To expand the opportunities for associations and foundations to provide financial and material assistance to Ukraine, including for its defence needs, the Saeima on Thursday, 11 June, adopted as a matter of urgency amendments to the Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Civilians in the final reading. The amendments also provide for the development of a language learning platform to promote the integration of Ukrainian residents in Latvia.
“We are not only expanding support opportunities for Ukraine but also strengthening the integration mechanisms for Ukrainian civilians in our society. Tools for learning the official language, including the development of a dictionary, represent a significant investment in the future. Considering support for Ukraine’s European integration path, we must demonstrate our solidarity and support for the Ukrainian people through concrete actions,” previously noted Raimonds Bergmanis, Chair of the Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee responsible for advancing the draft law in the Saeima.
Under the previous regulative framework, public benefit organisations were required to operate within the areas specified in their statutes, which in practice limited their ability to donate in support of Ukraine and created uncertainty regarding donations for defence purposes. The aim of these amendments is to reduce bureaucratic obstacles and promote the involvement of civil society in supporting Ukraine.
The new amendments clearly stipulate that donations in support of Ukraine, including for its defence needs, shall not be considered a violation of the regulatory framework governing the activities of associations and foundations. They are intended to remove practical obstacles to providing assistance in crisis situations. Public benefit organisations will be able to donate regardless of the objectives and fields of activity specified in their statutes, while retaining such support as a public benefit activity. This means that organisations will be able to adapt their activities more flexibly to current needs.
The new regulation also applies to previous periods, ensuring that donations made to Ukraine to date are assessed in accordance with the new framework.
In addition, a state language learning platform will be developed by 30 June 2029, including a Latvian–Ukrainian–Latvian dictionary, which will promote the integration of Ukrainian residents in Latvia.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, support from Latvian society and non-governmental organisations for Ukraine has been substantial—more than EUR 42 million has been donated via the portal Ziedot.lv alone, providing significant assistance to the Ukrainian armed forces, civilians, and Ukrainian refugees in Latvia. Meanwhile, the organisation Entrepreneurs for Peace has mobilised donations and provided support to Ukraine in the amount of at least EUR 21 million. Significant support has also been mobilised through other initiatives for Ukraine’s defence and for civilians. This support has often been provided under rapidly changing circumstances, responding to Ukraine’s immediate needs.
Saeima Press Service