On 22 March 2019, the Foreign Ministry of the Kingdom of Norway and the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Latvia signed the agreement on the implementation of the Norway Grants period 2014–2021 programme "Correctional Services" (hereinafter – programme) in Latvia.
Within the framework of the programme Latvian Prison Administration will implement project "Establishment of training centre infrastructure and model prison blocks for training opportunities in the Olaine prison territory". Within the project an open regime prison block and a new training centre for correctional service employees will be constructed. The objective of the project is to create modern facilities and content to train the employees of the correctional services, preparing personnel for ensuring new enforcement of penalties.
Deputy State Secretary on EU Funds Issues of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Latvia Mr. Armands Eberhards expresses satisfaction "This is the first partnership agreement signed in the new Norway Grants period, therefore giving the green light for practical financial investment in Latvia. Until now significant results have been achieved in the justice sector with the help of Norway Grants – improved conditions of 21 short term detention centres, Addiction Centre in the Olaine Prison established, which is intended for inmates with substance addiction problems. Electronic monitoring has been applied to 231 persons until the end of the 2018, therefore promoting their integration into society. I am sure that also the justice system project implemented in the new period – establishment of model prison block in Olaine prison – will improve and modernize legal environment in Latvia."
The overall funding of 2014–2021 programme amounts to 15 million euros; from which 85% or 13 million euros are financed by the Norway Grants, but 15% or more than 2 million euros are co-funded by the State budget, additional EUR 100 000 were granted for the activities of bilateral cooperation.