Main conclusions

Main conclusions of the EE-LV cooperation conference 16.12.2012

During the conference discussions, participants repeatedly concluded that it is appropriate for small countries to develop joint competences in some fields of education, therefore co-operation and division of tasks is necessary.

In order to get more out of limited resources, it will become more important to better coordinate the financial and human resources between the two countries. A priority target should be set to increase the number of students from both Estonia and Latvia who are studying in the other country as there are currently only about 100 Estonians studying in Latvia and 100 Latvians studying in Estonia.

These purposes should be supported by preparing and agreeing on specific actions for consolidated planning of the synergies of the regional science and education infrastructures, such as developing Baltic Ring network and establishing common curricula in higher education, in particular in aviation, maritime and veterinary science. Exchange of best practices and joint projects should be considered when planning for EU multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020.

As the professional qualification of labour force is crucial for future growth in both, Estonia and Latvia one of the solutions is to make vocational education in border areas more visible and stronger. For this purpose it is important to share experiences, improve the language training (English) and to carry on with cooperation in pilot project (Valga-Valka vocational education centre) for introducing the high-quality vocational education curricula for both, Estonians and Latvians as well as expand the cooperation towards possibilities for adult training.

Participants welcomed the format of the future cooperation report and the conference as it has already intensified discussions to find the mutually beneficial solutions. Among other topics there are several improvements already in place: joint first aid service between Valga-Valka, introduction of joint procurements, cross-border infrastructure and common roads, joint planning in border areas and strengthening the electricity infrastructure.