In order to strengthen the protection and preservation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the old town of Kuldīga, on Tuesday, 3 February, the Saeima adopted a new law to this effect.

To promote entrepreneurship and investment in the regions, on Thursday, 12 February, the Saeima adopted amendments extending the operation period of the Latgale Special Economic Zone (SEZ) until 31 December 2050, and adding the Alūksne Municipality to the SEZ.

On Friday, 6 February, the Presidium of the Baltic Assembly adopted a statement in Vilnius on strong support for Ukraine, its sovereignty, and its territorial integrity, highlighting that Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine continues to pose a serious threat to European security. 

On Friday, 6 February, the Presidium of the Baltic Assembly adopted a statement in Vilnius on support for Greenland and the future of democracy in Europe. 

To promote the construction of new energy efficient and affordable rental apartment buildings, on Thursday, 5 February, the Saeima adopted a new Law on Construction Rights for Residential Rental Buildings.

Institutions will henceforth have a deadline of ten working days to reply on the merits of submissions. This is provided for in the amendments to the Law on Submissions, adopted by the Saeima in the final reading on Thursday, 5 February. The changes will come into force on 1 March this year. The amendments were proposed to reduce red tape and ensure quicker and more effective communication between the people and state institutions. 

In its statement of Thursday, 5 February, the Saeima emphasized its commitment to strengthening and deepening cooperation with the United States of America and Canada in the fields of security, economy, and technology. The Members of Parliament also expressed their commitment to promoting joint efforts in strengthening NATO as the fundamental guarantor of transatlantic security and defence. The statement also underscores that the United States is Latvia’s main strategic ally and partner, whose cooperation is indispensable for strengthening Latvia’s national security.

Russia is stepping up its hybrid attacks across Europe, but its influence is gradually waning. This is also evidenced by the outcome of Moldova’s parliamentary elections held at the end of last year, resulting in a resounding victory of the pro-European forces, said Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, on Tuesday, 3 February, during her meeting with Maia Sandu, President of Moldova; Alexandru Munteanu, Prime Minister of Moldova; and Cristina Gherasimov, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration. The Speaker of the Saeima is visiting Chisinau together with her Lithuanian and Estonian counterparts.

Europe deeply appreciates Moldova’s persistent efforts and the reforms implemented on its path towards the European Union (EU), stated Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, while addressing Members of Parliament of the Republic of Moldova on Tuesday, 3 February. This week, she is visiting Chisinau together with her Lithuanian and Estonian counterparts. 

Moldova is an example to other EU candidate countries, said Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, during a meeting with Igor Grosu, Speaker of the Parliament of Moldova, in Chisinau on Monday, 2 February. Speaker Mieriņa is visiting Moldova this week with her Lithuanian and Estonian counterparts.