Luxembourg allocates co-funding for environmental remediation of military sites in Latvia
On 12 February, during the meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels, Latvian Defence Minister Artis Pabriks and Minister Delegate of Defence of Luxembourg Henri Kox signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the co-funding of environmental remediation works at military sites in Latvia to support Latvia in its host nation support activities.
“Latvian army prioritises environmental protection of its training areas and remediation of sites that are currently contaminated. The Memorandum of Understanding signed by Latvia and Luxembourg today demonstrates the shared understanding of the importance of environmental protection and also promotes development of our military camps,” underlined Defence Minister Pabriks.
Funding provided by Luxembourg Defence Ministry will be used for the removal of contamination from the area of National Guard 1st Riga Brigade 19th Combat Supply Battalion in Stopiņi Municipality and other National Armed Force sites mutually identified by Latvia and Luxembourg.
According to Memorandum of Understanding, Luxembourg will provide Latvia a total of EUR 1.2 million from 2020-2023. Each year Latvia will receive EUR 300 000.
Implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding will also contribute to mitigation of impact caused by climate change and environmental degradation. It will help reduce the environmental impact of defence sector, which is also one of the current priorities of the European Union.
Latvia and Luxembourg have developed a close defence cooperation in the framework of both the European Union and NATO. Luxembourg has provided generous contribution of 3 million EUR in 2017 for strengthening host nation support capability. The funding was invested in the construction of 450 pax barrack at Camp Ādaži that is the base for NATO enhanced Forward Presence battle group Latvia. The project was completed in 2019.
Media contacts:
Media Relations Section
Military Public Affairs Department
Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv
Website: www.mod.gov.lv