Artificial Intelligence Centre's real-world operations are progressing too gradually, according to Rinkevics.
In the heart of Riga, Latvia, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre is gearing up for a significant launch. This Centre, established in response to a law adopted by the Parliament earlier this year, is set to play a crucial role in fostering cooperation between business, academia, and public institutions.
The President, Edgars Rinkevics, recently met with Smart Administration and Regional Development Minister Raimonds Cudars to discuss the Centre's progress. The President expressed concerns about the slow progress, noting that it does not create a positive image for potential partners. He emphasized that starting the Centre's activities as soon as possible is important to define initial tasks and projects.
The selection process for the head of the AI Centre is currently underway. Once selected, the strategic goals, future work, and deadlines of the Centre will be determined. One of the Centre's key tasks is to develop and promote AI solutions for use in the public sector. The Centre's responsibilities also include ensuring the responsible use of AI technology and ensuring a unified approach to its implementation.
A major project associated with the AI Centre is the Baltic AI megafactory (AI data park), supported by Finnish company DataCrunch Oy and Latvian government agencies. This centre aims to provide secure, energy-efficient computing infrastructure for AI solutions across Europe, creating up to 300 skilled jobs and boosting Latvia’s digital economy and export potential in AI services.
Regarding physical infrastructure, a prominent new 10MW data center operated by Delska recently received Tier III Design Certification from the Uptime Institute. This data center is planned to be commissioned by the end of 2025 and aims to be one of the Baltic region's greenest data centers.
The President also discussed problems faced by municipalities in the process of elaborating spatial and local plan amendments. He proposed amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers' Regulations on Local Government Spatial Development Planning Documents. The meeting at the Riga Castle also covered municipal elections, municipal officials working with state secrets, and preparations for the Saeima elections.
Latvia is actively positioning itself as a key AI hub in Europe, with this project aligned with EU and national digital innovation priorities. The AI data park will support startups, SMEs, and research institutions and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in the AI market.
As of August 2025, the AI megafactory/data park project is in the advanced planning stage with significant collaborative proposals and infrastructure development underway. The practical launch of core AI data infrastructure in Riga is expected around the end of 2025, with the broader AI Centre ecosystem continuing to develop through collaborative European programs and innovation initiatives. The President stressed that the quality and functioning of relevant digital systems should be clear by October.
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- The President's concerns about the slow progress of the Artificial Intelligence Centre highlight the importance of expediting its activities, as the Centre's strategic goals, future work, and deadlines largely depend on its timely commencement.
- Once the head of the AI Centre is selected, one of the Centre's key tasks will be to develop and promote AI solutions for use in the public sector, which aligns with the ambition of making Latvia a key AI hub in Europe, supporting the Baltic AI megafactory project and EU digital innovation priorities.
