The organization of one of the largest student cultural events in the Baltic region is facing a funding shortfall this year. Despite the fact that in January the government allocated 430,000 euros for the celebration of Gaudeamus, the total cost of the event turned out to be almost twice as high. According to calculations by the Ministry of Education and Science, holding the festival will require about 880,000 euros. To cover the missing 450,000 euros, the ministry proposes to redistribute funds within the budget. The source of funding could be the savings generated from the program of free lunches for students in grades 1–4. The ministry explains this by the decrease in the number of schoolchildren, which has left part of the allocated funds unused. The largest expenses are related to organizing the event itself and holding the final concert at Freedom Square. More than 273,000 euros are allocated for organizational needs, and about 221,000 euros will be needed for the final gala concert. Significant amounts are also planned for accommodating participants, renting venues, and paying specialists. The Gaudeamus festival will take place in Riga from June 19 to 21. The main events will be organized at the venues of the University of Latvia, in Old Riga, and at Freedom Square. The program will include concerts, a festive procession, and a final concert titled "To Infinity." It is worth noting that this does not involve cutting the existing school nutrition program. The ministry proposes to use only the part of the funds that remained unused due to the decrease in the number of students. About 5,000 students from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are expected to come to Riga. The festival will feature 66 choirs, 44 dance groups, and nine brass bands. Gaudeamus is considered one of the largest joint cultural projects of the Baltic states. Its history began back in 1956 in Tartu, and the festival is hosted alternately by one of the three Baltic countries. Now the final decision on additional funding will be made by the government.