On 13 April 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, at a seminar met with representatives from government agencies, scientific institutions, and non-governmental organisations to discuss Latvia’s opportunities for successful participation in upcoming European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) projects. The seminar was also attended by Agnieszka Skonieczna, a representative of the European Commission’s Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, who outlined the European Commission’s vision of the new fund’s objectives, planned funding areas, and the conditions for competition.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, emphasised that promoting competitiveness and strengthening security are closely linked priorities that are reflected in the new fund. She highlighted that entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators must have equal opportunities to access ECF support.
The Minister pointed out to seminar participants that the Europe's competitiveness over the next decade will depend on its ability to develop and implement strategic technologies, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum technologies, as well as to ensure a smooth path for innovation from idea to market.
“Latvia already has a strong research and startup ecosystem, which allows our scientists to contribute to strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty,” noted Baiba Braže, adding that the state will continue to foster a business-friendly environment.
During a discussion with representatives of Latvian startups, the European Commission representative spoke about the options for applying for funding from the newly established ECF and the prerequisites for successfully securing funding. The ECF is designed as a tool that consolidates several existing programmes into a single system, reducing the fragmentation of funding and enabling more effective support for projects at all stages of development – from research to production and market launch.
European Competitiveness Fund – scale and scope
The European Competitiveness Fund is part of the European Commission’s proposal for the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework and aims to create a single financial instrument that consolidates existing programmes in the fields of innovation, digital development, defence, health, and other areas. The fund will operate as an investment platform supporting projects and enterprises through various financial instruments, while also attracting private investment and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
The total amount of the ECF proposed by the European Commission for 2028–2034 is EUR 234.3 billion. Most of the funding, amounting to EUR 125.2 billion, is allocated for defence, space, and resilience. Significant funding is also planned for digital transition (EUR 51.5 billion), decarbonisation (EUR 26.2 billion), as well as health, biotechnology, agriculture, and the bioeconomy (a total of EUR 20.4 billion).
