CEB approves €150 million to bolster COVID-19 response
The Latvian authorities have already approved measures totalling €1.8 billion to help fight the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. These include the acquisition of disposable protective equipment, medical supplies, and non-invasive ventilators.
The funds provided by the CEB will provide support in the area of health care, aimed at protecting medical personnel involved in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 as well as other persons working in high-risk environments; supporting vulnerable groups such as families with children; and ensuring the continuity of essential services in the country.
Minister of Finance Jānis Reirs commented: “The CEB has extensive and very good previous experience collaborating with the Latvian authorities to support budgetary lines of expenditures.”
The Governor of the CEB, Rolf Wenzel, said: “The CEB is providing timely support to Latvia to help it deal with COVID-19 and stands ready to work with the authorities on the road to recovery. The CEB can play an important role in supporting projects that promote inclusive growth and sustainable development in the aftermath of the crisis.”
Set up in 1956, the CEB (Council of Europe Development Bank) has 41 member states. Twenty-two Central, Eastern and South Eastern European countries, forming the Bank's target countries, are listed among the member states. As a major instrument of the policy of solidarity in Europe, the Bank finances social projects by making available resources raised in conditions reflecting the quality of its rating (AA+ with Fitch Ratings, outlook positive, AAA with Standard & Poor's, outlook stable and Aa1 with Moody's, outlook stable). It thus grants loans to its member states, and to financial institutions and local authorities in its member states for the financing of projects in the social sector, in accordance with its Articles of Agreement.