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On 26 February 2026, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andžejs Viļumsons, met with the Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia, Andris Kužnieks, and the Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Latvia, Anne Mette Vestergaard, to sign a declaration, titled On Cooperation in the Communication of European Union Matters, and to agree on a communication plan for 2026. This type of declaration has been signed annually since 2016, and this year it has been finalised for a four-year period, lasting until the end of 2029.
In 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Commission Representation in Latvia, and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Latvia, jointly with cooperation partners, will organise numerous events on current European Union affairs. In May, a programme of Europe Day events will take place in Riga and across the regions, organised jointly with Europe Direct centres and European Union Information Points. In November, the traditional European Union Information Providers Forum will be held, aiming to strengthen the capacity of EU information providers in Latvia’s regions by ensuring effective communication and cooperation between information providers. Also in November, the annual conference, titled The Latvian Language in the European Union, will take place, focusing on current linguistic, translation, and terminology issues addressed both at European Union institutions and in Latvia. Throughout the year, informative visits will be organised across the regions to keep the public informed about current European Union affairs, especially targeting a young audience and encouraging their involvement in political processes.
The partners also addressed key topics on the European Union agenda, such as security and defence, the Multiannual Financial Framework, enlargement, and initiatives to enhance European competitiveness. It was also agreed that civil society organisations should be involved in communication.
Background information
The European Union Information Points (EUIP) have been operational in Latvia since 2000. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates and supports the EUIP activities in the central libraries of Latvian municipalities. The aim of the project is to create more opportunities for residents in Latvia’s regions to become acquainted with up-to-date EU-related information. A total of 30 information points, located in central libraries across Latvia’s regions, provide a range of information on Latvia’s EU membership and EU processes.
With the help of Europe Direct centres, the European Commission provides information to the public in EU Member States at the local level. Services of the centres are free of charge. The Europe Direct information network was established in 2005 and provides answers to questions concerning EU policies, programmes, and priorities. Staff members of the centres collaborate with people across Latvia, communicating their feedback and proposals to EU authorities.