On Wednesday, February 11, at 11:00 AM, a formal ceremony titled “A Safety Shield for Latvia! Strengthening Disaster Management Capabilities with European Union Fund Support” will take place at 18 Pulvera Street, Liepāja. The event will mark the official opening of the new Disaster Management Center and showcase a fleet of newly acquired specialized firefighting and rescue vehicles.
The ceremony will be attended by the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Latvia, the Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia, and leadership from the State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), the State Provision Agency, and the Health and Sports Center of the Ministry of the Interior. They will be joined by staff, local government representatives, cooperation partners, and other distinguished guests.
Strategic Strengthening of National Resilience
This day marks a significant milestone in the targeted reinforcement of the national disaster management system, demonstrating the tangible results of European Union (EU) funding. Support from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is enabling the construction of at least 19 disaster management centers across Latvia.
Alongside infrastructure development, ERDF funding has facilitated the most extensive fleet modernization in the history of the SFRS. By the end of 2026, Latvia will have acquired a total of 390 specialized firefighting and rescue vehicles and equipment units, significantly enhancing the speed and efficiency of rescue operations.
Modern Infrastructure for Liepāja
Following the completion of construction, firefighters and rescuers from the 2nd Division and Liepāja Station of the SFRS Kurzeme Regional Administration recently began operations at the state-of-the-art center. The facility also houses the Kurzeme Psychological Support Unit of the Ministry of the Interior's Health and Sports Center.
Key Project Facts:
Timeline: Construction began in November 2024; the State Provision Agency took management of the building on October 23, 2025.
Contracting & Execution: Commissioned by the State Provision Agency and constructed by AS "UPB".
Investment: Total cost of €3.56 million (€2.89 million from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility; €670,000 from the state budget).
Facility: Total area of 1,105.3 square meters.
A Comprehensive Vision for Safety
EU support extends far beyond physical buildings and vehicles. The European Union continues to make strategic investments in Latvia’s disaster management—ranging from the implementation of the unified contact center platform (112) and early warning systems to the adaptation of shelters and the development of a modern SFRS training ground. Together, these elements form a comprehensive disaster management system that serves as the fundamental pillar of Latvia’s resilience and the safety of every citizen.
This project was made possible thanks to the support of the European Union.
