Civil Defence Shelters Project

Latvijas Universitāte is implementing a project to enhance the safety of students, staff and visitors in emergency situations by adapting and equipping shelters located in university buildings in accordance with civil defence requirements.

As part of the project, construction works will be carried out and the necessary equipment will be installed to ensure safe shelter and adequate conditions for people staying in university buildings during crises and emergency situations. This will contribute to a safer environment for studying, working and maintaining the university’s day-to-day operations.

The project represents an important investment in safer and more resilient university infrastructure. Its implementation will strengthen preparedness for emergency situations in the functional areas of the cities of Riga, Jūrmala and Cēsis, while also improving the environment for education, research and administrative activities.

• Existing premises will be reconstructed or renovated to ensure compliance with the functional requirements for Category III shelters;
• The premises will be equipped in accordance with the requirements for Category III shelters to ensure their safe use in emergency situations.

• Nine facilities owned or used by Latvijas Universitāte will be adapted and equipped for civil defence purposes, ensuring compliance with the requirements for Category III shelters;
• As a result of the project, safe shelter during crisis situations will be provided for at least 4,000 people.

• ERDF funding accounts for 85% of the total eligible project costs, amounting to EUR 350,469;
• Latvijas Universitāte’s co-financing accounts for 15%, amounting to EUR 61,848.

From January 2026 to December 2027

On 13 April 2026, Latvijas Universitāte and the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFLA) signed an agreement on the implementation of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)-co-financed project “Adaptation and Equipping of Latvijas Universitāte Facilities for Civil Defence Purposes”, No. 5.2.1.1/1/25/I/068.

The project will be implemented under Measure 5.1.1.9 “Adaptation and Equipping of Facilities (Shelters) for Civil Defence Purposes” of Specific Support Objective 5.1.1 “Promoting Integrated Social, Economic and Environmental Development of Local Territories and Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Security in Functional Urban Areas” within the European Union Cohesion Policy Programme for Latvia 2021–2027.