Press releases

On the Eve of the Summit, Speakers of Six Countries Adopt Statement in Support of Ukraine’s NATO Membership
On the Eve of the Summit, Speakers of Six Countries Adopt Statement in Support of Ukraine’s NATO Membership (10.07.2023.)
“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
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine thanks the Latvian people for their support of Ukraine’s path to NATO (09.07.2023.)
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
Edgars Rinkēvičs sworn in as President of Latvia (08.07.2023.)
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
Speakers of the parliaments of the Baltic States: NATO collective defence is the best long-term guarantee of Ukraine’s security (28.06.2023.)
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.”
The Saeima adopts regulations on establishing a new military training area
The Saeima adopts regulations on establishing a new military training area (22.06.2023.)
On Thursday, 22 June, the Saeima adopted in the second and final reading the Law on Establishing the Selonia Military Training Area, which establishes special legal regulations for setting the borders of the military training area, the expropriation and use of immovable property within the area, and construction of infrastructure.
Longer intervals for state technical inspections and stricter regulation of electric scooters introduced
Longer intervals for state technical inspections and stricter regulation of electric scooters introduced (22.06.2023.)
On Thursday, 22 June, the Saeima adopted in the final reading amendments providing that new vehicles will have to undergo state technical inspection within three years of registration.
Paid pre-election campaigns must be in the official language
Paid pre-election campaigns must be in the official language (22.06.2023.)
On Thursday, 22 June, the Saeima adopted in the final reading amendments to the Pre-election Campaign Law stipulating the use of the official language in pre-election campaigns.
Photo exhibition of traditional Latvian costumes opens at Council of Europe as part of Latvian Presidency
Photo exhibition of traditional Latvian costumes opens at Council of Europe as part of Latvian Presidency (20.06.2023.)
“This is a very special time in Latvia. We will celebrate the summer solstice this week, and the 150th anniversary week of the Latvian Song and Dance Festival is due to start very soon. Today, you will have the opportunity to take a glimpse into this magical cultural canon of Latvia,” said Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, Head of the Latvian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), on Tuesday, 20 June, opening the photo exhibition of traditional costumes worn by members of the family choir “Staro” (“Shine”) at the Council of Europe (CoE) building in Strasbourg, France.
Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica in Strasbourg: Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine has major global impact (19.06.2023.)
“Russia's war against Ukraine is has a significant impact globally. It has a negative impact on food availability even in the most remote regions. Energy prices have risen considerably, and Russia’s acts have increased the number of people suffering from hunger and poverty in the world, with a significant negative impact on the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima and Head of the Latvian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), addressing the Assembly's Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy, which unanimously decided to supplement the relevant report accordingly. The PACE session opened on Monday, 19 June, in Strasbourg, France.
Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica: We must maintain political pressure on Lukashenko regime
Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica: We must maintain political pressure on Lukashenko regime (19.06.2023.)
“We need to keep pressure on the Lukashenko regime, including sanctions, because Lukashenko supports Russia in its war against Ukraine, and his regime also oppresses civil society and organises hybrid attacks on the EU border,” stated Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima and Head of the Latvian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), on Tuesday, 20 June, during the Assembly's debate on the situation in Belarus.
Svētdien, 5.janvārī