went to "Pazudušais dēls" by Valmiera Theatre
as well as the National Theatre actors Maija Doveika and Egons Dombrovskis
The children and youth jury awarded the favorite prize to the Latvian Puppet Theatre's performance "Sivēnam pa pēdām"
The Latvian transmission system operator JSC "Augstsprieguma tīkls" (AST) in cooperation with the general partnership "Empower un Leonhard Weiss" said June 19 that the complete reconstruction of the link had been completed
The financing of the EUR 14 million project is 75% paid for from the funds of the European Union Infrastructure Connecting Instrument
The length of the overhead line in the territory of Latvia reaches almost 50 km
crossing the territory of Valmiera and Valka regions
The length of the line's cables reaches 450 km
The Valmiera-Tsirguliina and Valmiera-Tartu overhead lines that were replaced were built in the 1960s and 1970s
Both 330kV overhead lines were reconstructed by replacing all the old infrastructure
Reconstruction of the electricity transmission line Valmiera-Tsirguliina and the electricity transmission line Valmiera-Tartu will provide sufficient infrastructure for the energy independence of the Baltic States from Russia's power system
serving as the prerequisite for the successful synchronisation of the Baltic States' power system with the grids of Continental Europe
The synchronisation of the Baltic networks with European network will increase the security of electricity supply in the region while promoting the development of the Ruropean internal energy market and creating new business opportunities
Investments in equipment and technologies are also one of the preconditions for the secure connection of large-scale renewable energy sources to the transmission network and for meeting the objectives of the European Green Deal
Various officials were on hand at a ceremony to mark completion of the lines
chairman of the board of Latvian transmission system operator JSC Augstsprieguma said:
"We already have the third interconnector between Estonia and Latvia
last year the 330 kV overhead line line Valmiera-Tartu was completed
and this year the reconstruction works of the 330 kV overhead line Valmiera- Tsirguliina is completed
This means that the energy supply between Latvia and Estonia is ensured and stable
when we are preparing to synchronise with the European network
This project not only connects Estonia with Latvia
it is also a project that connects the Baltic States with Europe."
Estonian biotech company Fibenol has begun feasibility and environmental impact studies at the Valmiera industrial park
to determine its suitability for the potential establishment of a biorefinery
a construction rights agreement was signed on August 27 between subsidiary Fibenol Latvia Ltd
The agreement grants the company the right to initiate all required preparatory work for executing the actual
The development of the proposed plant and the project's scope is a long-term endeavor for both parties
If the feasibility study yields positive results
production is expected to begin around 2030
Fibenol announced plans to invest €700 million in building a biorefinery in Latvia rather than Estonia
not ruling out the possibility of the plant being built north of the border
A biorefinery is a facility which converts biological material from living or recently living organisms
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The Michelin Inspectors recommend a short trip in one of the most beautiful parts of the country
taking in amazing sights as well as top-class meals
Think of Latvia and it’s likely Riga will come to mind
but how many towns or villages can you name outside the capital
The further you move away from the Baltic Countries
the less travellers seem to know about the region
but there are so many fabulous places just waiting to be explored
We asked a Michelin Inspector to give us their suggestion for a short road trip which takes in some top activities as well as some great culinary experiences
H.E. Vanadziņš, Rīgas iela 15, Cēsis, 4101, Latvia A little less obvious to locate is H.E
which is tucked away in the centre of town
It’s certainly a spot the locals know about though and is always packed with plenty of regulars
This is not the type of place you expect to discover in such a quiet and traditional town: it’s big
with a welcoming vibe and a convivial feel – and you’ll be greeted with a satisfied wall of noise as you open the door
The next surprise is the chic black furnishings
which are a complete contrast to the classical wooden exterior
and there’s plenty to choose from for all the family
head to the rear and pick a spot on the lovely terrace
This rounds out your culinary road trip to northern Latvia – from here it’s an easy 80km journey back down the A2 all the way to Riga Airport
Experience Riga in a unique way with a stay at the Michelin-recommended A22 Hotel
including lunch at JOHN and dinner at Michelin-Starred JOHN Chef's Hall
180° by Matthias Diether occupies the perfect spot in the beautifully regenerated Port Noblessner
which sits just a stone's throw from Estonia's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town
Take a culinary journey through the heart of the Baltics to discover this beautiful country and its must-try specialities
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite in Tallinn or making a day of it on Muhu Island
the Michelin Inspectors have got you covered when it comes to great value and enjoyable places to eat
With a mix of homegrown talent and chefs coming from abroad creating an exciting culinary scene in Estonia
we asked two of the country's top chefs to tell us their stories
Discover the locations of the 2025 and 2026 MICHELIN Guide Ceremonies
Green Stars and Special Awards will be announced
Find out what the Michelin Inspectors love about the new selection and which restaurant is newly awarded a Michelin Star
Step inside this great value restaurant to discover a round-the-clock business that never sleeps
3 New One MICHELIN Star Restaurants Announced for The MICHELIN Guide Poland 2024
Discover the first restaurants to be added to the selection
from Michelin Stars and great value Bib Gourmands to sustainable Green Stars
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Think of Latvia and it\u2019s likely Riga will come to mind
H.E. Vanadzi\u0146\u0161, R\u012bgas iela 15, C\u0113sis, 4101, Latvia A little less obvious to locate is H.E
It\u2019s certainly a spot the locals know about though and is always packed with plenty of regulars
This is not the type of place you expect to discover in such a quiet and traditional town: it\u2019s big
with a welcoming vibe and a convivial feel \u2013 and you\u2019ll be greeted with a satisfied wall of noise as you open the door
and there\u2019s plenty to choose from for all the family
This rounds out your culinary road trip to northern Latvia \u2013 from here it\u2019s an easy 80km journey back down the A2 all the way to Riga Airport
is set to create hundreds of jobs both there and in Estonia
will benefit the economies of both countries
and key players such as Estonian biotech firm Fibenol are driving its development
CEO of Latvian construction group AS A.C.B.
said: "Workers from all over Latvia and from all our group companies are involved in building the industrial park." "The project is very extensive," he added
has spent ten years preparing its infrastructure and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles to become an industrial center
with growing service companies supporting local manufacturers
according to Valmiera council chairman Janis Baiks
Estonian firm Fibenol plays a key role in the industrial park's development
It plans to build a biorefinery at the park in five to six years
despite challenges in establishing infrastructure and high electricity capacity due to EU recovery fund limitations
The industrial park's infrastructure must be completed by next year
with entrepreneurs invited to apply for building rights on 35 hectares
while excavation work begins for a 45,000-square-meter logistics center with a 60-ton load capacity
Valmiera's strong cooperation with the Latvian Investment and Development Agency has helped attract many foreign entrepreneurs
according to acting director Sandis Svarniskis
"Aktuaalne kaamera" reported that building rights for the Valmiera industrial park will range from 45 to 70 years
Valmiera isn’t the most easy-on-the-eye place in Latvia
But in spite of its dowdy appearance, this northern city punches well above its weight in sports
it doesn’t have huge cultural credentials
But this isn’t stopping the city from making an enticing case for the 2027 prize
If Essen and the Ruhr Valley could be a Capital of Culture in 2010
then why can’t a Latvian industrial hub making fiberglass and fire extinguishers do the same
“Our message is that we are an important city with great unrealised potential,” says Liene Jakobsone
head of cultural projects at Valmiera Municipality
Valmiera’s 15,000 people are adept at making the most of what they’ve got
And no one epitomises this better than Māris Štrombergs
the Valmiera athlete came out of nowhere to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in BMX riding
And he celebrated his success by building a state-of-the-art bike track in his home town to nurture future champions
a local theatre director and a spokesperson for the Capital of Culture bid
this freewheeling spirit is finding artistic expression too
Bike trails are being developed to form a seamless blend between cycling and the urban landscape
A new skate park/cultural space is in the works
where youngsters will be able to enjoy street art in all its forms
And events like the “Tour de Valmiera,” where viewers cycle between theatre performances in different corners of the city
“This is where tourism and sport and culture all meet up,” he says
“Industry and culture are not mutually exclusive,” says Reinis
this isn’t just about art and music - it’s a pathway for development through culture.”
Ecological themes will also be woven into the fabric
when loggers floated their rafts down the Gauja River
Now an infrastructure project is underway to make the riverbank accessible to the community
and dance events could be held there in 2027
will be transformed into an innovative exhibition
And the beautiful restored manor houses of the county will become music venues
possibly hosting concerts by chamber orchestras from bigger musical centres
But even before the string quartets arrive
there are plenty of ways to get inspired in this part of the country
1. Dikļi Manor
This grand neo-Baroque pile is home to a highly-regarded restaurant
rich collections of paintings and antiques and a park boasting rare tree species and a pond said to have an oak floor for the comfort of blue-blooded swimmers
check out the fairytale sculpture park created by poet Viks Kalniņš and the site of the first-ever Latvian song festival in 1864
this watery haven north of Valmiera is ideal for walking
Also check out Latvia’s oldest and largest horse stud in Burtnieki village
and tour the hemp fields and sample cannabis butter (sorry
no THC) at “Atdzelvieši” farm
This 3 kilometre long hiking path near Mazsalaca covers some of the most unusual scenery in Latvia
Strolling along the banks of the Salaca River
botanical oddities like the Werewolf Pine (Vilkaču priede) and the echoing Skanākalns rock
Valmiera is an ideal starting point for journeys down this beautiful stream to Cēsis and Sigulda
or as the terminus for trips commencing up near the Estonian border
or take a barefoot stroll on the “sensations trail,” a 2 km riverside track made of various materials to stimulate your feet
5. Flowers galore
Renowned botanist Jānis Rukšāns has amassed the world’s biggest collection of ornamental bulbous plants at his “Jaunrūjas” farm
Different species flower from spring through to autumn
and visitors are welcome to explore the greenhouses and gardens
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together with the Embassy's expert in science
visited the region and the city of Valmiera
The ambassador got acquainted with the opportunities offered by the region and the two municipalities for further cooperation between the Czech Republic and Latvia
which is the centre of this skill in Latvia
executive director of the Association of Small Towns of Ukraine
who currently works in the municipality of Valmiera
Ambassador Hynková stressed Czech support for Ukraine
The ambassador also got acquainted with the collections of the Valmiera Museum and visited the temporary headquarters of the Valmiera Theatre
the future Contemporary Art Space "Kurtuve"
visited open-air stage and got acquainted with the project "Flying Rafts" developed by student team called "TreeHouse Place" from Riga Technical University
Having the idea of expanding cooperation in education and health care
the ambassador visited Strenči elementary school and also Psychoneurological hospital
the ambassador highly appraised the innovative and creative thinking in Valmiera region
appreciated the development of the region and thanked for the excellent reception
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It is estimated that around 7,000 people come to work in Valmiera every day from both Valmiera municipality and surrounding areas
but finding an apartment to rent at the moment is quite difficult
“When you look at what that apartment market or rental offer in Valmiera is
then either they're a little inadequate in terms of rent or they're inconsistent with the demands of young families
but the families want to move to Valmiera,” one of the occupants of the rental homes already in place
“This personally came as a very good solution for our family because we moved to Valmiera and started living in such a very small one-bedroom apartment; with the family growing
quick solution to get into a good place right away
said the interest in these apartments was very high
“As soon as any apartment in existing houses becomes vacant
then one thing is either companies queuing up
then on average 4-5 bidders apply for each apartment,” Skādulis said
Two more buildings are about to be erected next door
demand is more for three-bedroom apartments
so we have decided that the new tenements will have 50 two-bedrooms
and 10 four-bedroom apartments,” Skādulis said
in January the municipality of Valmiera started auctioning the first apartments in Seda
which is half an hour's drive from Valmiera
although the apartments are worn out and in poor condition
Chairman of Valmiera municipality Council Jānis Baiks said there has also been interest in these apartments
as regards the construction of new apartments
this issue has also been raised in the Committee of the Regions of the European Union
“A resolution was adopted among MEPs to the European Parliament on the need to create a dedicated housing policy and housing fund
as everyone recognizes that regions are no longer really coping with this problem
there must be different support mechanisms and also a common policy to be implemented to enable housing development
and this is more aimed outside metropolitan areas
the further question is whether the European Rules of Procedure will hear it,“ Baiks noted
New rentals are expected to be mostly done by winter
but they too will not completely resolve the housing problem in Valmiera
Take note – story published 2 years and 1 month ago
and then preserves from the winter," said Ruanda Dembovska
Goods are already packaged with the name of each customer on them. "I've got that sort of order
I'm used to it and I'm comfortable with it
Everything is predictable, people have made an order
and everything is understandable how much you need to produce
One of the principles of this market is not to waste time for both parties
particularly during the planting or harvest season
“We're here from the beginning, I can't complain
doesn't have to be brought to the customers anymore
Buyers have also estimated that this type of shopping saves time
come and take! Prices are friendly.”
Photo: Guna ĶiberePhoto: Guna ĶiberePhoto: Guna ĶiberePhoto: Guna ĶiberePhoto: Guna ĶiberePhoto: Guna ĶiberePhoto: Guna ĶiberePhoto: Guna Ķibere
a business promotion specialist at Valmiera municipality
said that deciding on the introduction of this type of trade in Valmiera was influenced by the desire to bring the farmer and the residents together
"The good thing is that it is the buyer who can make sure that he or she buys our goods directly
that it has not been purchased but grown just here
You can order products of interest through the Facebook platform and come here for your package
the positive is that they bring exactly as much production as is ordered, they don't have to cut all the lettuce in the greenhouse
they can count on the amount of order," Ķibere said
“This idea has been seen in Scandinavia
where these REKO markets have been working for many years
maybe they are more used to consuming eco-products, so maybe these markets in Scandinavia have been easier and faster
but we are at the beginning of this path,” Ķibere said
there is no concern that the market in Valmiera could dwindle
Patria has opened a new armoured vehicle production facility in Valmiera
This marks the start of full-cycle production of Patria 6x6 armoured vehicles in Latvia
“Patria has more than four decades of experience in developing and delivering state-of-the-art protected vehicles for troop transportation and system integration
Patria’s success in its market-leading armoured vehicles and related programmes
joint Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme plays the key role
drives the opening of this new facility in Latvia,” says Esa Rautalinko
“We at Patria are proud about the close collaboration with Latvia and Latvian National Armed Forces
vast majority of supply of the vehicles is conducted by utilising the CAVS member nations’ local industry capabilities
Every new nation is inherently reinforcing the security of supply for the whole collaboration system.”
a Patria majority-owned joint venture with a local Latvian partner Unitruck
manages Patria’s Latvian production operations and the facility
Latvian Ministry of Defence ordered in 2021 more than 200 Patria 6x6 armoured vehicles for delivery by 2029
This cooperation agreement strengthens the combat capabilities of the Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF) as well as contributes to the development of Latvian defence technological and industrial base.
“The local Patria 6x6 project creates the conditions for a development breakthrough in the Latvian defence industry
Our new facility will focus on the delivery of armoured personnel carriers ordered by the Latvian National Armed Forces
but we are actively working to ensure that our facility also implements other capability development projects of the NAF and produces military equipment for the defence forces of other countries,” says Uģis Romanovs
Chairman of the Board of Defence Partnership Latvia
and Patria Latvia. Patria 6x6 vehicle was chosen as the platform for the CAVS programme
The CAVS-related Patria 6x6 deliveries are ongoing besides to Latvia
Patria has already received orders for nearly 700 Patria 6x6 vehicles
The programme is open to European countries with similar equipment requirements
Sirje Ahvenlampi-Hyvönen, Vice President, Group Communications, Patria, tel. +358 50 557 3822, [email protected]
Jukka Holkeri, Executive Vice President, Global Division, Patria, tel. +358 40 869 2008, [email protected]
More information on Patria 6x6
Patria is an international provider of defence
security and aviation life cycle support services
Patria provides its aerospace and military customers with equipment availability
continuous performance development as well as selected intelligence
surveillance and management system products and services
Patria’s mission is to give its customers confidence in all conditions
and the vision is to be the #1 partner for critical operations on land
Patria has several locations including Finland
Patria is owned by the State of Finland (50.1%) and Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (49.9%)
and together these three companies form a leading Nordic defence partnership. www.patriagroup.com
[email protected]
Cēsis, Sigulda and coastal districts already have such initiatives and now Valmiera district has joined them with the launch of a 'Made in Valmiera' certified symbol
The first batch of awardees were home producers whose products range from rye bread
Municipal business specialist Guna Ķibere pointed out that quality is also the main criterion
To receive certification an application must be made
and this family is getting bigger every moment," said Valmiera district business speciālist Guna Ķibere and emphasized: "It is very important for both the municipality and these entrepreneurs
and organize each other to push their products to market together
Every entrepreneur and home producer also has their own story of how their business started
nobody needed cooks – everything was closed
scratched my forehead and thought about what to do
I thought – I'll plant some peppers
whose field of activity is hot pepper cultivation and processing
without prior knowledge; the first peppers grew
I gave sauces to my friends and realized that I had to continue," he recalls
Covid-19 also encouraged Santa Āri to find her niche – her own brand "Mūsdienu virtulis" or "Modern donuts"
and this idea for donuts came up," said Santa
"These are little donuts that are personalized
these are not the ones that are fried in oil
other areas open up for you," said Santa
Aiva Jurciņa was encouraged to focus on entrepreneurship while waiting for a baby
and now her hobby – needlework – has become her business
I learned everything by self-learning," she says
Aiva is convinced that the main thing is not to be afraid: "Do what you like and just go forward
Rihards Sankovs' experience also confirmed that sometimes life itself creates situations to start thinking about your own business
"The certificate received today is for the ice cream production that we started making three years ago
I made it as a joke for my wife and daughter
I realized that many people like my ice cream
when we made vegan ice creams – surprisingly
many people who are not vegans also like it," Rihards said
Rihards started his business after returning to Latvia after spending time abroad
"I stayed outside of Latvia for nine years and when I came home
I realized that I no longer want to work for anyone else
because you can truly feel at home when you are your own boss."
confirm that the basis is an idea that you have to believe in and entrepreneurship
But what benefit will entrepreneurs get from this trademark
Business specialist Guna Ķibere explained that manufacturers can use the trademark on goods or packaging
thus allowing the buyer to instantly know that these are local products
There will also be other activities from the side of the municipality that will help to popularize the brand
and only those with the 'Made in Valmiera district' trade mark will trade in special tents
In order to popularize the products made in Valmiera region
it is also planned to open a physical store in the city center
where everything created in Valmiera region could be found in one place
On 4 August the President Edgars Rinkēvičs visited Valmiera Municipality
The President of Latvia started his working visit with a visit to Rūjiena
where he met with the teachers and youth of Rūjiena Secondary School and visited an ice-cream factory
'The dynamic Valmiera Region with its economic and social life is a good example for other municipalities
Today I had the opportunity to see that with very active
purposeful and thoughtful work the Valmiera Municipality is trying to provide its residents and entrepreneurs with a predictable environment
safe and favourable conditions for living and growth in Valmiera Municipality
The President of Latvia also visited Kocēni parish and the State City of Valmiera
where he met with representatives of various enterprises
got acquainted with the work of Valmiera municipality and visited the representative office of the Ukrainian Association of Small Cities
Rinkēvičs saw the 'de Woldemer' exhibition at the Valmiera Castle Cultural and Environmental Centre and attended the opening of the Valmiera Summer Theatre Festival
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The Dutch police are currently continuing their investigation and are looking for eyewitnesses
The Dutch media "AD.nl" reported that the 24-year-old was stabbed by a 33-year-old man
They had been drinking together before the incident
The newspaper published a photograph showing a bottle of wine on a bench at the scene of the stabbing
a dispute broke out between the two men from Latvia
The victim was stabbed in the neck and after the attack sought help in a nearby supermarket
Medics arrived at the scene and took the victim to hospital
as well as the Latvian U-19 national indoor football team
with whom he participated in the European Championship finals in Riga in September 2019
Take note – story published 3 years and 8 months ago
President Egils Levits participated in the opening ceremony
saying: "I think that each of us - not only Valmiera and athletes
Estonians and Lithuanians - feel joy and pride that we can be in this renovated Jānis Daliņš stadium for the first time."
"Its significance is much broader - it is the Olympic center of the whole of Latvia and the Baltics," said the President
who also noted that it provides facilities for paralympic athletes
the strongest athletes of the Baltic States compete both in individual disciplines and as teams in the 'President's Prize' competition
though Ogre municipality hosted the competition during the reconstruction works in Valmiera
This year's meet takes place at the new stadium on August 13-14 and if you'd like to watch the opening ceremony you can so so at the Valmiera web portal
Jānis Daliņš (1904-1978) was a Latvian race walker
Competing in the 50 km event he won a silver medal at the 1932 Olympics
in so doing becoming the first Latvian to win an Olympic medal
Take note – story published 5 years and 10 months ago
Company chairman Stefan Jugel told reporters the application for legal protection had been taken by the glass-fiber manufacturer "to ensure the sustainable continuation of the group and its operation"
"I want to announce at this point that the operational business of the company goes ahead in full swing..
this is a legal protection system which allows us to go ahead and negotiate at the same time with the lenders of the company," Jugel said
The move followed a demand by one of its smaller U.S
creditors to pay back a loan instead of rolling it over
"This situation is based on our US project
The company's facilities in both the United Kingdom and Latvia remained profitable
adding that the company would have two months to find a settlement with all creditors
"We are willing to work with all stakeholders
and the target of the management is to protect this business with the legal protection process," he said
While the move would delay publication of audited financial results and would mean previous projections no longer apply
Jugel also said "This has no impact on the workers
Valmiera Glass's expansion into the US was previously heralded as a great success story, as previously reported by LSM.
An annual general meeting of the company next week will further discuss the matter
Estonian biomaterials producer Fibenol will build a modern €700 million biorefinery in Latvia and promises to create 100 new jobs, public broadcaster LSM reported on Thursday
Fibenol plans to build the plant on a 26-hectare site in Valmiera municipality
approximately an hour from the Estonian border
The company said it will be the most modern facility in the world in its sector
construction and equipping of the plant with the necessary technology is expected to cost around €700 million
The production of biomaterials will start in about five years' time and the company plans to export 90 percent of its production
Valmiera was chosen because of its infrastructure
the railway nearby and the possibility to hire a skilled workforce
The Ministry of Economics said a foreign investment of this size is rare in Latvia and will significantly benefit the economy
is from 0.5 to 1 percent every year," said Viktors Valainis
That an Estonian company has chosen to expand its business in Latvia, rather than Estonia, has been seen as a worrying by Estonia's politicians
Take note – story published 2 years and 6 months ago
"Kurtuve" is a former municipal boiler house
with reconstruction works of the theater building in Valmiera currently suspended and likely to take a long time to complete
the theater collective has been forced to find a temporary home to enable it to continue delivering high-quality drama to northern Latvia
the premises of the former boiler house are empty
but the director of the Valmiera Drama Theater
already has a clear idea of what the theater's temporary home will look like: "First of all
this is already a wonderful place in its own right; I think that right now the best things in Europe are happening in industrial buildings... The audience number will be limited to 110
then there are other requirements and it could not be done so quickly."
The quick conversion for theatrical use is also supported by the county municipality
and since the idea is to create a legacy space for contemporary art in the future
chairman of the county council Jānis Baiks says Valmiera will benefit in the longer term: "The space will remain as a big
huge space where you can host exhibitions or different kinds of art event
The state also allocated funding for the creation of temporary premises
and the municipality will provide co-financing
because that money is not enough for everything on its own."
The deadlines for adapting the former boiler house to the needs of the theater are quite tight
"Everything has to be ready here on December 1
I think the first performances have already been scheduled on December 12," theater director Evita Ašeradena reveals
there are already contracts for the start of construction
and this week the builders are already coming in here and will start work."
The theater was forced to make its boiler house contingency plan after reconstruction of its permanent home threw up several unpleasant surprises
The Soviet-era construction methods and materials were revealed to be shoddy and dangerous
so that building work was suspended by officials and plans had to be revised
soaring prices of building materials placed a question mark over the budget.
the state property company "Valsts nekustamie īpašumi" (State real estate) promises that the reconstruction works will resume in November
but while new contractors are being sought
the director of the theater Evita Ašeradena is concerned that the fabric of the building is exposed to the elements and quickly degrading
Currently it is estimated that construction work at the theater will be concluded in spring 2024
meaning that the centenary of the theatre will likely be marked at its temporary home
"We will probably celebrate our centenary here
The centenary of the theater is in September 2023
but I think that the city of Valmiera will only benefit from it
the audience will get used to the fact that there is an art space here
I think that we will warm up Kurtuve as much as we can," says Ašeradena
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Take note – story published 5 years and 8 months ago
"The penalty is applied because the company did not publish financial information for the first three months of the year 2019 within the legal period
thus denying investors access to the operational data of JSC “Valmieras stikla šķiedra”. The financial information for the first three months of the year 2019 shall be published by JSC “Valmieras stikla šķiedra” not later than by 31 August 2019," FKTK said in its announcement
adding that publication of the company's audited report for 2018 is 31 October 2019
the company announced: "The Management Board of AS VALMIERAS STIKLA ŠĶIEDRA hereby informs that the audited annual consolidated and standalone financial statements for the year 2018 will not be available to be distributed until 16 September 2019 as previously anticipated
"The Company continues to develop its legal protection proceedings (‘LPP’) Plan
To formulate the most suitable outcome for all stakeholders involved
additional time has been deemed to be necessary for the preparation of the final version," the company said
The decision to impose the fine was taken by FKTK at a meeting on August 16 but not announced by FKTK until four days later
with the suspension of PNB banka's operations taking up its time in the meantime.
Take note – story published 1 year and 5 months ago
“We can imagine – we are driving
and now we have 60 TV towers between Valmiera and Strenči,” Armands Broks
“The size of one wind turbine is planned to be 200 meters high
which is similar to the Valmiera television tower
plus we're still putting another 100 meters up
which will be the rotor blade,” he said
Armands Broks is also the initiator of the initiative on the platform “Manabalss” to review the construction of wind farms in Latvian forests
“This area from the Strenči toward Valka is part of the Ziemeļgauja protected landscape area
it's on my value scale one of the pearls of Vidzeme with its unique nature
with the Cirgaļu dunes that partially fit into the area
there's also a very high diversity of plants
different bird and animal species,” says Broks
Even more worried are residents of homes in the area
we only have the northern windows without those great skyscrapers,” says Solvita Miezīte
She said the concern is how giant wind turbines will affect the environment
animals and whether or not they will endanger human health
but how they will interact with each other, how all those low sound frequencies will leave an impact on health
but not that number in this small area of land,” says Miezīte
Other residents of Valka civil parish are also worried about how the construction of these giant towers and later operation will affect the environment and also quality of life:
There are plenty of open places in Latvia that can be found
where such large forests do not need to be destroyed.”
This project is being implemented by “Latvian wind parks”
When asked why this pine forest array is chosen for the wind farm
board Member of the joint stock company “Latvian State Forests”
said that only 27% of Latvia's forest areas can be suitable for wind parks
“More than 70 percent of Latvia's state forest area has already been completely excluded from any potential exploration of wind farms
whether they are existing environmental protection restrictions or it is population,” Kalns explained
“We've been through the fact that overall
agricultural land is also regarded as a high value
remembering that we are still in sync with the Russian energy system… So only forest areas are left,” said Kalns
The Nature Conservation Agency (DAP) explains that the environmental impact assessment process has been initiated and experts have already carried out research on both birds and habitats in previous seasons
is also wary of assessing the construction of a wind farm in the forest
“The report should evaluate complex all related impacts
there are several projects happening right now
the number of projects is close to two dozen right now,” Strode says
“We're not excited from a conservation standpoint about wind farms being built in forest areas
it's not something where there's a lot of experience in the world either
if indeed all these projects are to be carried out
then this could have a negative impact on the natural values as a whole,” said the DAP head
Locals also say that project promoters should explain what the benefits of this idea are if there is so much to lose
a public consultation meeting on the planned wind farm was held via videoconference
with another public consultation next spring where the results of the environmental impact report will be presented
Take note – story published 4 years and 8 months ago
the Center is the largest (3 591 inhabitants at the beginning of 2020)
Burkānciems (2 537) and Pārgauja (2 430)
Of the 21 neighbourhoods with more than 50 inhabitants
In half of the neighborhoods with more than 50 inhabitants
the population has decreased by at least a fifth
the population decreased by 17% from 27.7 thousand to 23 thousand since 2000
Most Latvians live in Apakšstacija (97%) and Viesturi (96%)
while most Russians live in Kārliena (18%) and Graudi neighborhoods (16%)
the population statistics of the neighborhoods of Valmiera will be supplemented annually
Such experimental statistics can be used by municipalities and territory planning specialists
The CSB encourages other large cities to determine the division of the inner city
can't keep up with the pace of its own growth and experiences problems tied to lack of employees
reports LTV's De Facto prior to the 2017 municipal elections
There are 996 jobs per 1,000 residents in Valmiera
Around 7,000 people make daily commutes to the city
The GDP per capita in Valmiera is the second highest in Latvia at €13,246
Valmiera is the most perspective place outside Rīga for young doctors
a surgeon who recently moved to Valmiera from Rīga to work at the local Vidzeme hospital
the city has a growing potential and infrastructure -- and even the people seem happier
However it's very difficult to find a place to live in Valmiera
and prices often rival that of the capital
The asking price for a two-room flat with stove-based heating can be as high as €250 a month
Of the employees at the largest company of the Vidzeme cultural region - Valmieras stikla šķiedra - only 58% are locals
A fifth come from neighboring regions but a further 16% come from even more remote places
and even when some were found it could take up to six months for them to find a place to live
"Last year I spoke to all the municipalities around here
[I spoke to people] within a radius of about 50-70 km
thinking maybe they have a place to live ..
the responsiveness was very low," said Doloresa Volkopa
Property developers aren't interested as people want to rent
Several apartment buildings with a total 150 flats will be built for the funds procured with a 25-year loan.
aren't likely to be enough to solve the city's problems
The city is growing faster than its infrastructure
Valmiera bought about 100 hectares of forested land from the neighboring Beverīna region in order to create an industrial park
About €15m in EU funds are to be invested into this place
for setting up infrastructure so that new companies could arrive and existing ones could expand
"Valmiera is developing well," Aivars Flemings
the deputy chairman at a consultative business body
It seems to him that "finally Valmiera has understood that business alone will not bring new investors and create new jobs
The city is starting to get more involved itself"
However the flourishing city life does have unwanted effects
The city will order research over how to solve the problem
but the introduction of paid parking is out of the question
Valmiera is currently ruled by the For Valmiera and Vidzeme party together with Unity
which have 10 of the 13 seats in the City Council
Take note – story published 2 years and 10 months ago
Trostianets is located close to the Russian border and for a long time
In response to Trostianets' request for assistance
the municipality of Valmiera provided a transport bus
filled up with donations from residents: bed linen
“The bus has been removed from the register in Latvia
it has been assigned transit numbers for removal from the European Union
There are also items for Chernograd volunteer firefighters – fireproof outfits [..]
They will collect them on the border," said Valmiera Municipality Mayor Jānis Baiks
The executive director of the association of small cities of Ukraine
who has lived in Valmiera since March with her children
said that she does not think that the gift to Trostianets is merely a drop in the sea of needs
strengthen our faith in victory and bring it closer with each day
The most effective help is to hear the request and make a decision quickly
as has happened with this bus to Trostianets,” Kiriliuka said
Take note – story published 1 year and 8 months ago
Having performed in more than 35 countries of the world both in acoustic churches and large concert halls
having released nine music albums and the audiobook "Sounds of Latvian Nature"
the group Latvian Voices also established its own a cappella festival in 2017
One of the best-known professional a cappella groups in Latvia
started in 2009 as a last-minute group of seven students of the Music Academy to sing at St
Latvian Voices won Europe's most prestigious a cappella festival in Leipzig
"We are privileged as a group to be in many places in the world and to see how such a cappella festivals take place," says Zane Stafecka
it has been an essential and important moment – a chance to socialize
to get to know the a cappella community
the idea had been there for a long time - we would like to have our own a cappella festival
There is a lot of choral music in this region
but there are very few or even no such a cappella group competitions or festivals."
The first Latvian Voices festival was held in Salaspils
but since then Valmiera became its home
and the Evangelical Lutheran church has also held concerts for several years - this time too - and also open-air acoustic events
we have had concerts in the castle ruins in other years as well – there is a place to express yourself!" says Zane Stafecka.
Both individual participants - music teachers and conductors from all over Latvia
as well as five domestic a cappella ensembles - will take part in the Latvian Voices master classes in Valmiera
In all there are expected to be around 80 participants
Registration for the master classes closed long before the beginning of the festival, but the doors to the concerts are still open to the public. Full details are available at the Latvian Voices website and the festival Facebook page
President of Latvia Egils Levits and Mrs Andra Levite visited Valmiera
one of the national development centres in Vidzeme
They met with staff and politicians of Valmiera regional municipality to discuss current priorities and challenges after the amalgamation
‘Valmiera is the economic and cultural engine of Vidzeme
a role model for other Latvian cities in terms of development,’ President of Latvia pointed out
Municipal experts and politicians shared their assessment on how life in the region has changed since administrative-territorial reform
especially in terms of funding of various development projects and business initiatives
Discussion then turned to impressive size of the region and its potential to provide high quality services centrally
Members of the regional council informed that new regional integrated state and local client service centres will be added to the 12 existing one-stop-shop agencies located in 12 libraries
The total number of Valmiera region integrated client centres will then reach 19
President of Latvia underlined the need to focus overall region’s strategic development on strong local community identities at the district level
Valmiera has applied for European Capital of Culture in 2027
by winning the title Valmiera will show that it is ‘micro-metropolis of high culture’ where ‘culture interacts with traditions of pragmatism in governance’
Visit of President Levits coincided with mission of competition jury to Valmiera
President of Latvia has also visited two other Latvian contenders for the title of European Capital of Culture 2027
Valmiera region is the second largest region of Latvia formed after the amalgamation of Beverīna
Take note – story published 3 years and 1 month ago
The three cities have contrasting characters culturally
In the south west is the port city of Liepāja
in the south east Latvia's second-largest city Daugavpils
and in the northern forests the city of Valmiera
Having submitted their final applications the three cities' bids will now be evaluated by a panel comprising ten international and two national jury members on the following sets of criteria: contribution to a long-term strategy
public involvement and governance. The commission will pay city visits in early May
and final presentations will be made on 9 and 10 May before the winner is announced
The European Capital of Culture initiative was launched in Greece in 1985. The initiative aims to protect and promote cultural diversity in Europe and to raise citizens' awareness of their common cultural space while promoting the contribution of culture to the long-term development of cities in line with their strategies and priorities
Over the years the title has also been a useful springboard for regional development and regeneration
Having started with just one city possessing the title each year
and in 2022 there are actually three: Kaunas in Lithuania
Esch in Luxembourg and Novi Sad in Serbia (cities in EU candidate countries
potential candidates or members of the European Free Trade Association party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (so-called EFTA/EEA countries) can also hold the title in 2022
the winning city in Latvia will share the laurels with a city in Portugal
"The status of the European Capital of Culture allows us to position a city of Latvia and
our entire country in the European cultural space
This status can both give a positive impetus to the rebirth of the city's cultural strategy and bring new fruits to business
the economy and social life," said Dace Vilsone
State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture
Rīga was one of Europe's cultural capitals
Jūrmala announced its withdrawal from the competition citing the high costs and uncertainty over the availability of co-financing
The builders have almost completed studying the composition of the historical wall java that is intended to secure the walls
a new cultural center will be created in the north-west part of the castle
Builders are now dismantling structures in the north-west part of the castle built in the 1990s
because they are not in line with the cultural and historical value of the castle
“Archaeological research concludes that all fragments of the wall have to be dismantled up to that line
they have to be removed,,” said Raimonds Kuncevics
The historical walls are planned to restore using authentic material.Therefore
in cooperation with Riga Technical University
a thorough analysis of the ancient wall has been carried out
the restoration of the old pharmacy building is also ongoing
It was built in 1735 and has been repaired several times over the years
Several layers of construction materials are covered above each other
Once the renovation of the old buildings and the preservation of the walls of the north-west part of the castle have been carried out
the construction of the cultural center will begin here
“The new function comes with the center
and in this way they will also be saved effectively for future generations,” explained architect Arturs Lapins
Builders should finish their jobs in Valmiera's castle ruins by the fall of next year