On Thursday, 11 June, in the third and final reading the Saeima adopted amendments to the Library Law bringing it in line with the needs of modern society and strengthening the role of libraries in education and culture.

In order to strengthen the security of the national borders and enable maintenance of border infrastructure, a 30-metre buffer zone is planned to be created along Latvia’s land border, according to urgent amendments to the Protection Zone Law adopted by the Saeima on Thursday, 11 June.

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.

On Tuesday, 9 June, Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, welcomed Fra’ John Timothy Dunlap, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta, thanking him for the Order’s good works and support for vulnerable groups in society.

On Thursday, 4 June, the Saeima made changes to the composition of the Saeima Presidium.

On Thursday, 4 June, the Saeima, in the second and final reading, adopted as urgent amendments to the Law on Higher Education Institutions, introducing a unified academic career framework in higher education. In the final reading, the Saeima also adopted related amendments to the Law on Scientific Activity and the Vocational Education Law.

On Thursday, 4 June, the Saeima adopted, in the final reading, urgent amendments to the Deposit Guarantee Law. The amendments introduce changes to the Fund’s financing arrangements and administrative framework, with a view to enhancing the competitiveness of Latvia’s financial sector and facilitating the entry of new market participants.

Latvia and Albania are united by close cooperation within NATO, shared European values, and unwavering support for Ukraine. This was emphasised by Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa during a meeting with the Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi at the Saeima on Tuesday, 3 June.

“We strongly condemn Russia’s massive attacks on Ukraine and its civilian population. Ukraine has to be part of the common European defence system. We greatly admire you and wish you continued strength and resilience during this time. We hope that our next meeting will already be marked by your victory,” said Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, on Tuesday, 2 June, during a meeting at the parliament with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and her delegation. The Ukrainians thanked Latvia for its comprehensive support.

The Saeima gave a vote of confidence to the Cabinet of Ministers formed by Andris Kulbergs during the extraordinary sitting on Thursday, 28 May. 66 Members of the Saeima voted in favour of the new government, while 25 voted against.