Economics & Development

This report summarizes Phase 1 of the Baltics Catching-Up Regions Initiative (CuRI), financed by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) and implemented by the World Bank in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG Employment). Covering the period from June 2024 to December 2025, the initiative focused on three eastern border regions: Latgale in Latvia, Utena+ in Lithuania, and Southeast Estonia. CuRI supports regional and local development through capacity building for local and regional authorities, development of project pipelines, and promotion of knowledge generation and experience exchange. The report reviews activities undertaken during Phase 1, presents data and analysis for the participating regions, identifies key development bottlenecks and opportunities, and outlines thematic priorities included in the CuRI Action Plans that will guide World Bank technical assistance through December 2027. The initiative employs a bottom-up, participatory approach that actively involves local and regional stakeholders in identifying challenges, shaping priorities, and developing practical solutions in collaboration with national authorities, the European Commission, and the World Bank.