In order to promote equal development in all regions of Latvia, local governments will implement projects with the support of European Union (EU) funds, introducing modern technologies in each planning region. Local governments have already begun work on smart solutions that will improve the accessibility, security, and efficiency of services.
In May 2025, the evaluation of project applications for the EU fund investment measure "Smart Municipalities" was completed, with ten projects approved. The aim of the measure is to promote the development of smart municipalities by introducing data-driven, innovative and digital solutions for the performance of municipal autonomous functions and administrative tasks. Local governments are currently conducting technical and functional process audits, infrastructure assessments, initiating procurement procedures, including innovative procurement, and concluding contracts for the implementation of the planned work.
The total funding for the approved projects is EUR 18.26 million, including EUR 15.52 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and EUR 2.74 million from local government co-financing.
An equivalent amount of ERDF funding (slightly over EUR 3.1 million) is available for the implementation of smart solutions in each planning region.
Ten smart municipality projects have been launched across Latvia:
The Ventspils Digital Center, in collaboration with the municipalities of Tukums, South Kurzeme, and Liepāja, will create a universal data platform—the Kurzeme municipalities' digital twin—by integrating IoT sensors, open data, and AI tools. The project will optimize heat supply management in 15 buildings, ensuring at least 10% energy savings.
The city of Riga will develop a real-time mobility data processing system and a digital platform for data analysis, visualization, and the use of AI models. The plan is to reduce planning and modeling time by at least 10%, promoting the development of sustainable mobility in the Riga metropolitan area.
Valmiera Municipality will develop a shared modular platform that integrates AI, video surveillance, sensor, and unmanned aerial vehicle technologies for more effective public order and security functions.
The Jelgava Digital Center, in cooperation with the Dobele, Bauska, and Jēkabpils regions, will introduce airspace surveillance solutions and traffic video surveillance data analysis with automatic violation detection. A 30% time saving is planned in the detection and processing of violations.
A real-time microclimate data analysis system with MI algorithms has been created, which will automatically regulate heating in 36 buildings. At least 10% savings in heat energy are expected.
A unified security management system will be created for educational institutions, ensuring a reduction of at least 10% in the time spent on public order and security functions.
Under the leadership of Gulbene Municipality, nine municipalities will introduce a smart, MI algorithm-based heating optimization system, achieving at least a 10% heat energy saving in 44 buildings.
A remotely controlled heat supply system with AI temperature control will be developed. A reduction in energy consumption of at least 10% is planned.
SIA "Bauskas novada komunālserviss" will introduce a unified data platform for water management accounting and monitoring, modernizing infrastructure and installing smart reading devices. The result will be 10% energy savings and 12% optimization of specialists' working time.
SIA "Jēkabpils ūdens" will develop a remote data reading system for water consumption and pressure sensors, integrating it with VISMA Horizon. By implementing the activities planned in the project, a 98.83% reduction in time consumption is planned.
