Latvia has supported Northern Dimension policies since its formation in the late nineties, because it provides for balance with EU policies in other regions, and promotes the development of the North-western regions of Russia.

From 2007, the framework of Northern Dimension activities is defined by a permanent framework document, which replaced the three-year action plans used until now. The most important feature of the new policy is the participation of the EU, Russia, Norway and Iceland in the Northern Dimension as equal partners. Increasingly greater significance is being attributed to practical co-operation projects. Areas of priority for Latvia in the context of the Northern Dimension are the easing of border crossing and customs procedures, protection of the Baltic Sea environment, and co-operation in the area of education and science.

Two partnerships have been formed within the framework of the Northern Dimension: Public Health and Social Well-being, and an Environmental Partnership. With its expert knowledge, Latvia participates in the Public Health and Social Well-being Partnership, but has observer status in the Environmental Partnership.

EU Northern Dimension: http://ec.europa.eu/comm/esternal_relations/north_dim

Northern Dimension's Environmental Partnership website: http://www.ndep.org