Budget, Financial Services, Latvia

Janis Birks.

Birks pointed out that in 2009 the revenues of Riga Municipality are not going to be any higher than this year, therefore the budget priorities have to be seriously reassessed. "Social benefits are going to be the next year's budget priority, along with education, safety and public transport," said the mayor.

Gerhards in his turn pointed out that the Ministry of Economy continues talks with the European Commission on the introduction of the most efficient funding allocation model to distribute allowances for projects aimed at increasing energy efficiency in Riga. It is planned that approximately EUR 23 million (LVL 16 million) could be allocated for individuals and legal entities for heat insulation of buildings.

During today's meeting, the officials also discussed the current economic situation in Latvia and in Riga, and the impact in has on the activities and budget of the municipality. Also opportunities to attract investments and other economy-related questions were discussed, as well as the latest tendencies in energy and energy efficiency sectors.

Taking in consideration the fact that the tourism season ended in September, Birks and Gerhards also discussed the situation in tourism sector, became acquainted with the principal problematic issues and the possible solutions, as well as agreed on further work strategy in order to improve the situation in the next tourism season.