Eastern Territory Development Law scope may include several Vidzeme municipalities up to Valka region

A debate is underway in Latvia regarding the expansion of the Eastern Territory Development Law, with several municipalities in the Vidzeme region, extending as far as Valka, pushing for inclusion. The proposal aims to broaden the law's scope beyond its current geographical and developmental focus.

Jēkabpils municipality has officially submitted a response to proposals from "New Unity" party lawmakers, requesting its inclusion in the supported territories. The municipality argues that its inclusion is not merely a local development issue but a matter of national security, regional resilience, and sustainable development. They also propose extending the law's designated eastern territory to 110 kilometers from Latvia's eastern border or finding an alternative legal solution to ensure Jēkabpils' inclusion.

Lawmakers are considering proposals to incorporate several Vidzeme municipalities into the law. A specific idea put forth by Aiva Vīksna and Dāvis Melnalksnis suggests defining the eastern territory as the area along the European Union's external border with Russia and Belarus. This would include municipalities in the Latgale planning region, as well as those in Alūksne, Gulbene, Jēkabpils, Madona, Smiltene, and Valka.

The rationale behind this broader definition is that these municipalities share common long-term challenges characteristic of Latvia's eastern territories. These include depopulation, a shrinking workforce, difficulties attracting investment, and the need for development in transport, services, and dual-use infrastructure. The proponents argue that the economic and social resilience of these areas is closely linked to the development of the entire eastern part of Latvia and the nation's security. They believe a unified geographical criterion, based on proximity to the EU's external border, would create a functionally coherent support area and better achieve the law's objectives.

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The inclusion of Jēkabpils municipality in the Eastern Territory Development Law is not just a matter of individual municipality development. It is a necessity for state security, regional resilience, and sustainable development.