Valga-Valka
Overview
Measures in support of the project
Cross-border cooperation between the municipalities is largely supported by European funding. In 2003, a joint secretariat for both towns was created and an interregional cooperation was undertaken two years later with the Alsace region in France. A Latvian-Estonian institute was also founded in 1999, and on each side of the border there is a school that teaches in the language of the neighbouring country. Joint economic strategies aim to rearrange the urban fabric with the aid of the Interreg funds. The two municipalities also hold monthly meetings in order to define a common direction for matters of economic development and infrastructure. This cooperation has notably resulted in the creation of a shared market square for the two towns. In the fields of education, culture and sport, cross-border events have been organized within the conurbation.
However, the dynamics of the cooperation are still considerably dependent on the demographic situation of the two municipalities, both feeling the effects of their ageing populations.
