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On 16 September 2026, at the National Library of Latvia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Civic Alliance–Latvia signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on the involvement of non-governmental organisations in the preparation and implementation of Latvia’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Secretariat of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union will coordinate the implementation of the memorandum.
“Expertise and knowledge are found throughout society, which is why participation is indispensable. As we prepare for the EU Presidency, we need your expertise, experience and ability to reach people throughout Latvia. Individually and collectively, we form the mosaic of Latvian society. This memorandum transforms that involvement into practical cooperation, with tangible proposals, initiatives and regular dialogue,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže.
Kristīne Zonberga, Director of Civic Alliance–Latvia, emphasised: “The Presidency is an opportunity not only to showcase Latvia to Europe, but also to bring Europe closer to Latvian society. Non-governmental organisations can make a significant contribution by bringing people’s experiences, needs and diverse perspectives into the Presidency process. We therefore invite organisations to start sharing their ideas now and to be ready to get involved.”
The Memorandum of Cooperation provides for coordinated cooperation to explain the significance of the Presidency, provide information about its proceedings and events, including in Latvia’s regions, and promote public understanding of the European Union in everyday life.
Latvia prepares for the Presidency
The Presidency is held by each European Union Member State on a rotating basis once every 13 years. During these six months, from July through December 2028, Latvia will lead the work of the Council of the European Union, facilitate compromise and help advance legislation and policies that affect the daily lives of more than 450 million people across the European Union.
During the Presidency in the second half of 2028, approximately 250 events at various levels will take place in Latvia, including meetings of heads of state and government, ministers, and experts, as well as sectoral conferences and seminars. It is expected that up to 20,000 representatives from across the European Union will visit Latvia over the six-month period.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating the preparation of the Presidency’s substantive priorities, which are scheduled to be finalised shortly before the start of the Presidency in 2028. The Secretariat of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is responsible for the planning, delivering and overseeing Presidency events in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Latvia to the European Union, sectoral ministries, and the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union.