Press releases

Smiltēns in Stockholm: Ukraine belongs in a united and free Europe
“The flag of an independent, flourishing Ukraine proudly flies alongside the flags of other European countries and has now become a global symbol of freedom and bravery. Your rightful place is within a united and free Europe,” stated Edvards Smiltēns, Speaker of the Saeima, on Thursday, 24 August, marking the Independence Day of Ukraine, during a commemorative ceremony organised by the Baltic Cooperation Group and the Nordic Ukraine Forum in the Norrmalmstorg Square in Stockholm.
Speaker Smiltēns to Swedish counterpart: Regional security is our top priority
In these turbulent times, with the war raging in Ukraine, we must stand more united than ever before. Russia is continuing its violent war of aggression, and we must do everything possible to hold it accountable for its atrocities. At the same time, as like-minded countries united by common values—freedom, independence, and democracy—we must work shoulder to shoulder to strengthen the security of our region. This is our top priority, stated Edvards Smiltēns, Speaker of the Saeima, on Thursday, 24 August, during a meeting with Andreas Norlén, Speaker of the Swedish Parliament.
Speaker Smiltēns: We thank Canada for expanding its military presence in Latvia
On Wednesday, 22 August, Edvards Smiltēns, Speaker of the Saeima, met with John McKay, Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence of the House of Commons of Canada, and his delegation. Speaker Smiltēns thanked Canada for its commitment to expand its military presence in Latvia and to form a combat-capable brigade. This summer Latvia and Canada signed a common road map to strengthen Canada-led allies’ presence in Latvia with specific tasks and time frames.
Edvards Smiltēns: Statehood is defined by our people envisioning Latvia's future and working to make it better
"Statehood, its strength, is determined by our people. Above all, by those who care. For our fellow human beings, our nation, and our state. In big and small things. In their family, community, region, and state. By those with flaming hearts, patience, and a sense of purpose. Those who envision Latvia's future and are working to make it better", said Edvards Smiltēns, Speaker of the Saeima, at the Statehood Award ceremony on Monday, 21 August. Today, the Statehood Award, established by the association 4 May Declaration Club, was presented to Vilis Vītols, philanthropist, building contractor, and public figure.
Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica: Russia must be brought to justice for Ukraine’s suffering
"Russia must be held accountable for the suffering inflicted on Ukraine," said Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima and Head of the Latvian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, on Monday, 21 August, during her remote participation in the international conference organised by Ukraine A Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. Justice Must Be Served.
At Latvia’s initiative, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly recognises Russia as state sponsor of terrorism
“The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, at the initiative of the Latvian delegation, has included geopolitically important points in the closing declaration of the session, recognising Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism,” emphasised Rihards Kols, Head of the Latvian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE PA).
On the Eve of the Summit, Speakers of Six Countries Adopt Statement in Support of Ukraine’s NATO Membership
“The Ukrainians are fighting for a free, strong, independent country and the future of their children. For Ukraine’s place within the European Union and NATO. This goal is the highest motivation for every Ukrainian soldier who currently fights for our common values and protects our borders,” the Speaker of the Saeima Edvards Smiltēns said after the meeting of the Speakers of the Baltic States, Poland and Ukraine held on Monday, 10 July. The Speaker of the Saeima emphasised that Ukraine has earned its place in NATO and the European Union family.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine thanks the Latvian people for their support of Ukraine’s path to NATO
On Sunday, 9 July, Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, met with Edvards Smiltēns, Speaker of the Saeima, and thanked the Latvian people for their strong support for Ukraine, including in its path to NATO, as well as for Latvia’s practical assistance.
Edgars Rinkēvičs sworn in as President of Latvia
On Saturday, 8 July, Edgars Rinkēvičs assumed the duties of the President and took the solemn oath: “I swear that all of my work will be dedicated to the welfare of the people of Latvia. I will do everything in my power to promote the prosperity of the Republic of Latvia and all who live here. I will hold sacred and will observe the Constitution of Latvia and the laws of the State. I will act justly towards all and will fulfil my duties conscientiously.”
Speakers of the parliaments of the Baltic States: NATO collective defence is the best long-term guarantee of Ukraine’s security
On Wednesday, 28 June, the speakers of the parliaments of the Baltic States issued a joint statement saying: “We are convinced that ultimately Ukraine’s security in the long-run can be best guaranteed by the collective defence of NATO. We call on NATO leaders to start a substantive process of inviting Ukraine to join NATO at the Summit in Vilnius.”
Otrdien, 19.martā
10:00  Cilvēktiesību un sabiedrisko lietu komisijas sēde
10:00  Izglītības, kultūras un zinātnes komisijas sēde
10:00  Aizsardzības, iekšlietu un korupcijas novēršanas komisijas sēde
10:00  Valsts pārvaldes un pašvaldības komisijas sēde
10:00  Tautsaimniecības, agrārās, vides un reģionālās politikas komisijas sēde
10:00  Sociālo un darba lietu komisijas sēde
12:00  Publisko izdevumu un revīzijas komisijas sēde
13:00  Aizsardzības, iekšlietu un korupcijas novēršanas komisijas Visaptverošas valsts aizsardzības apakškomisijas sēde
13:00  Sociālo un darba lietu komisijas Sabiedrības veselības apakškomisijas sēde
14:00  Budžeta un finanšu (nodokļu) komisijas Ēnu ekonomikas apkarošanas apakškomisijas sēde
14:00  Izglītības, kultūras un zinātnes komisijas Augstākās izglītības, zinātnes un cilvēkkapitāla apakškomisijas sēde
14:30  Tautsaimniecības, agrārās, vides un reģionālās politikas komisijas Vides, klimata un enerģētikas apakškomisijas sēde