Out of 172 projects which were submitted during the opened 4th Call for Proposals 49 project applications were submitted under the Priority I with the requested almost EUR 21,4 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The Joint Monitoring and Steering Committee took a decision to approve 18 projects under this Priority - 17 projects under direction I and one project under direction II. Approved projects request about EUR 9,2 million co-financing from the ERDF. The final allocated amount may change as all projects are approved under conditions and will need to clarify the project activities and budget.

In total 68 institutions (39 from Latvia and 29 from Lithuania) will be involved in the implementation of approved projects. Nine institutions from Latvia and seven from Lithuania will lead the approved first priority projects.

The approved projects plan to implement activities in several sectors. For instance, the project VocEdu is aimed to facilitate the development of vocational education according to the needs of labour market and increase of students in  vocational education establishments in border areas through provision of qualitative and competitive vocational education. The aim is planned to be achieved through development and strengthening of cooperation between vocational schools and labour market in the field of curricula improvement and practical placements; increase of qualification of teachers through site visits to enterprises, joint cross border meetings, trainings and master classes; improvement of practical training equipment in order to meet labour market demands for the qualified workforce as well as promotion and  increase the prestige of vocational education.

Another sector which will be facilitated is business promotion activities, for instance, the project Business library will establish in total five business support libraries (BSL) in each municipality and other 118 libraries will serve as supporting and connecting points to BSL resources. Each BSL also will include “one stop shop” for entrepreneurs where at least 25 municipal e-services will be provided. Through this project around 500 school youth will take part in the local business idea contests, 25 local contest winners will attend the business summer school, approx 200 potential entrepreneurs participate in different activities, and around 400 existing SMEs participate in four local business fairs, open days and discussions. Five premises for the BSL will be renovated and equipped, as well as ensured better internet speed for 40 libraries.

In the field of research and technologies, for instance, the project ENECO will develop feasibility studies on energy forest and plantations cultivation. The researchers from the Faculty of Forestry, Latvia University of Agriculture, will analyse conditions, develop and produce training material, hold seminars and give advice on fast-growing tree cultivation in the agricultural lands of the region. On the other hand, the researchers from the Faculty of Technology, Šiauliai University, will analyse the composition of the sludge from urban waste water treatment plants and of timber burning ash and their usage possibilities for energy forest and plantations fertilization. On the basis of Latvian scientists‘ recommendations they will develop and produce training material for energy forest and plantations cultivators (in three languages) and hold training seminars on that field.