On September 17, 2025, a significant seminar will be held at the Ministry of the Interior dedicated to the involvement of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in strengthening civil protection. The event, aimed at fostering cooperation between state institutions and the non-governmental sector, will bring together representatives of responsible institutions and NGOs to jointly develop effective solutions for enhancing societal resilience in crisis situations.
The seminar's agenda includes discussions on current civil protection topics, an exchange of experiences from the "Namejs" exercise, and practical simulations on the role of NGOs in resident evacuation scenarios. It is also planned to discuss models for public involvement at the municipal level. The event will be attended by high-ranking officials, including representatives from the Ministry of the Interior, the National Armed Forces' Zemessardze (National Guard), the Crisis Management Center, and the State Chancellery, which underscores the topic's national significance.
The seminar is organized by the Civil Protection Working Group of the Latvian Civic Alliance in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior, the State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation. This event is part of the historic Civil Protection Week (September 15–21), which is taking place in Latvia for the first time this year.
The role of European Union support in strengthening civil protection
It is crucial to emphasize the European Union's financial support, which is a vital cornerstone in strengthening civil protection. This support enables the implementation of ambitious projects, the modernization of services, and the improvement of response capabilities. Funding provided by funds such as the European Regional Development Fund and the Internal Security Fund is essential not only for improving infrastructure and technical capabilities but also for building public safety and societal resilience. This support allows member states to develop robust civil protection systems capable of responding effectively to various crises, including natural disasters and other emergencies. Thus, thanks to the European Union's investments, not only is a safer Latvia being built, but also a stronger and more resilient European Union as a whole.
