Analytics, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Latvia, Society
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Friday, 29.03.2024, 14:40
1/3 Latvians, who reside abroad, are purposely drifting away from Latvia
Those Latvians who have relatives living in Latvia, as well as those who
read Latvian mass media on a daily basis have much closer connection to Latvia,
therefore the media are very important in maintaining emigrants' links to their
homeland, emphasized Mierina. In addition, those who are doing well and are
high income earners, are more likely to assimilate.
According to various studies, those who left Latvia during the economic
crisis between 2009 and 2011 have the worst opinion about their country, said
Mierina. This suggests that these people are bitterly disappointed. "A
third are purposely drifting apart from Latvia, they also are the most cynical
about the developments in Latvia," she added.
Mierina believes that more support should be provided for education of
Latvian emigrants' children and young people. Learning Latvian and speaking
Latvian are important, and studies have found that the feeling of belonging to
Latvia develops in childhood. To those who have left Latvia it is important to
see that Latvian politicians actually do something to solve the problem and
help those who wish to return to Latvia.
MP Ilmars Latvkovskis and
philosopher and writer Ilmars Slapins
in their speeches also emphasized the importance of the Latvian language in the
identity development of Latvian children, both in Latvia and abroad.
The first European Latvian Congress will continue until July 30. The
congress is organized by the European Latvian Association with support from the
Foreign Ministry of Latvia.