Integration Policy in Latvia: A Multi-Faceted Approach

In the last twenty years, integration policy has been a key issue in Latvia’s domestic affairs. The preceding fifty years of Soviet rule have left a strong impact on Latvia's social, demographic, and economic development. However, Latvia is dealing successfully with this legacy within a democratic framework, and with due respect for the rule of law, human rights and international practice.

Latvia has ratified several important human rights instruments and consulted with international human rights experts during the drafting of relevant legislation. This has helped ensure that Latvian legislation and practice fully conform to international standards.

Through the implementation of sound policies in the area of integration and national minority issues, Latvia has demonstrated its readiness as a reliable partner in the building of a united Europe. There are many examples of successful social integration in Latvia. The most significant events and factors in the field of integration are outlined below.

Ethnic structure and promotion of national minorities culture identity

Latvia has a multi-ethnic society with representatives of more than 150 nationalities. The Latvian nation was formed through centuries, alongside with the existence of the Baltic German, Russian, Jewish, Polish, as well as Estonian and Lithuanian communities. A multicultural society formed in the cities, especially in Riga. Despite economic and social differences between the ethnic groups, those never turned into ethnic conflicts.

Latvian Language Learning Programme

The Latvian language is the only official language in Latvia and Latvia is the only country in the world where the Latvian language can develop and function. The official language proficiency facilitates the social, cultural, economic and political integration of non-Latvians and also increases their competitiveness in labour market. Starting from 1995, the persons interested in learning Latvian are provided with an opportunity to learn the language free of charge.

National Minority Education

Education in national minority languages is a precondition for maintaining the cultural identity of national minorities in Latvia and ensuring society integration. The Latvian government provides education in eight national minority languages, which is more than in most European countries. The representatives of international organizations repeatedly have assessed positively the national minority education reform carried out in Latvia.

Citizenship

Citizenship is an enduring legal link between an individual and Latvia that ensures political involvement of full value in all processes taking place in the country. Statistical data for 2011 indicate that more than 82% of Latvia's population are the citizens of Latvia; Latvia has adopted all the necessary legislation related to naturalisation and the rights of citizens, and ensures an equitable and objective implementation of this legislation.

Guidelines of National Identity and Society Integration

The key goal of the National Identity and Society Integration Guidelines for 2012-2018 is a strong and united nation of Latvia – a national and democratic community ensuring the preservation and enrichment of its unifying foundation – the Latvian language, culture and national identity, European democratic values and unique cultural space – for a balanced development of Latvia as a national and democratic state.

Society Integration Fund

The mission of the Fund is to promote society integration in Latvia through the provision of financial support to events which consolidate society (language learning, cultural identity, and cultural interaction projects, and other measures). In recent years, the Fund has also been actively supporting civic society development that underlies integration.

Ratification of the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities

In October 2006, Latvia submitted the current report on the implementation of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia to the Council of Europe. On 30 March 2011, the Ministers’ Deputies Committee of the Council of Europe adopted the resolution of the Committee of Ministers on the implementation of the EC Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in Latvia. The first round of the Minority Convention implementation supervision cycle was concluded with the adoption of the resolution.