LAA (Latvia MFA)

Latvia’s development cooperation programme operates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and focuses primarily on Eastern Partnership countries (Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Belarus) and the Western Balkans, drawing on Latvia’s experience with democratic transition, EU accession, and market economy reform since 1991. Latvia’s ODA budget is modest by Western European standards but strategically targeted.

Latvia has been among the most politically committed NATO and EU members in support of Ukraine since 2022. Its bilateral ODA to Ukraine covers civil society strengthening, independent media, democratic governance, and humanitarian assistance. Latvia’s development cooperation grants support Ukrainian and Latvian NGOs working on rule of law, e-government, and social services. For international NGOs, Latvia’s bilateral ODA for Ukraine is a smaller funding channel, but useful for civil society and governance-focused programmes that align with Latvian strategic priorities.

Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Development Cooperation programme (sometimes referred to through the Latvian Aid Agency, LAA) manages Latvia’s bilateral ODA, with a primary focus on Eastern Partnership countries, democratic transition, civil society, and governance — reflecting Latvia’s own post-Soviet transformation experience.

Ukraine Commitment

Latvia has been a strong political and financial supporter of Ukraine since 2022, providing ODA for civil society, governance, and humanitarian programmes, as well as significant military assistance; Latvia’s geographic proximity and historical experience under Soviet occupation shape a particularly strong national commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty.