FM: This year, 7.5% of expenditures in the budget are allocated to education
Latvia's budget allocates €1.35 billion, approximately 7.5% of total expenditure, to education this year.
The Latvian government's budget for this year has earmarked €1.35 billion for educational purposes, representing roughly 7.5% of the overall planned state budget expenditures, as informed by the Ministry of Finance (FM). A significant portion of this funding, amounting to €672 million, is allocated through targeted grants to municipalities aimed at covering salaries for teachers and mandatory contributions to state social insurance within municipal educational institutions, including preschools for children aged five and above.
Moreover, the FM has highlighted that essential financing is also directed towards various programs managed by the Ministry of Education and Science. For instance, €108 million is designated for the implementation of vocational education programs by 2026, and €106 million is allocated for higher education programs. Additionally, more than €32 million is set aside for grants to private educational institutions, while €22 million is aimed at providing free meals for students in grades 1 to 4, thereby enhancing educational accessibility and supporting families.
This significant allocation of funds showcases the Latvian government's commitment to enhancing the educational sector and ensuring that financial resources are available for student support, teacher remuneration, and the improvement of educational infrastructure. It reflects an understanding of the critical role education plays in the country's social and economic development, particularly in light of challenges posed by demographic changes and the need for skilled labor in the contemporary economy.