Vairogs11. pants
Spēkā · redakcija pārbaudīta 2026-05-18
Stāšanās spēkā
Šis Saprašanās memorands stājas spēkā nākamajā dienā pēc
tam, kad to ir parakstījusi pēdējā Puse.
********
Šis Saprašanās memorands parakstīts četros
oriģināleksemplāros angļu valodā.
Vietas nosaukums ………………
Datums ……….
Vietas nosaukums………………
Datums……………
Latvijas Republikas vārdā
…………………………………
Īslandes vārdā
…………………………………….
Vietas nosaukums ………………
Datums ……….
Lihtenšteinas Firstistes vārdā
…………………………………….
Vietas nosaukums ………………
Datums ……….
Norvēģijas Karalistes vārdā
…………………………………….
A PIELIKUMS
Nacionālā vadības un kontroles
struktūra
1. Nacionālā vadošā
iestāde
Latvijas Republikas Finanšu ministrija pilda Nacionālās
vadošās iestādes funkcijas. Nacionālās vadošās iestādes vadītāja
funkcijas pilda Latvijas Republikas Finanšu ministrijas valsts
sekretāra vietnieks Eiropas Savienības struktūrfondu un Kohēzijas
fonda jautājumos.
Finanšu ministrija ir Latvijas valdības nozares
ministrija un ir vadošā valsts pārvaldes iestāde finanšu nozarē.
Tā veido finanšu politiku, vada un koordinē tās ieviešanu,
pārvalda ārvalstu finanšu palīdzību un pilda citas ārējos
normatīvos aktos noteiktās funkcijas.
Finanšu ministrijas struktūrvienības, kas atbild par
Nacionālās vadošās iestādes funkciju izpildi, ir Eiropas
Savienības fondu stratēģijas departaments un Eiropas Savienības
fondu uzraudzības departaments. Katru departamentu vada
direktors, kas ir tieši pakļauts Finanšu ministrijas valsts
sekretāra vietniekam Eiropas Savienības struktūrfondu un
Kohēzijas fonda jautājumos, kurš savukārt vada abu iepriekšminēto
departamentu darbu un ir Nacionālās vadošās iestādes vadītājs.
Finanšu ministrijas valsts sekretāra vietnieks Eiropas Savienības
struktūrfondu un Kohēzijas fonda jautājumos ir tieši pakļauts
Finanšu ministrijas valsts sekretāram. Finanšu ministrijas valsts
sekretārs ir Finanšu ministrijas administratīvais vadītājs un ir
tieši pakļauts finanšu ministram. Finanšu ministrs ir Finanšu
ministrijas politiskais vadītājs un Latvijas Republikas valdības
loceklis.
Nacionālās vadošās iestādes pienākumi un atbildība ir
atrunāta Noteikumos, konkrēti to 4.3.pantā. Papildus Noteikumu
4.3.pantam Nacionālā vadošā iestāde:
· Nodrošina nacionālā līmeņa tiesību aktu izstrādi
attiecībā uz Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas finanšu instrumenta
ieviešanu;
· Nodrošina Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas finanšu instrumenta
ieviešanas un uzraudzības sistēmas izveidi;
· Izveido un ievieš ziņošanas sistēmu par neatbilstībām
Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas finanšu instrumenta ietvaros;
· Uzrauga Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas finanšu instrumenta
ieviešanu atbilstoši Noteikumiem un nacionālajiem tiesību
aktiem.
2. Sertifikācijas
iestāde
Latvijas Republikas Valsts kase pilda Sertifikācijas
iestādes funkcijas. Valsts kases pārvaldnieks pilda
Sertifikācijas iestādes vadītāja funkcijas.
Latvijas Republikas Valsts kase ir tieši pakļauta
Finanšu ministrijai. Valsts kases funkciju izpildi vada Valsts
kases pārvaldnieks. Valsts kases struktūrvienība, kas atbild par
Sertifikācijas iestādes funkciju veikšanu, ir Valsts kases
Eiropas lietu departaments.
Valsts kases Eiropas lietu departamentu vada direktors,
kas ir tieši pakļauts Valsts kases pārvaldniekam. Valsts kases
pārvaldnieks ir pakļauts Finanšu ministrijas valsts sekretāra
vietniekam budžeta jautājumos, kurš savukārt ir tieši pakļauts
Finanšu ministrijas valsts sekretāram.
Sertifikācijas iestādes pienākumi un atbildība ir
atrunāta Noteikumos, konkrēti to 4.5.pantā. Papildus Noteikumu
4.5.pantam Sertifikācijas iestāde:
· Ziņo Nacionālajai vadošajai iestādei par neatbilstībām
vai aizdomām par neatbilstībām finanšu plūsmās, ko pārvalda
Programmas apsaimniekotājs Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas finanšu
instrumenta ietvaros.
3. Revīzijas
iestāde
Latvijas Republikas Finanšu ministrijas Audita un
revīzijas departaments pilda Revīzijas iestādes funkcijas. Audita
un revīzijas departamenta direktors, kurš ir tieši pakļauts
Finanšu ministrijas valsts sekretāram, pilda Revīzijas iestādes
vadītāja funkcijas.
Revīzijas iestādes vadītājs apstiprina un paraksta
Revīzijas iestādes sagatavotos dokumentus, tai skaitā audita
ziņojumus, audita stratēģiju un gadskārtējos kontroles ziņojumus.
Revīzijas iestāde darbojas atbilstoši Starptautiskajiem revīzijas
standartiem, Iekšējā audita profesionālās prakses
starptautiskajiem standartiem un Ētikas kodeksam.
Revīzijas iestādes pienākumi un atbildība ir atrunāta
Noteikumos, konkrēti to 4.6.pantā. Papildus Noteikumu 4.6.pantam
Revīzijas iestāde:
· Nodrošina nacionālās audita politikas izstrādi un
uzraudzību Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas finanšu instrumenta
ietvaros;
· Nodrošina nacionālā līmeņa tiesību aktu izstrādi
attiecībā uz Revīzijas iestādes funkciju izpildi;
· Nodrošina to izvērtējumu kvalitāti un uzticamību, ko
veic Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas finanšu instrumenta ieviešanā
iesaistīto institūciju iekšējā audita
struktūrvienības;
· Uzrauga Eiropas Ekonomikas zonas finanšu instrumenta
auditu ietvaros sniegto audita ieteikumu ieviešanu.
4. Par neatbilstību ziņojumu
sagatavošanu un iesniegšanu atbildīgā valsts iestāde
Nacionālā vadošā iestāde atbild par neatbilstību
ziņojumu sagatavošanu un iesniegšanu. Minētās funkcijas veic
Eiropas Savienības fondu uzraudzības departaments, kas ir daļa no
Nacionālās vadošās iestādes.
Nacionālās vadošās iestādes pienākumi un atbildība
saistībā ar ziņošanu par neatbilstībām ir atrunāta Noteikumos,
konkrēti to 11.3.pantā. Papildus Noteikumu 11.3.pantam Nacionālā
vadošā iestāde:
·Nodrošina, ka visi neatbilstību ziņojumi un
neatbilstību novēršanas pasākumi tiek izskatīti, un, ja
nepieciešams, uzsāk un veic auditus, lai gūtu pārliecību par to
pasākumu efektivitāti un pietiekamību, kas tiek veikti, lai
konstatētu un novērstu neatbilstības un atgūtu neatbilstoši
izlietoto finansējumu.
5. Uzraudzības
komiteja
Uzraudzības komiteja tiek izveidota sešu mēnešu laikā
pēc Saprašanās memoranda parakstīšanas. Tās pienākumi un
atbildība noteikta Noteikumos, konkrēti to 4.4.pantā.
6. Stratēģiskais
pārskats
Saskaņā ar Noteikumu 2.2. pantu Nacionālā vadošā iestāde
reizi gadā iesniedz FIB Stratēģisko pārskatu par Eiropas
Ekonomikas zonas finanšu instrumenta 2009. - 2014. gadam
ieviešanu. Pusēm ir jācenšas organizēt ikgadējās tikšanās katru
gadu maija mēnesī.
7. Organizatoriskā
shēma
B PIELIKUMS
Ieviešanas ietvars
Saskaņā ar Noteikumu 2.1. pantu Saprašanās memorandu
parakstošās puses ir vienojušās par šajā pielikumā izklāstīto
ieviešanas ietvaru.
1. Ieviešanas ietvara finanšu
parametri.
Latvija
EEZ FI
piešķīrums, EUR
Programmu joma
Pielāgošanās klimata pārmaiņām
10,365,000
Finansējums nevalstiskām organizācijām
10,365,000
Kultūras un dabas mantojuma saglabāšana un
atjaunināšana
10,019,500
Stipendijas
518 250
Citi piešķīrumi
Tehniskā palīdzība Saņēmējvalstij (1.9.
pants)
518,250
Līdzekļi savstarpējām attiecībām nacionālā
līmenī (3.5.1. pants)
172,750
Neto
piešķīrums Latvijai (EUR)
31,958,750
2. Īpašas
intereses
Divpusējās attiecības starp donorvalstīm un Latviju ir
jāstiprina ar mērķi stimulēt ilgtermiņa sadarbību, sevišķi zemāk
norādītajās programmu jomās ar donoru programmu partneriem, kā
arī citos veidos, piemēram, ar partnerību projektu līmenī visās
atbalstāmajās programmu jomās.
Programmu ierosinājumu novērtējumā tiks pienācīgi ņemti
vērā atbilstošie Eiropas Padomes cilvēktiesību un uzraudzības
standarti (tādi kā tie, kurus uzrauga Eiropas Komiteja
spīdzināšanas un necilvēcīgas vai pazemojošas rīcības vai soda
novēršanai (CPT), Valstu grupa pret korupciju (GRECO), Ekspertu
grupa par pasākumiem pret cilvēku tirdzniecību (GRETA) Eiropas
Komisija pret rasismu un neiecietību (ECRI), u.c.), ieskaitot
Eiropas Cilvēka tiesību un pamatbrīvību aizsardzības
konvenciju.
3. Ieviešanas ietvara
patstāvīgie parametri
Zemāk aprakstītajām programmām ir jābūt izstrādātām un
atbilstoši Finanšu mehānisma komitejas apstiprinājumam ieviestām
Saņēmējvalstī.
A. Programmas joma:
Pielāgošanās klimata pārmaiņām
Programma: Nacionālā klimata politika
Sagaidāmie rezultāti: Izstrādātas stratēģijas un
pasākumi, lai pielāgotos klimata pārmaiņām; no oglekļa mazāk
atkarīga ekonomika; uzlabota kapacitāte īstenot energo efektīvus
pasākumus nacionālā, reģionālā un vietējā līmenī; uzlabota vides
informācija par ietekmi, situāciju un tendencēm.
Programmas piešķīrums: EUR 10,365,000
Programme īstenotājs: Vides aizsardzības un
reģionālās attīstības ministrija
Donoru programmas partneris: Norvēģijas Klimata
un piesārņojuma aģentūra (KLIF)
Galvenais virziens: Programmas mērķis ir
atbalstīt Latviju visaptverošas nacionālās klimata politikas
izstrādē, kas ietver ETS neiekļautos sektorus emisiju jautājumos
un visus pārējos sektorus adaptācijas jautājumos. Programma sevī
iekļaus savākšanas, uzglabāšanas, kvalitātes nodrošināšanas un ar
klimata pārmaiņām saistīto datu izplatīšanas sistēmas;
modelēšanas instrumentus; politikas attīstības pasākumus un
instrumentus; kapacitātes celšanu; sabiedrības izglītošanu un
klimata pārmaiņu aktualizēšanu
B. Programmas joma:
Finansējums nevalstiskajām organizācijām
Programma: NVO fonds
Programmas piešķīrums: EUR 10,365,000
Programmas īstenotājs: Sabiedrības integrācijas
fonds
Galvenais virziens: Vismaz 30% no
pār-piešķiršanas ir jāaptver pamata aktivitātes, kā norādīts
programmas dokumentā. 50% no pār-piešķiršanas ir jāatbalsta
sociālā sektora aktivitātes (ieskaitot labklājības un
pamatpakalpojumu nodrošināšanu, lokālās un reģionālās iniciatīvas
sociālās iekļaušanas veicināšanai, atbalstu bērniem un jaunatnei
riska grupās un dzimumu vienlīdzībai.
Īpašas intereses: Programmai ir jāatbalsta
starpkultūru dialogs un nacionālo minoritāšu integrācija, to
skaitā informatīvas un izglītojošas aktivitātes pilsonības
jautājumu aktualizēšanai un valodas apmācības aktivitātes.
Programmai jāatbalsta nevalstisko organizāciju kapacitātes
celšana
C. Programmas joma: Kultūras
un dabas mantojuma saglabāšana un atjaunināšana
Programma: Kultūras un dabas mantojuma
saglabāšana un atjaunināšana
Programmas piešķīrums: EUR 10,019,500
Programmas īstenotājs: Kultūras
ministrija
Donoru programmas partneris: Norvēģijas
Kultūras mantojuma direkcija, Norvēģijas Mākslas padome (mazo
grantu shēmai)
Galvenais virziens: Programma ietvers iepriekš
definētus projektus (zemāk) un finansējumu atklātam konkursam,
kura mērķis ir atbalstīt jūgendstila un koka arhitektūras
kultūras mantojuma saglabāšanu.
Iepriekš definētie projekti: 1) Rakstniecības un
mūzikas muzeja rekonstrukcija (maksimāli 50% no
piešķīruma);
2) Rīgas Jūgendstila centra kultūras mantojuma
digitalizācija un virtuālā muzeja izstrāde;
3) Koka arhitektūras mantojuma saglabāšanas un
amatniecības labās prakses projekti, ieskaitot Radošo industriju
un restaurācijas centra izveidi Latgalē un Rēzeknes Zaļās
sinagogas restaurāciju;
4) Raiņa un Aspazijas memoriālās mājas (vasarnīcas)
Jūrmalā restaurācija;
5) Raiņa memoriālās mājas "Tadenava"
restaurācija;
6) Latvijas Etnogrāfiskā Brīvdabas muzeja ostas
noliktavas restaurācija.
Mazo grantu shēma: Ne mazāk kā EUR 500000
jāpiešķir mazo grantu shēmai, kas paredzēta kultūras apmaiņai.
Mazo grantu shēmu ievieš sadarbībā ar Donoru programmas
partneri.
D. Stipendijas
Programma: Stipendijas
Programmas piešķīrums: EUR 518
250
Programmas īstenotājs: Izglītības un zinātnes
ministrija
Donoru programmas Partneris: Augstākās izglītības
internacionalizācijas centrs
Galvenais virziens: Programmas mērķis ir
nodrošināt stipendijas studentiem visos līmeņos un studiju
programmās.
MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EEA FINANCIAL
MECHANISM 2009-2014
between THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA,
hereinafter referred to as the "Beneficiary State"
and
ICELAND, THE PRINCIPALITY OF LIECHTENSTEIN, THE KINGDOM OF
NORWAY, hereinafter referred to as the "Donor States"
together hereinafter referred to as the "Parties",
WHEREAS Protocol 38b to the EEA Agreement, incorporated into
the EEA Agreement by the Agreement between the European Union,
Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of
Norway on the EEA Financial Mechanism 2009-2014, establishes a
financial mechanism (hereinafter referred to as the "EEA
Financial Mechanism 2009-2014") through which the Donor
States will contribute to the reduction of economic and social
disparities in the European Economic Area;
WHEREAS the EEA Financial Mechanism 2009-2014 aims to
strengthen relations between the Donor States and the Beneficiary
State to the mutual benefit of their peoples;
WHEREAS by decision of the Standing Committee of the EFTA
States No. 5/2010/SC of 9 December 2010 the Donor States have
given the Financial Mechanism Committee, established by a
decision of the Standing Committee of the EFTA States No.
4/2004/SC of 3 June 2004, a mandate to manage the EEA Financial
Mechanism 2009-2014;
WHEREAS the enhanced co-operation between the Donor States and
the Beneficiary State will contribute to securing a stable,
peaceful and prosperous Europe, based on good governance,
democratic institutions, the rule of law, respect for human
rights and sustainable development;
WHEREAS the Parties agree to establish a framework for
cooperation in order to ensure the effective implementation of
the EEA Financial Mechanism 2009-2014;
the Parties HAVE AGREED on the following:
Article 1
Objectives
1. The overall objectives of the EEA Financial Mechanism
2009-2014 are to contribute to the reduction of economic and
social disparities in the European Economic Area and to the
strengthening of bilateral relations between the Donor States and
the beneficiary states through financial contributions in the
priority sectors listed in paragraph 2. Accordingly, the Parties
to this Memorandum of Understanding shall endeavour to select for
funding programmes that contribute to the achievement of these
objectives.
2. The financial contributions shall be available in the
following priority sectors:
(a) Environmental protection and management;
(b) Climate change and renewable energy;
(c) Civil society;
(d) Human and social development; and
(e) Protecting cultural heritage.
Academic research may be eligible for funding in so far it is
targeted at one or more of the priority sectors.
Article 2
Legal Framework
This Memorandum of Understanding shall be read in conjunction
with the following documents which, together with this Memorandum
of Understanding, constitute the legal framework of the EEA
Financial Mechanism 2009-2014:
(a) Protocol 38b to the EEA Agreement on the EEA Financial
Mechanism 2009-2014;
(b) the Regulation on the implementation of the EEA Financial
Mechanism 2009-2014 (hereinafter referred to as the
"Regulation") issued by the Donor States in accordance
with Article 8.8 of Protocol 38b;
(c) the programme agreements that will be concluded for each
programme; and
(d) any guidelines adopted by the Financial Mechanism
Committee in accordance with the Regulation.
Article 3
Financial Framework
1. In accordance with Article 2 of Protocol 38b, the total
amount of the financial contribution is € 988.5 million in annual
tranches of € 197.7 million over the period running from 1 May
2009 to 30 April 2014, inclusive.
2. In accordance with Article 5 of Protocol 38b, a total of €
34.55 million shall be made available to the Beneficiary State
over the period referred to in Paragraph 1.
3. In accordance with Article 8.7 of Protocol 38b and Article
1.8 of the Regulation, the management costs of the Donor States
shall be covered by the overall amount referred to above. Further
provisions to this effect are set out in the Regulation. The net
amount of the allocation to be made available to the Beneficiary
State is € 31.958.750.
Article 4
Roles and responsibilities
1. The Donor States shall make funds available in support of
eligible programmes proposed by the Beneficiary State and agreed
on by the Financial Mechanism Committee within the priority
sectors listed in Article 3.1 of Protocol 38b and the programme
areas identified in Annex B of this Memorandum of Understanding.
The Donor States and the Beneficiary State may consult on
possible and specific programmes before a formal programme
proposal is submitted to the Financial Mechanism Committee.
2. The Beneficiary State shall assure the full co-financing of
programmes that benefit from support from the EEA Financial
Mechanism 2009-2014 in accordance with Annex B and the programme
agreements.
3. The Financial Mechanism Committee (hereinafter referred to
as the "FMC") shall manage the EEA Financial Mechanism
2009-2014 and take decisions on the granting of financial
assistance in accordance with the Regulation.
4. The Committee shall be assisted by the Financial Mechanism
Office (hereinafter referred to as the "FMO"). The FMO
shall be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the EEA
Financial Mechanism 2009-2014 and shall serve as a contact
point.
Article 5
Designation of authorities
The Beneficiary State has authorised a National Focal Point to
act on its behalf. The National Focal Point shall have the
overall responsibility for reaching the objectives of the EEA
Financial Mechanism 2009-2014 as well as for the implementation
of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2009-2014 in the Beneficiary State
in accordance with the Regulation. In accordance with Article 4.2
of the Regulation, the National Focal Point, the Certifying
Authority, the Audit Authority, and an appropriate national
entity responsible for the preparation and submission of
irregularities reports are designated in Annex A.
Article 6
Multi-annual Programming Framework
1. In accordance with Article 2.1 of the Regulation, the
Parties have agreed on an implementation framework consisting of
the following financial and substantive parameters:
(a) a list of agreed programme areas, the financial
contribution from the EEA Financial Mechanism 2009-2014 by
programme area;
(b) identification of programmes, their main focus and
outcomes, as appropriate, as well as any specific concerns
relating to target groups, geographical areas or other
issues;
(c) identification of programme operators, if appropriate;
(d) initiatives to strengthening the bilateral relations
between the Donor States and the Beneficiary State, including the
identification of programme areas in which donor partnership
programmes as referred to in Article 3.2 shall be prepared, the
designation of donor programme partners, the allocation of funds
for such programmes, and programmes, or component thereof, that
are dedicated exclusively to donor partnership projects;
(e) in specific cases, the identification of pre-defined
projects to be included in relevant programmes;
(f) identification of small grant schemes, as appropriate.
2. The implementation framework is outlined in Annex B.
Article 7
Annual meetings
In accordance with Article 2.3 of the Regulation an annual
meeting shall be held between the FMC and the National Focal
Point. The annual meeting shall allow the FMC and the National
Focal Point to examine progress achieved over the previous
reporting period and agree on any necessary measures to be
taken.
Article 8
Modification of the annexes
1. Annex A may be subject to review at the annual meetings.
Amendments to Annex A agreed upon at the annual meetings do not
require a formal change to this Memorandum of Understanding. Such
amendments shall be confirmed through an exchange of letters
between the FMC and the National Focal Point.
2. Annex B may be changed through an exchange of letters
between the FMC and the National Focal Point.
Article 9
Control and Access to Information
The Financial Mechanism Committee, the EFTA Board of Auditors
and their representatives have the right to carry out any
technical or financial mission or review they consider necessary
to follow the planning, implementation and monitoring of
programmes and projects as well as the use of funds. The
Beneficiary State shall provide all necessary assistance,
information and documentation.
Article 10
Governing Principles
1. The implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding
shall in all aspects be governed by the Regulation and subsequent
amendments thereof.
2. The objectives of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2009-2014
shall be pursued in the framework of close co-operation between
the Donor States and the Beneficiary State. The Parties agree to
apply the highest degree of transparency, accountability and cost
efficiency as well as the principles of good governance,
sustainable development, gender equality and equal opportunities
in all implementation phases of the EEA Financial Mechanism
2009-2014.
3. The Beneficiary State shall take proactive steps in order
to ensure adherence to these principles at all levels involved in
the implementation of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2009-2014.
Article 11
Entry into Force
This Memorandum of Understanding shall enter into force on the
day after the date of its last signature.
********
This Memorandum of Understanding is signed in four originals
in the English Language.
Signed in …………………………
on ………….
For Iceland
Signed in …………………………
Signed in …………………………
on ………….
on ………….
For the Republic of Latvia
For the Principality of Liechtenstein
Signed in …………………………
on ………….
For the Kingdom of Norway
ANNEX A
National
management and control structures
1. National Focal Point
The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Latvia shall act as
the National Focal Point. The Deputy State Secretary on EU
Structural Funds and Cohesion Fund Issues of the Ministry of
Finance shall act as the head of the National Focal Point.
The Ministry of Finance is a line ministry of the Latvian
government and is the central state administration institution in
the field of finances. It develops financial policy, coordinates
and organizes its implementation, manages external financial aid
instruments, and performs other functions stated in the external
regulatory enactments.
The structural units within the Ministry of Finance
responsible for carrying out the functions of the National Focal
Point are the EU Funds Strategy Department and the EU Funds
Monitoring Department. Each department is headed by a director
both of whom report to the Deputy State Secretary on EU
Structural Funds and Cohesion Fund Issues of the Ministry of
Finance who administers the work of these departments and is the
head of the National Focal Point. The respective Deputy State
Secretary reports to the State Secretary of the Ministry of
Finance. The State Secretary is the administrative leader of the
Ministry of Finance and reports directly to the Minister of
Finance. The Minister of Finance is the political leader of the
Ministry of Finance and a member of the Government.
The roles and responsibilities of the National Focal Point are
stipulated in the Regulation, in particular Article 4.3 thereof.
In addition, the National Focal Point shall:
· Ensure elaboration of the national legal acts on the
implementation of the European Economic Area Financial
Mechanism.
· Ensure design and implementation of the management and
monitoring system for the European Economic Area Financial
Mechanism.
· Elaborate and implement a reporting system on irregularities
in the framework of the European Economic Area Financial
Mechanism.
· Monitor the implementation of the European Economic Area
Financial Mechanism in accordance with Regulation and national
legal acts.
2. Certifying Authority
The State Treasury of the Republic of Latvia shall act as the
Certifying Authority. The State Treasurer acts as the Head of the
Certifying Authority.
The State Treasury of the Republic of Latvia is directly
subordinated to the Ministry of Finance. The State Treasury's
operations are managed by the State Treasurer. The responsible
structural unit for coordination of functions of the Certifying
Authority is the European Affairs Department of the State
Treasury.
The European Affairs Department of the State Treasury is
headed by a director directly subordinate and responsible for
reporting to the State Treasurer. The State Treasurer reports to
the Deputy State Secretary on Budget Issues who reports to the
State Secretary of the Ministry of Finance.
The roles and responsibilities of the Certifying Authority are
stipulated in the Regulation, in particular Article 4.5 thereof.
In addition, the Certifying Authority shall:
· Report to the National Focal Point on actual or suspected
cases of irregularities in the financial flows managed by the
Programme Operators in the framework of the European Economic
Area Financial Mechanism.
3. Audit Authority
The Audit Department of the Ministry of Finance of the
Republic of Latvia shall act as the Audit Authority. The Director
of the Audit Department, who is directly subordinated and
reporting to the State Secretary of the Ministry of Finance,
shall act as the Head of the Audit Authority.
The Head of the Audit Authority approves and signs the Audit
Authority's documentation, including audit reports, audit
strategy and annual control reports. The Audit Authority shall
act in compliance with the International Standards on Auditing,
International Standard on Assurance Engagements and Code of
Ethics.
The roles and responsibilities of the Audit Authority are
stipulated in the Regulation, in particular Article 4.6 thereof.
In addition, the Audit Authority shall:
· Ensure elaboration and monitoring of the implementation of
the National Audit Policy of the European Economic Area Financial
Mechanism.
· Ensure elaboration of the national legal acts on
implementation of the Audit Authority's functions.
· Ensure the quality and reliability of the assessments
undertaken by the internal audit units of the institutions that
are involved in the administration of the European Economic Area
Financial Mechanism.
· Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations provided
in the framework of the audits of the European Economic Area
Financial Mechanism.
4. National public entity
responsible for the preparation and submission of irregularities
reports.
The National Focal Point shall be responsible for the
preparation and submission of irregularities reports. Tasks
related to this responsibility shall be performed by the EU Funds
Monitoring Department, which is institutionally a part of the
National Focal Point.
The roles and responsibilities of the National Focal Point in
relation to irregularities are stipulated in the Regulation, in
particular Article 11.3 thereof. In addition, the National Focal
Point shall:
· Ensure that all reports on irregularities and measures taken
to prevent irregularities are reviewed, and, if necessary,
initiate and carry out control and audit to establish assurances
on the effectiveness and sufficiency of the measures for
detection and prevention of irregularities and recovery of
unjustified spending.
5. Monitoring Committee
The Monitoring Committee shall be established within six
months of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. Its
role is stipulated in the Regulation, in particular Article 4.4
thereof.
6. Strategic Report
In accordance with Article 2.2 of the Regulation, the National
Focal Point shall annually submit to the FMC a Strategic Report
on the implementation of the European Economic Area Financial
Mechanism 2009-2014 in the Beneficiary State. The Parties shall
endeavour to hold the annual meeting in the month of May every
year.
7. Organigramme
ANNEX B
Implementation
framework
In accordance with Article 2.1 of the Regulation, the Parties
to this Memorandum of Understanding have agreed on an
implementation framework outlined in this annex.
1. Financial parameters of the
implementation framework
Latvia
EEA FM
contribution
Programme area
Adaptation to Climate Change
€ 10,365,000
Funds for Non-governmental
Organisations
€ 10,365,000
Conservation and Revitalisation of Cultural
and Natural Heritage
€ 10,019,500
Scholarships
€ 518,250
Other allocations
Technical assistance to the Beneficiary
State (Art. 1.9)
€ 518,250
Fund for bilateral relations at national
level (Art. 3.5.1)
€ 172,750
Net
allocation to Latvia
€31,958,750
2. Specific concerns
Bilateral relations between the Donor States and Latvia shall
be strengthened with the aim of stimulating long-term
cooperation, in particular in the programme areas listed below
with donor programme partners, as well as through other means
such as partnership at project level in all programme areas
supported.
The appraisal of Programme Proposals will take due account of
relevant human rights- and governance-related standards of the
Council of Europe (such as those monitored by CPT, GRECO, GRETA,
ECRI etc.), including the Convention for the Protection of Human
Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
3. Substantive parameters of the
implementation framework
The programmes described below are to be prepared and, subject
to FMC approval, implemented in the Beneficiary State.
A. Programme Area: Adaptation to
Climate Change
Programme: National Climate Policy
Expected outcomes: Developed strategies and measures
for adapting to a changing climate; a less carbon-dependent
economy; Improved capacity at national, regional and local level
to undertake energy efficiency measures; Improved environmental
information on impact, status and trends
Programme grant: € 10,365,000
Programme Operator: Ministry of Environmental
Protection and Regional Development
Donor programme partner: The Norwegian Climate and
Pollution Agency (KLIF)
Main focus: The Programme aims to support Latvia in
developing a comprehensive national climate policy covering the
non-ETS sector as regards emissions, and all sectors as regards
adaptation. The programme will encompass systems for collection,
storage, quality assurance and dissemination of environmental
data related to climate change; modelling tools; policy
development measures and instruments; capacity building; and
awareness raising and education
B. Programme Area: Funds for
Non-Governmental Organisations
Programme: NGO Fund
Programme grant: € 10,365,000
Programme Operator: Society Integration Foundation
Main focus: At least 30% of the re-granting shall cover
core activities as defined in the Programme paper. 50% of the
re-granting shall support social sector activities including the
provision of welfare and basic services, local and regional
initiatives to promote social inclusion and support to children
and youth at risk and gender equality.
Specific concerns: The Programme shall support
multicultural dialogue and the integration of national
minorities, including awareness raising information and education
activities on citizenship and language training activities. The
Programme shall support NGO capacity building.
C. Programme Area: Conservation and
Revitalisation of Cultural and Natural Heritage
Programme: Conservation and Revitalisation of
Cultural and Natural Heritage
Programme grant: € 10,019,500
Programme Operator: Ministry of Culture
Donor programme partner: Norwegian Directorate for
Cultural Heritage (RA)
Arts Council Norway (for small grants scheme)
Main focus: The Programme will encompass pre-defined
projects (below) and funds for an Open Call, aimed at protection
of art nouveau and wooden architecture cultural
heritage.
Pre-defined projects: 1) Reconstruction of the Museum
of Literature and Music (maximum 50% of the allocation);
2) Digitalisation of the cultural heritage of the Riga Art
Noveau Centre and creation of the virtual museum;
3) Safe-guarding of significant wooden architecture heritage
and good practice in crafts, including establishment of the
Creative Industries and Restoration Centre in Latgale and
Restoration of the Rezekne Green Synagogue;
4) Restoration of Rainis and Aspazija memorial house (summer
cottage) in Jurmala;
5) Restoration of Rainis memorial house
"Tadenava";
6) Restoration of the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum's
port warehouse.
Small grants scheme: Not less than € 500,000 for a
small grant scheme for cultural exchange. The small grants scheme
shall be implemented in partnership with a Donor Programme
Partner.
D. Scholarships
Programme: Scholarships
Programme grant: € 518,250
Programme Operator: Ministry of Education and
Science
Donor programme partner: Centre for
Internationalisation of Higher Education
Main focus: The programme aims at providing
scholarships for students of all levels and all fields of
study.