Success stories

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

The representatives of the Communication department got acquainted with the theoretical and practical aspects of solving various communication issues. It was especially valuable to visit Ukrainian refugee accommodation centers, to see their work organization in practice with refugees - people who need a special approach.

According to gained knowledge and shared presentations, experts from the Ministry of the Interior of Latvia are going to implement practically new mid-term communication strategy.
The project experience also will improve professional skills and capacity.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

In 2023 Latvia started cooperation coordination between the Baltic states and the Nordic countries (Nordic–Baltic Eight, NB8) – Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Finland and Sweden. The close cooperation between the Baltic states and the Nordic countries, which was established in the early 1990s, is based on common values ​​and political and economic interests. Russia's brutal war in Ukraine has shaken the foundations of the European security architecture and directly affects the security of the region. Therefore, the coordination of cooperation between the NB8 countries has become even more important than ever before.
As communication experts from Latvia who participated in the project are directly acting in home affairs sector and internal security is one of the priorities of Latvia and the whole Europe, the benefit from the project is based on new established partnership among Nordic countries and Latvia.
The improvement and fulfilment of professional skills, as well as, knowledge of the communication experts from Latvia also could be considered as benefit to Nordic-Baltic cooperation, because in future this knowledge and improved professional skills will be applied in other Nordic – Baltic cooperation projects.

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Accommodation of Ukrainian refugees, best practices, crisis communication algorithm, joint understanding of communication.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Public Administration exceeded our expectations.

Contact: Gunita Kogane, project manager of the project "Exchange of knowledge, experience and practice in the field of communication from institutions related to the field of home affairs in Denmark and Norway, taking into account the geopolitical challenges of the world today"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

The recieved experience will make mutual trust betwen involwed professionals for the future
cooperation. The judges of both countries showed interest in the possibilities to visit Latvia to get acquainted with the organization of court work in order to develop mutual cooperation.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

During the visit judges of Riga Regional Court have been introduced with the tools used by their Icelandic and Norwegian counterparts to improve the quality and efficiency of the work of judges, as well as the resources available, in order to speed up proceedings of complex civil and economic crimes, which are also relevant in Latvia.

References in the media

Yes, there was a press releases about both of the visit in Norway and Iceland:
1) https://tiesas.lv/aktualitates/rigas-apgabaltiesas-tiesnesi-darba-vizite-norvegija-iepazinusies-ar-tiesu-digitalizacijas-risinajumi-12052

2) https://twitter.com/rigastiesa/status/1653368954532896770?s=20

3) https://tiesas.lv/aktualitates/rigas-apgabaltiesas-tiesneses-darba-vizite-islande-iepazinusas-ar-tiesu-darba-efektivizacijas-risina-12077

4) https://twitter.com/rigastiesa/status/1662081024707231747?s=20

5) https://www.haestirettur.is/haestirettur/frettir/frett/2023/05/17/Heimsokn-fra-Afryjunardomstol-Riga/

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

There is valuable example in Norwegian courts, where the possibility for the appellate instance to refer the case to the court of first instance, if violations have been committed, incl. not all evidence has been evaluated and also the possibility to create a working version of the electronic case file for the judge.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

It is very important to cooperate with another courts in Nordic countries, because Latvia now is
in process of digitalisation of cases and improving the e-case and experience of collegues in neighbouring countries helps make the right decisions, for example to establish guidelines in Latvia about writing language in the judgements e.c.

Contact: Raimonds Ločmelis, project manager of the project "People-centred justice solutions"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

The Association of Local Authorities of Pärnumaa with the Union of Harju County, together with the heads and specialists of the municipalities were the target group for the study visit as they are responsible for the preparation of community resilience, safety and emergency preparedness, including planning of civil protection issues. This is a new challenge for municipalities and county. The local governments benefitted from the project, as their community resilience, safety and emergency preparedness are highly actual on changing world. How public health and safety councils and crisis committees work in municipalities is the key factor on preparedness. This projects gave the possibility to see the best practice about above mentioned issues and use it now in municipalities. We got better management skills and more efficient working methods.
The first meeting about above mentioned themes and co-operation in Pärnu County took place already on 19th of September. The Association invited police and rescue service etc to start to make new plans for the crisis management.
Additional to international and cross-border cooperation, the study tour will also enhanced cooperation between institutions in Estonia, created networks, and provided exchange of information.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

Nordic experience and the best practise is used to have the better crisis management skills with the public health and safety system in Pärnumaa. Local governments are responsible for community resilience, safety (volunteer fire brigades, sea SAR) and emergency preparedness, which are highly actual on changing world. How public health and safety councils and crisis committees work in municipalities is the key factor on preparedness. Therefore the knowledge on all levels and increased cross-sectoral cooperation is the guarantee of the project's positive outcome. Also, to facilitate the harmonisation of more efficient working methods of the public sector afterwards is needed.

References in the media

https://parnukobar.ee/uudised/parnumaa-ja-harjumaa-omavalitsuste-esindajad-kulas-islandil-ja-faari-saartel/ (the same information in FB as well).

https://www.eysturkommuna.fo/vitjan-ur-estlandi/

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0355Sj4EFKPLLfrL8qom4TnECzimLgzk5qMMePKvy7v84uUxzqKsosrxVeo6LHe4SKl&id=100055188827195&mibextid=CHbtyg

Presentations (access sent/allowed to Mr Madis Kanarbik)
https://pmak-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/kersti_parnumaa_ee/Er2YShohWPlCn2Vv23agflcB4rdcmPty77_lF0q0GWdHrQ?e=0GAiGd

There are also going to be articles in 2 local newspapers in Harju county.

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

The first meeting about crisis management in Pärnu County took place already on 19th of September. The Association invited police and rescue service etc to start to make new plans and strategies for the crisis management. The knowledge gained through the mobility project is used as the bases.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

Yes, a lot. Especially due to practical visits to the actual places.

Contact: Kersti Liiva, project manager of the project "The crisis management’s best practice from Nordic – study trip for Harju and Pärnu county’s local municipalities"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

The main objectives of the project was to establish new contacts and create a collaboration between Jönköping Municipality, Sweden and Kaunas City Municipality, Lithuania as well as deepen the collaboration with our current partner Lääne-Viru County, Estonia. Another aim was to look at best practice in the field of sustainability at the local level in order to exchange knowledge and experiences about the implementation of the SDG's from various aspect of the work in a municipality.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

As a result of our planned visit in Estonia, our partner Lääne-Viru also applied for a NB8 project and came to visit Jönköping municipality in March. They had a different focus of interest and we organised a 3 day schedule including several meetings and visits for them. They could meet many new contacts and we hope to find some common interest to apply for joint projects in the future.

The project has reached the objectives of the program in terms of promoting knowledge transfer for mutual benefit within different sector areas on all administrative levels. It has allowed us to exchange on best practices in respect of public administration and facilitation of harmonisation of standards
facilitation of joint Nordic-Baltic utilisation of different EU funds and project financing.

References in the media

The project was mentionned in the municipality newsletter for international relations and the participants had to present their experience and study visits to their departments. Participants also used their personal social media to share their experience. This internal promotion created an increased interest for the NB8 program but also for the exchange with our close neighbours of the Baltics.

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Examples of good practices in several areas we also work with. Contacts and network for further follow-up in certain areas we were interested into cooperating further. Inspiration and sustainable solutions to some challenges we also have in common. We were also able to visit several public authorities from various level of administration which was also very beneficial.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

The Program has met our expectations and we have strengthen our cooperation in Estonia and we have established new contacts in Lithuania thanks to the program and visits conducted. It has also contributed to increase our professional competences for the participants. We have also shared this new gained knowledge within our organisations at meetings or other internal events. The program was a great opportunity for deepening exchanges with partners in the Baltics.

Contact: Chantal Coté, project manager of the project "Quality and exchange in sustainability"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

This project was first of a kind in our municipality and it gave us a huge insight of how the processes regarding entrepreneurship are managed in Iceland and Norway. From each of our visits, we got ideas what we would like to try to develop in our municipality for the development.
The knowledge, experience and discussions gained were and are relevant also in the development spectrum of our county, as the Icelandic and Norwegian municipalities and business promoting organisations we visited not only gave us an insight into business activities, but also gave us an insight into the tools used to tackle regional challenges and strengthen the business environment - outflow of young people to cities, unequal territorial development, lack of skilled labour, ageing population and employment rate, mobility, etc., These challenges are also present in our municipality, so it was important to see the solutions available: integrated development, fostering cooperation and setting priorities, vision and attracting investors, willingness to do, development and working together, going green and adapting the workforce to the professions of the future, as well as being aware of our strengths. These and other solutions can be applied in our municipalities, thus contributing to our common well-being and involvement in development processes.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

During the project networking and partnership was established with Icelands and Norways organizations, like Icelandic Association of Local Authorities, Reykjavik city hall and innovation department, SSNE, Akureyri and Husavik municipalities, Stéttin Cultural Centre, Agder county, Bygland, Evje and Hornnes, Vennesla municipalities etc., strengthening the Baltic-Nordic cooperation and exchanging new ideas regarding projects to implement in future. This project brought closer new partners from Latvia, Iceland and Norway, that will use opportunities in future as well for good practice exchange activities and learning each from others best solutions, methods etc.

References in the media

Iceland:
https://www.balvi.lv/lv/projekts/pasaules-mala-islandes-piezimes
https://www.balvi.lv/lv/media/17808/download?attachment (6-8 page)

Norway:
the media information about Norway experience will be put in the web page next week, and the local newspaper in August. As well There was an article about the visit of Balvi municipality in Norway"s news paper, this link will be sent as soon as Norways representative will be back from vacation (start of August).

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

This project gave us a possibility to see what are the differences and similarities between Balvi municipality and municipalities and their organizations in Iceland and Norway, trough meeting colleges, we had an opportunity to discuss the regional aspects and risks that impact entrepreneurship and the tools that our colleges are using to increase the business environment and living conditions of the inhabitants. They key words for the success of the municipality and strengthening the entrepreneurial environment are: innovations, cooperation, vision and priorities, involvement of the locals in different processes, education and complex look at the development and future perspectives, as well as cross sector cooperation (municipalities, NGO'S, entrepreneurs, schools etc.).

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

Yes, it really met the expectations, because for our municipality this was the first project like this and we did not know in the end what to expect after this experience but we had amazing partners that reached all our expectations and gave us an inside look of what are the tools used of strengthening the entrepreneurial field, what are the cooperation, the work environment, the challenges and the future, where they are heading now, what directions and how to get there, how to be a place, a municipality, where people want to stay and build their businesses!

Contact: Santa Šmite, project manager of the project "Strengthening the entrepreneurial environment of the Balvi municipality"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

Both the new Strategy of the Nature Conservation Agency and the "Nature Education Development Concept" envisage significantly strengthening nature education in Latvia, developing it at all possible levels - nature education classes, nature centers with educational expositions, outdoor stands, nature tourism infrastructure, thematic events, work with for volunteers, etc.
Therefore, all the study trips gave a good opportunity to talk about and see not only the positive examples that we could adopt in our practice and implement in our daily work with the public but also the mistakes that should be avoided when developing our range of services.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

The Nature Conservation Agency is an active member of the the Europark Federation, also participating in the Nordic-Baltic section. The section's work is mostly carried out remotely, and it rarely touches on the topics of communication and nature education.
This exchange of experience made it possible to get to know each other in person, thus improving remote cooperation. It also gave inspiration for new joint projects, as well as inspired representatives of the Nordic countries to visit Latvia to learn about our experience.

References in the media

https://www.daba.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/pieredzes-apmaina-ziemelvalstis
https://www.facebook.com/elina.ezerina.3/posts/pfbid0kBiAPJFqWde6CZtsZHKeSVijZkVNCkfbP8qbbxwyK6sNRQWeY7RgRGhHAhzXpPt1l
https://www.facebook.com/elina.ezerina.3/posts/pfbid028JpYPgH2mVzGVvby8og7b9PCS3heiT3qfyZoBBQcacVqwPNa3MDVULLkRwn5jeKml
https://www.facebook.com/elina.ezerina.3/posts/pfbid02Vag9tBdfeMzCLnU8uRjnypwayH3d8bUKnqtK4m2YpLqvJ2kvzag1v32o2tbg2bSTl

Post about visit in Sweden was shared also on https://www.facebook.com/EuroparcNordicBalticSection

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

The most valuable experience gained was for nature education and communication using different client-oriented channels and forms:
1) Visitor centers equipped with new technologies, that help to involve all 5 senses to explore nature topics
2) outdoor activities, raising self-confidence and skills being in nature
3) outdoor stands and signs to avoid of nature unfriendly behavior
4) various volunteering programs to involve society in nature protection and conservation work
etc.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

The program fully met my expectations. In the beginning, it was very difficult to find host organizations. It seemed that similar organizations were not interested in spending time with us. However, when meeting on the spot, everyone appreciated how valuable such visits are, as the exchange of experience and sharing of knowledge was mutual. The hosting organizations also learned a lot from us and expressed their desire to visit Latvia to see our performance with their own eyes.

Contact: Elina Ezerina, project manager of the project "Nature education and communication practices in Nordic countries, Exchange of experiences"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments associates more than a half of all types of local governments in Latvia (41 local government of Latvia are the members of the LALRG). Our organization contributes to the development of municipal policies, solve common problems and defend interests of Latvian local governments. Main aim of the study visits to Finland, Iceland and Norway was to get acquainted with Nordic experience on active ageing and good examples exchange of how best to promote active and healthy ageing. As we know, Nordic region is the most sustainable and integrated region in the world, speaking of active ageing and a positive view of senior citizens, especially in remote areas. Thanks to the project, Latvian municipalities acquired best Nordic experience in this field, and insight into the scope and duration of home healthcare services allocated by Nordic municipalities.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

Thanks to the project, Nordic-Baltic cooperation, as well as cooperation between the Latvian
Association of Local and Regional Governments (LALRG), Icelandic Association of Local Authorities (SAMBAND), Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities (AFLRA) and the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) was strengthened. Participants of the study tours and representatives of the associations stressed the need for innovative, flexible cooperation between Nordic and Baltic countries. No country is immune from global threats, and no one country — however powerful — could respond alone to different problems like human population ageing. Societal ageing can affect economic growth, patterns of work and retirement, the way that families function, the ability of governments and communities to provide adequate resources for older adults, and the prevalence of chronic disease and disability. An ageing population can often present a complex challenge at regional and local level. It is also difficult to influence demographic processes in the short term, as they develop over the long term. Adaptation measures require going beyond a sectoral approach and involve a complex system of interactions, including economic, social, political and environmental aspects. This requires cooperation between all levels of government, business entities and non-governmental organizations.

References in the media

https://www.lps.lv/lv/zinas/eiropa-un-pasaule/7853-braucot-norvegijas-pieredzi-lukoties

https://www.lps.lv/lv/zinas/eiropa-un-pasaule/7852-pieredzes-apmainas-vizite-islande

https://www.lps.lv/lv/zinas/eiropa-un-pasaule/7851-somijas-pieredze-aktivas-novecosanas-joma

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Keeping older citizens physically and socially active is of crucial importance for a society that is greying fast. Municipalities need to find ways to offer effective online and home-based healthcare and other services for old people living at home. For example, Norwegian municipalities are obligated to provide healthcare services for older people, including home healthcare, practical assistance with daily tasks, and, if needed, nursing homes. Anyone living in Norway has the legal right to access necessary healthcare services. The ability for older people to stay in their own homes, also known as ageing in place, presents many advantages compared to moving to residential care facilities. Therefore new solutions are needed that allow older people to remain at home. Welfare technologies can contribute to facilitating sustainable healthcare for older people.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

Society is ageing rapidly in Latvia, as is the case throughout Europe. Although the total population in Latvia is decreasing, the number of the elderly population is increasing. Municipalities must take measures to improve the quality of the home care services. Improvements are mainly related to the modernization of the service, the purchase of new equipment for the provision of the service, in the case of a home care service - the purchase of equipment and cars to ensure faster and more convenient access to the customer, while improving the availability of the service in the most remote. During the study trip, the Latvian municipalities had the opportunity to get acquainted with the experience of the Nordic countries in solving this issue and to understand first-hand how municipalities cope with these challenges.

Contact: Elita Kresse, project manager of the project "Active and healthy ageing for resilient and socially sustainable communities"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

This project benefited our organisation in many ways.
First of all, the theme of the project was to share and learn from the best practises of migrant integration in all partners countries. This aim was clearly fullfilled. Our team have brought home several succesfull practises which we will use in our future works. Several examples: medicine check of newly arrivals, language learning courses together with neccesary work skills, application for future EU funding for future integration projects and etc.
It has improved our strategic thinking in migrant integration and improved our daily works in integration process because we have learned a lot from our nordic partners who are working much longer in this field.
It helped to check how we are working in Lithuania in integration process and learn how Scandinavian partners are doing similar things in many different sectors (Employement, Health Protection, Education, Social Affairs).
Our organisation managed to establishe new contacts with many different nordic partners from local NGO members, community leaders to public representatives. We believe this may help to create new succesfull partnerships in the future.
Visit improved english language skills of our project participants.
It have changed and also improved our virtues in human rights sphere and gender equality theme, because we have learned many useful things from Nordic perspective.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

Because of media interest in the project (2 articles in newspaper, 3 posts in internet pages, 1 tv report and many social media posts) the better visibility of Nordic-Baltic cooperation have been achieved.
It helped to increase cooperation, share the knowledge of administrative work in integration field and transfer it to project partners better. It also significantly increased our nettworks for future cooperation possibilities. It has encouraged members of the project to better utilise other EU funded projects. It increased cross-sectoral cooperation, showed the neccesity of cooperation of public sector and NGO in integration process.

References in the media

https://www.pietarsaarensanomat.fi/artikkeli/pietarsaaresta-kotoutusvinkkeja-liettuaan-me-tunnemme-ukrainalaisten-tuskan
https://www.youtube.com/@SiauliuApskritiesTelevizija
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ijQNpYT0iXfLQN10Q8Ev37tGmMT3huR7/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PixxrPZyValIDh_RwoYFqsCnKbsiAfEY/view?usp=sharing

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

We gain knowledge of new methods in work of migrant integration (First time medical check).
We gain knowledge how to achieve better integration (Language courses together with job skills).
We have learned about extra financial possibilities from EU in migrant integartion process (ESF funds and etc.).

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

It fullfilled my expectation not only helped to increase our quality work of migrant integartion but have also helped us to create new partnerships for future cooperation.

Contact: TOMAS MARTINAITIS, project manager of the project "Stronger Together"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

First of all, the project benefited the Lithuanian Ministry by raising the knowledge level on the topics of communications and transport innovations policy, sustainable mobility, alternative fuel development, and others. In addition, the project resulted in the establishment of a wider contact network, which will enable future cooperation in the mentioned areas. Furthermore, it makes a direct positive impact on the quality of new policy instruments that are developed by the Ministry to foster mobility innovations in Lithuania, as well as green transport development.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

The project benefited from the establishment of a wider contact network, which will enable future cooperation in the areas of interest to us mentioned in the project.
It was agreed with the representatives of the countries visited that we would share useful information on sustainable mobility and the development of electromobility in the future.

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

We will use Sweden’s good practices to develop low-emission zone recommendations for Lithuanian cities.
The development of a sustainable mobility strategy for Lithuania is being considered, taking advantage of Swedish good practice.
Use will be made of Iceland’s good practices to increase cooperation with communities before making decisions on climate change or sustainable mobility.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

The supervisors of our study visit put strong efforts into our visit with extensive agenda, the right persons to meet with, and good timing. We may state that this project has been achieved and even surpassed our expectations.

Contact: Jurgita Rimkuviene, project manager of the project "A Study Visit of Civil Servants of Lithuanian Ministry of Transport and Communications"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

Learned best practices of our Nordic neighbors on internationalization of higher education, work of universities and how open is state policy on recruitment of international students. It was beneficial to learn how our Nordic colleagues have come to the instruments and approach they use in their extensive experience. We hope we can present to the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science the focus on attraction of talents. It was practical to see how the division of labor is organized within Study in Finland and Study in Sweden teams. The universities we visited gave us real insights on promotion work they do.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

Our colleagues in Sweden and Finland remained open to our further practical questions and inquiries. We do continue networking together in Study in Europe project's activities and learn from each other. Some considered doing study visits themselves, possibly to Latvia. We have now direct contacts to share our cooperation proposals and scholarship opportunities as well as specific Nordic language programs launched in Latvia.

References in the media

We informed about the visits in our social media (Study in Latvia instagram Stories and State Education Development Agency facebook account-
https://www.facebook.com/VIAA.LV/posts/pfbid02Uj13EagGwVs5VwPSf6y5qha61bdkRKTBTbMGEVEx8zuaNgg9XprHXnJ6J6Mf2xSdl ;
https://www.facebook.com/VIAA.LV/posts/pfbid0NBpnAuVqEKb8A4kibCoiQgDsWShCeHXYwXw575S1widhtv8gLEZwG5FLZW2HbFwbl
Embassy of Latvia in Sweden web page - https://www2.mfa.gov.lv/stockholm/aktualitates/69559-tiksanas-ar-study-in-latvia-parstavjiem

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Learned about coherently and well-planned policy planning on internationalization, clients based approach organizations are working with through a unified application platform, for example. Diversity in Study in Sweden's team provided a new perspective that the best experts in the area are the ones who have gone through the same studies abroad experience.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

It did, fully and we are very grateful that Study in Finland and Study in Sweden were ready to host us and organize the visits.

Contact: Marika Pīra, project manager of the project "Capacity building in international student mobility - Study in Latvia, Nordic experience "

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

These study visits have an inestimable value because they offer an opportunity to broaden your horizons in a way that cannot be found in Estonia. Thanks to these visits, the advisors of the Chancellor of Justice have been able to visit places where they probably would not have been able to go on their own (such as psychiatric hospitals with acute patients in Denmark and Finland). These visits have been a good example of how other countries have found solutions to problems that Estonia is also struggling with. Undoubtedly, they also give the Chancellor of Justice the opportunity to better substantiate her recommendations to Estonian authorities. Besides, open conversations with Nordic colleagues who perform similar tasks in their own countries have been the best ways to learn and consult.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

The Chancellor of Justice has had good relations with her Nordic colleagues for a long time, and now we are focused on maintaining those relationships. Study visits have provided an excellent opportunity for work-related conversations and the exchange of experiences. As our Nordic colleagues have confirmed multiple times, these are not only one-sided learning opportunities but have also provided many benefits for themselves.

References in the media

Information about completed projects can be found on the website of the Chancellor of Justice: https://www.oiguskantsler.ee/en/projects (in English) and https://www.oiguskantsler.ee/et/projektid (in Estonian).

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

In fact, all three choices beginning with "yes" are true. The Mobility Programme provides an excellent opportunity to openly discuss the topics that are the focus of the study visits, providing an opportunity to develop both personal skills and the skills of the institution and the host organization. No other organization controls psychiatric hospitals in Estonia, Finland, or Denmark in a way an institution for the prevention of ill-treatment does, which is why such a study visit is a good opportunity to learn something new for all parties involved.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

Completely. Without the help of the Mobility Programme and our Nordic colleagues, we probably would not have been able to visit closed hospitals with severe psychiatric patients in Denmark and Finland.

Contact: Kertti Pilvik, project manager of the project "Study visits of the advisers to the Chancellor of Justice on the supervision of psychiatric hospitals to Finland and Denmark"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

The project helped the staff of the Committee of Economic Affairs of the Parliament of Estonia(Riigikogu) to familiarize themselves with the economic committees of two different parliaments. The committee received an overview of the preparation of draft legislation on economic issues in the parliament and the organization of work during the Covid-19 crisis. In the Finnish and Danish parliaments, we gained experience and practices from our professional committees, which we can apply in our daily work, should relevant situations arise. The overall aim of the project was to improve the functioning of the Commission and its role in legislation. It was also important to establish new contacts with parliaments and ministries in order to continue cooperation in the future. Commission officials liked the project very much. A former official of the Economic Committee, who currently works in the Foreign Affairs Committee, was also able to participate in the visit to Denmark. He started the implementation of the project. Our meetings in Finland and Denmark were very interesting and useful in our work. We gained a lot of new knowledge on different topics and met with several different committees whose work is similar to the work of our economic committee. They simply have more specialized committees in the parliament, and economic topics are distributed among them. We also really liked that we had the opportunity to meet with the ministries and to discuss the topics concerning our committee in depth. In Denmark, we had several meetings on energy.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

First, the North Baltic cooperation was the biggest benefit of the networks we created. It was very useful to meet different institutions and share experiences and work practices. Many institutions cooperate with other Estonian private sector companies, for example Eesti Energia. We were able to expand our acquaintances and received many contacts from the meetings to promote cooperation even after the end of the project. The meetings were useful for all parties, as an overview of various activities was given. We gained knowledge that can later be used and practiced in our daily work. The meetings were useful for Estonian, Finnish and Danish officials, because everyone got a new insight into how things are done differently in different parliaments.

References in the media

The project did not attract media attention, but we promoted the project in the parliaments of both countries. The officials of the committees of the parliaments of both countries must have been very interested in the project. The Department of Foreign Relations of the Danish Parliament had also visited Estonia this year and cooperated with the Department of Foreign Relations of the Riigikog. We have also talked about our experiences with the project to various committees of the Riigikogu Office. Several other Riigikogu committees have also gone on study tours within the framework of this project and have also given very positive and versatile feedback.

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Our committee learned a lot from the legislation and work organization of the Finnish and Danish parliaments in the Covid-19 crisis. The study trip was informative and we got new ideas on how to improve our work. above all, we gained new contacts with whom we can share our knowledge and ask for information in the future. From Denmark, we were given a very good overview of renewable energy, which we are currently dealing with very often in the Economic Committee.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

Our committee was very satisfied with the outcome of the project. We received many different and new solutions about the daily work of the Nordic parliaments, which we can learn from and apply to our practice. The Nordic and Baltic public administration mobility program gave us a great opportunity to meet people in our field and get new contacts for the future.

Contact: Epp-Sandra Satsmann, project manager of the project "Study visit to the Parliaments of Finland and Denmark "

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

The Supreme Court has a responsibility to society to uphold a high standard of work and to ensure that employees continue to grow and develop their skills. During this project the judge assistants and legal research counsels got the chance to become acquainted with the responsibilities of their colleagues from Finland, Denmark and Norway, the structure of the workplace, and the best practices for work efficiency. The participants highly valued the visits where they had the opportunity to also visit courts of other instances and learn about their work organization. The visit programs included a time in which our participants provided information about the work of the Supreme Court of Latvia, which was highly appreciated because it led to fruitful discussions.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

The project opens up opportunities for closer and more in-depth cooperation for long-term development, which can be the basis for the implementation of larger projects in the future between the Supreme Courts of Latvia and the Nordic countries. As well as new, contacts have been obtained, which could be useful in organizing future events, for example, conferences. The project helped to forge relationships between the courts of the participating Nordic countries and the Supreme Court of Latvia while also fostering confidence in the advantages and effectiveness of cooperation.
For example, at the end of November, colleagues from the Helsinki Court of Appeal, the court that our delegation visited at the end of August, came to the Supreme Court of Latvia to meet with Judges and the Head of the Division of Case-law and Research.

References in the media

Project page on the website of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Latvia
LV - https://www.at.gov.lv/lv/par-augstako-tiesu/starptautiska-sadarbiba/projekti/latvijas-un-ziemelvalstu-augstako-tiesu-darbinieku-pieredzes-apmaina
ENG - https://www.at.gov.lv/en/par-augstako-tiesu/starptautiska-sadarbiba/projekti/latvijas-un-ziemelvalstu-augstako-tiesu-darbinieku-pieredzes-apmaina

An article about a visit to Finland published on the website of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Latvia
LV - https://www.at.gov.lv/lv/jaunumi/par-notikumiem/augstakas-tiesas-darbinieki-gust-pieredzi-somijas-tiesas-11274?year=2022&month=08
ENG - https://www.at.gov.lv/en/jaunumi/par-notikumiem/employees-of-the-supreme-court-gain-experience-in-finnish-courts-11276?year=2022&month=08

An article about a visit to Denmark published on the website of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Latvia
LV - https://www.at.gov.lv/lv/jaunumi/par-notikumiem/darbinieki-gust-pieredzi-danijas-tiesas-11323?year=2022&month=09
ENG - https://www.at.gov.lv/en/jaunumi/par-notikumiem/employees-gain-experience-in-danish-courts-11413?year=2022&month=09

An article about a visit to Norway published on the website of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Latvia
LV - https://www.at.gov.lv/lv/jaunumi/par-notikumiem/darbinieki-gust-pieredzi-norvegijas-augstakaja-tiesa-11410?year=2022&month=11
ENG - https://www.at.gov.lv/en/jaunumi/par-notikumiem/supreme-court-employees-gain-experience-at-the-supreme-court-of-norway-11411?year=2022&month=11

Additionally, the information about the visits was published in the periodical "The Bulletin of the Supreme Court" ("Augstākās Tiesas Biļetens"). https://www.at.gov.lv/files/uploads/files/2_Par_Augstako_tiesu/Informativie_materiali/AT_Biletens25_WEB.pdf

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for personal skills

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Focused exchange visits are a valued way to gain experience, knowledge and ensure the exchange of best practice by meeting colleagues from other countries.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

The opportunities offered by the program are wide and versatile. The program's framework is understandable, transparent, and well-planned.
I would also like to express my compliments about the application process in the electronic environment.The application and reporting procedures are well-structured and open. The electronic system works perfectly.

Contact: Zane Mičule, project manager of the project "Exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices between Latvian and Nordic Supreme Court staff on effective work organisation"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

After a long period of the pandemic (Covid-19), it was great to meet with colleagues from the Danish and Norwegian Ministry's of Education. We had the opportunity to examine national policies and recent measures to achieve the objectives of the European Green Agreement. Also learn about legislation and how encourage and inspire school leaders to invest in green solutions.
Secondly, we managed to visit the building of an educational institution that is still under construction, which has been designed and built in accordance with the requirements of "green" solutions.
Thirdly, we had the opportunity to visit schools, universities and companies and exchange experiences in the context of implementing sustainable development requirements.
All this was very motivating and also gave good ideas for sharing with Estonian colleagues. In addition to green topics, we also discussed other important topics with our colleagues and found that we have a lot in common, for example in teacher training.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

Study visits will certainly have a major impact on Baltic-Nordic co-operation more broadly. For the last two years, only video meetings have taken place due to the covid-19 pandemic. Real face-to-face encounters are much more effective than communicating in front of screens. From the conversations, new ideas are also developing in terms of cooperation, and we also had several ideas about projects in the future. It is very important that the study visit does not remain a one-off project. Green issues are undoubtedly important in co-operation between the Baltic States and the Nordic countries. The emergence of a network of contacts is also important, and study visits will certainly contribute to this.

References in the media

The study visit by officials of the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research to Denmark June, 8-10 and to Norway June, 12-14. 2022 was covered in the official social media channels of Estonian Ministry of Education and Research.

An English-language post was published on Twitter on June, 13 (https://twitter.com/haridusmin/status/1536374688254812160) on the study visit in Norway. Among others, Education Estonia, the national Estonias education brand of international cooperation, and Estonian Embassy in Norway reshared the Tweet on their respercive accounts. Ambassador of Estonia to Norway, H.E.Mr Lauri Bambus created a post on his personal account (https://twitter.com/LauriBambus/status/1536361667893899265).

An Estonian-language post was published on Facebook on June 16, with the aim to give a thorough insight to both of the study visits to Norway and Denmark (https://www.facebook.com/haridusministeerium/posts/pfbid036rq6aC33adznRs6VPEAm9Dg9AAKbsBKXVgphHGDsdFizDbMWGWcPUbTPjU95n9JFl). We explained the main purpose of the visits, the importance of international education cooperation between Estonia and our nordic neighbours, as well as the insitutions visited and people met. We are glad to see that there has been also publications on social media accounts of our friends we met in Norway.

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

The best experiences from visiting State of Green in Copenhagen and visiting Climate House in Oslo. The green weeks at Ski Gymnasium were impressive

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

Yes, the project was very important for expanding the cooperation network of experts and exchanging experiences.

Contact: Liisa Ojaveer, project manager of the project "Study Visit"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

The Government of Latvia has recognized and prioritized the improvement of quality of life of families with children along with facilitation of public mental health in its agenda. Both of these issues are horizontal and are mutually intertwined, as the mental health of any family member, especially child, directly affects the stability and life quality of other family members, and it is obvious that any improvements in this area are urgently sought, and basically, they require new approach and inter-sectoral cooperation.
Understanding the solid interlink between the healthcare, welfare, education, and social areas, the CSCC in close cooperation with other sectoral authorities, professionals and NGOs has already proposed new model for improved inter-institutional cooperation, which should replace the existing fragmented approach to different areas of child’s life by covering them all and taking care of early problem identification and coordination of interventions should it be necessary.
Today, when new Government in being formed and its Agenda is still discussed in details, the CSCC is asking for acknowledgement of early prevention in child’s life; we have many who share our opinion. Firstly, the project provided perfect spirit-lifting and team-building opportunity for the project group; secondly, involved experts benefited from this experience exchange due to chance to see wider picture beyond own area of expertise; thirdly, the CSCC verified the model by competent foreign organizations, and saw that other countries have already moved towards multi-dimensional approach due to efficiency and economy considerations of financial and human resources, and they are just a step ahead.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

Many countries in the world and Europe meet one and the same challenges – depopulation, diseases, migration, lack of specialists and insufficient salaries on top of growing frequency of mental health disorders among our society and children. On this background, this mobility project has provided an opportunity to highlight the best recent practices and create space for exchange of evidence-based solutions for facilitation of public mental health and performance improvement; in area of mental health care, there is no need to start all over again; many countries have prioritized the health of children, and mental health in particular, on their agenda, and our country only needs to follow.
Project has promoted collaboration among experts from different branches and with wide range of competences in planning and coordination of health care, welfare, education and social support systems, as well as practitioners from Latvia and partner countries – Iceland and Denmark. Additionally, it must be mentioned that during extremely professional group meetings, all experts enjoyed the opportunity to make personal contacts with relevant counterparts in authorities of Nordic countries thus adding up to the circle of professional contacts, which beyond any doubt will contribute to continuation of further cooperation between Latvia and Iceland, and Denmark.
Additionally, it must be noted that during these visits lots of related and interlinked topics were touched, and there is high probability of continued cooperation in form of bilateral national cooperation and international meetings.

References in the media

In the light of comprehensive information on the mental health care in particular, the project results have been discussed and disseminated in a number of auditoriums. Information about the Norden project and visits was highlighted on CSCC's website:
1st visit to Iceland
https://pkc.gov.lv/lv/aktualit%C4%81tes/2022-gada-19-23-septembri-eksperti-apmekles-islandi-pieredzes-apmainas-vizite
https://pkc.gov.lv/lv/aktualit%C4%81tes/eksperti-iepazinas-ar-islandes-pieredzi-bernu-agrinas-attistibas-sekmesana
2nd visit to Denmark
https://pkc.gov.lv/lv/aktualit%C4%81tes/oktobra-beigas-pkc-eksperti-dosies-darba-vizite-uz-daniju
https://pkc.gov.lv/lv/aktualit%C4%81tes/oktobra-nogale-notika-darba-vizite-danija

Additionally, it should be noted that CSCC website mainly contains information on development planning, actualities of Government work and other important national-scale ad hoc activities etc., leaving little space for reflections on any international cooperation and projects. However, inspired by the Nordic experience and based on the insight gained during these visits, the CSCC is organizing national conference on 2 December 2022 “Our Children, Our Future. Building and Early Prevention and Support system” with kind support from Icelandic Minister of Education and Children’s Affairs who will address Latvian decision makers and politicians and explain the importance of timely intervention. The conference owns a small-scale PR activities for opinion shaping https://www.delfi.lv/news/versijas/lolita-tereze-nicmane-neesosa-agrina-bernibas-politika-spieki-nakotnes-ritenos.d?id=54954518. And there is also initiative opened for citizens to sign to have the early childhood policy in Latvia https://manabalss.lv/atbalsta-sistemas-un-pakalpojumu-izveide-berniem-agrina-vecuma/show

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Project provided valuable experience for my personal skills, for home organization and for the host organisations as well. For me it was challenging opportunity to update my project manager skills and to hold everything under my control starting from formulating the goal, preparing the project application, being present at all visits and helping coworkers to navigate through practicalities at foreign cities up to keeping track of project expenses and preparing final report.
For my home organization I believe these visits were inspiring, they verified the validity of our vision, and served as proof that cooperation is the key.
I also believe that the questions asked during every meeting by the professionals showed out genuine interest and readiness to kick-off the multi-dimensional model as soon as the funding is found.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

The Norden Mobility project was an excellent opportunity for me and my colleagues to shape our agenda and come for visit to specifically those institutions or organizations that might share their experience significantly important for Latvia at this specific time.
In addition to practical and professional issues, the project provided unique opportunity to make personal contacts with Danish and Icelandic colleagues and dive into the abundant beauty and historical richness of both of these countries which the group valued highly.

Contact: Dace Valte-Rancane, project manager of the project "Building prevention and early intervention system for children and adolescent at risk of poor outcome"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

The main conclusion reached was that the structure where crime scene experts and laboratory experts work within one institute, especially under police management, is effective not only in Latvia, but is also an effective workflow in Iceland, Finland and Sweden. Notably, in Finland and Sweden reorganization occurred opposite to what is planned in Latvia: while these two countries transferred their forensic institutions from the Ministry of Justice to police management within the supervision of the Ministry of Interior, in Latvia it is planned to separate the laboratory workflow of the Forensic Service Department from police management and place it under Ministry of Justice supervision, effectively removing the close connection between crime scene experts and forensic experts.
The insight from Sweden was that NFC is a great example on how to train staff and ensure their competence, as well as the tactics of working with quality system and external audits. The FSD will definitely continue cooperation with Swedish training specialists.
The insight from Iceland was that crime scene experts work from one unit, covering the entire country.
The insight from Finland was that expert statements is prepared from the name of the institution (NBI FL), not from each expert individually.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

Exchange of experiences during the study visits in Iceland, Sweden and Finland has been organized in cooperation between the State Police of Latvia and the Nordic forensic experts. The main project benefit for Nordic-Baltic cooperation is the possibility to compare Latvian and Nordic quality management system implementation, crime scene investigation procedures in each country and to investigate the management process. Information exchange opportunities of the national DNA and fingerprint databases was the key, especially with the Iceland. The study visits provided an opportunity to examine different methods and processes of QMS especially when transferring to the electronic environment.

References in the media

State Police Forensic Service Department homepage:

http://www.ekspertize.vp.gov.lv/index.php?sadala=zinas/21&ln=en

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Methods, procedures, quality procedures, laboratory environment, equipment, cooperation, best practice, networking.
The visit to Sweden showed a great example on how to train employees, how detailed the process is and which are the most important points in training specialists. Seeing how the quality system works in another country provided insights about the directions that our organisation needs to take, what to improve and what should be done differently.
As our organisation has struggled with the implementation and maintenance of quality systems, the visits revealed the struggles of other countries and also provided some solutions on how to resolve similar struggles.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

During the project implementation all expectations were satisfied and even exceeded. The contacts made, both institutional and individual, will be very valuable moving forward with the implementation of quality management systems, and the insights gained have already provided additional ideas on how to resolve certain issues already encountered, especially with regard to the digitalization of many processes. The support and knowledge base acquired through this exchange is very important for the future collaboration between all countries involved, and the mutual understanding between forensic institutions, as well as the exchange of information and data, will be very valuable during the process of improving security across the Nordic-Baltic region.

Contact: Olga Sersnova, project manager of the project "Experience exchange with Nordic countries for the uptake of best practices in the internal organization and quality management of forensic institutions"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

The project has provided a platform to exchange practices related to road accident investigation with colleagues from Denmark and Finland. Prioritized area of all European Countries which recently receives more and more focus has proved to be a key in order to ensure road safety in EU countries. Finnish and Danish experts have shared their ideas and procedures when investigating accidents.

Nordic experience, especially in relation to data gathering and then analysis of this data via different programs and tools has provided a great ideas for LTSA's specialists. As our team of investigators is still young and still developing investigation practices, experience from more experienced institutions and countries with great road safety results will definitely help to improve our current practices and provide a bit of guidance towards further development.

Furthermore, the project has helped to engaged in direct contact with national experts who share similar responsibilities as our specialists. This will be useful in every day work and shall benefit organization's work by making it more efficient when there is help needed or another opinion needed from Nordic experts and partners. Participants of the project has already exchanged provided presentations, ideas and suggestions coming from discussions, therefore a good foundation for further cooperation is already built.

LTSA's experts who participated in the project will share gathered knowledge and presented information to other LTSA investigators and those related to road safety procedures, therefore this should help to improve competence and expertise of our own specialists at Administration.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

The project strengthened relations between Lithuanian and Danish/Finnish accident investigation authorities, therefore establishing platform for further communications, cooperation and joint effort to increase quality of road accident investigations in the region.

Experts from all countries have had a chance to increase their knowledge and improve their competence in this regard by comparing different practices among countries, as well as adopting new methods, procedures and technology.

This project also enables key principles of Nordic-Baltic cooperation by promoting effective public administration, cooperation ideas in politically important topic of road safety. With successful implementation of the project which as benefited all participants, there will also be more focus on further Nordic-Baltic cooperations.

Focus has been also drawn not only by participants, but by publications and media information within various platforms - social media, website and etc.

References in the media

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/liikennevakuutuskeskus_visitors-from-lithuania-lietuvos-transporto-activity-6980510696572628992-Idc7?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

https://ltsa.lrv.lt/en/news/ltsa-successfully-completed-a-project-with-danish-and-finnish-road-accident-investigation-authorities

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Lithuanian experts who participated in this project expressed their positive feedback about usefulness and practical implications of carried activities. In the field of road accident investigation, all small details are relatable and could easily translate and efficiently improve current procedures in Lithuania.

Project provided exactly that. As many of procedures during the investigation itself were similar with those in Finland or Denmark, analysis of data and general management of investigation findings, big data were seen as big topics for improvements. Danish and Finnish colleague use their data to maximum potential - creating safety maps, making live analysis of road safety situation and etc. This proves as a valuable tool not only to increase safety levels in country, but also provides guidance and experience on how to improve current framework of data usage in Lithuania.

In addition to this, successful cooperation with other public bodies such as police, road administration and etc. enables Nordic partners to tackle road safety issues efficiently and briefly, what is also reflected by their strong stance in road safety rankings across the EU countries.

For Lithuania, which for past decades has rapidly improved its situation in this regard, such experiences and opportunity to see such innovation up close may lead to further positive results and reduction of road accidents, as well, as improved investigation of ones which still happen.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

After Covid period which provided bit of uncertainty and challenges for international cooperation, this project went smoothly thanks to Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme management body and partners from Denmark and Finland - Danish Road Traffic Accident investigation board and OTI. Study visits were greatly organized - from agenda and topics covered which provided all needed insights in the context of road accident investigation to practical arrangements during the visit - on-site activities, practical workshop at crash sites.

This ensured that participants had an opportunity to expand their knowledge, share and gain good practices and improve their competence. These were goals before the project, therefore all expectations which were there when submitting application are met, and exceeded.

Contact: Eimantas Alminas, project manager of the project "Road accident investigation: best practices, procedures and measures to strengthen road safety"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

We enriched the understanding of the origins regarding the importance of equal opportunities and gender equality topics, also, took good practices in policy-making processes in the field of equal opportunities and gender equality policies in national and local levels. Moreover, we exchanged of good practices on implementation in the field of equal opportunities and gender equality policies at a local level. These experiences encouraged to adopt good practices in cooperation with the NGO sector (in national and local levels), also, search for the possible solutions and suggestions on innovative actions for equal opportunities and gender equality policies implementation. In addition, we believe, that we've got better understanding and clearer justification of the added value of gender budgeting.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

First of all, the visibility of Nordic-Baltic cooperation was increased. Also, we believe that these study visits were a good start of cooperation and networking, as we agreed on guidance regarding the topic if needed. Moreover, we exchanged contacts for future events and expertise.

References in the media

https://www.ukmerge.lt/naujienos/apie-projekta-mokomieji-vizitai-efektyvesniems-lygiu-galimybiu-ir-lyciu-lygybes-politikos-formavimo-procesams/
https://www.ukmerge.lt/naujienos/mokomuosiuose-vizituose-suomijoje-aptartos-lyciu-lygybes-ir-lygiu-galimybiu-temos/
https://www.facebook.com/vilkaviskiosavivaldybe/posts/pfbid02tjgxXaTz7AMBk92KRo3SSRQN2y6qxeVb8KuGAX6MZLZ1aXk8UyJdTd61exGztN7Tl
https://www.raseiniai.lt/naujienos/lyciu-lygybe-suomijos-respublikoje/

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for personal skills

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Main highlights, opinions, challenges that need to be paid attention to when planning activities:
- It is necessary to strengthen the cooperation with the education sector, strengthening the theme of gender equality in general education programs in the field of gender equality and equal opportunities;
- Greater involvement of civil servants in raising competences on the topic of gender equality, for example as a mandatory annual task;
- Toxic, radical non-governmental organizations and systematical work with them;
- A gender-balanced budget and its possibilities, especially at the local level.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

The Nordic-Baltic Mobility Program for Public Administration gives an opportunity to enrich your knowledge by implementing any function. The program provides space to gain experience from experts in their fields in the Nordic countries. Every civil servant, regardless of the field in which he works, can enrich his experience, raise motivation, and help him perform his functions more efficiently.

Contact: Valda Karnickaitė, project manager of the project "Study visits for better policy making processes in the field of equal opportunities and equal rights"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

During this project cooperation between local municipalities and developmental organizations has increased and improved. The connection in local and international level is more stronger in this field. Project was successful finding new approaches for Võru county in local cultural heritage sustainability topic. All partner organizations got well informed overview about the practices in local level. For Võru county the result was so successful that the concept and quality of the planned common agreement between municipalities and Seto and Võru Institutes was changed and in updated process now. Also some changes were made due to this project to strategical development plan of Võru County.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

During the study visit, various new ideas for regional cooperation emerged. There were ideas about science and research as well as cooperation between schools. Understanding the nature of the work of the involved regions provided a very good basis for moving forward. A very important place on this study trip was the understanding of the space of values, and that in terms of the cooperation of different cultural spaces. Also, a very strong connection was the recognition that people from South-Estonia understand a kveeni language spoken in Northern Norway. This discovery had a powerful connection for the participants.

References in the media

We published the article:
https://lounapostimees.postimees.ee/7636719/kultuuriparandi-kasvulava-otsingutel
Also our participant gave the interview to radio:
https://vikerraadio.err.ee/1608725941
There were also posts in applicant Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/v6rumaa.arenduskeskus

And also Inari munivipality Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjU9FNtscoC/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY%3D&fbclid=IwAR3aEn6wVtAg2T7rIaaK2wmtMMyXm0iaddWV1oaeBv7BKIpUesLDHkXewmU

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

This is an excellent example of how different organizations participate in the preparation of the project, how the different roles are distributed during the activities and very effectively. It is also valuable how constant reflection was central during the study visit, as well as the sharing of experiences with various related parties as follow-up activities. Such implementation made it possible to multiply the benefits of the project.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

The value of the program lies in its specific regional focus. The positivity of the program in the eyes of the applicant is the clear comprehensibility of its objectives, the supported application process, and quick advice on issues that arise.
The program provides an opportunity to involve representatives of different municipalities and bring them together with municipalities of other countries. This is very valuable, as a common understanding also ensures the implementation of common policies.

Contact: Kerli Kõiv, project manager of the project "Public governance and cultural heritage"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

We can use the knowledge gained during the study visits to develop new policies and measures
at regional, local and school level, as the project had participants from all levels. More importantly, participants can use the knowledge gained to discuss and develop the most appropriate and effective educational and well-being model for children with special needs in Rapla County.
The municipalities of Rapla County are currently shaping decisions regarding the future of regional and local inclusive education, education and welfare services. A model of intersectoral and cross-level cooperation needs to be developed to enable networks to become operational. Accordingly, the project was very timely and very useful for discussions and decision-making, giving
broader perspectives and useful tips.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

The project made it possible to launch Nordic-Baltic cooperation in the field of education and to offer
input into possible mutually beneficial cooperation projects in the future. The project allowed the exchange of experience and knowledge between the Nordic countries and Estonia
between institutions, as well as between Estonian institutions themselves, at different levels and in different sectors. This exchange was beneficial to all parties, as it increased knowledge, gave
a more complex view of problems and solutions, launched multilateral cooperation.
Both Nurmijärvi and Tranås municipalities are our long-standing friendship areas. Following our study visit, representatives from both regions were very interested in further communication and cooperation, and our contacts will certainly continue.

References in the media

An article about study trips appeared in Rapla county newspaper "Raplamaa Sõnumid" on October 19. https://sonumid.ee/2022/10/19/maakonna-esindus-oppis-pohjanaabritelt-kaasava-hariduse-kohta/

The project was also written about on the website of the Association of Local Authorities Of Rapla County
https://qsicgnbm.sendsmaily.net/browser/4j1RnJVZf1V1vS6h0Ejm5PWgYkn8y6XNDqc0USMLozLnpR0Fxj1LP_GMvTq3EGnk7Nbj4YeZJCYSclPPrh0ykb8WrwfajGYTWLVwSBq-Q_RXf9_y0uTcSACpHDU-pP76/

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

We learned that in Sweden, children with greater special needs were included in the list of ordinary schools. On a daily basis, they delivered to a regular school in a specially adapted house, but from time to time for some classes they also joined regular classes. Thus, a child with special needs knew that he was a member of a regular class, and the students of the regular class learned to account and notice people who were different from themselves. The point was socialization, and it was the best example of inclusive education.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

With the support of the program, we were able to see and experience the good practices of the Nordic countries in organizing the education of children with special needs and they have something to learn. Yes, the program met our expectations.

Contact: Tavo Kikas, project manager of the project "Educating children with special needs – the best Nordic practices"