Education and Science, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation

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Successful society integration is a two-way process, said Thors. On the one hand, there are people who want very much to be integrated in society, but, on the other hand, society itself has to be forthcoming enough in relations with minorities, and find ways to protect their rights, said Thors. A country is responsible for the well-being of its people, she emphasized.

She also said that Latvian language courses for those who want to learn the language should be inexpensive enough so residents could afford them.

Thors said that, from her experience, positive action works the best in this area. Thors was pleased to find out from Rinkevics that underage non-citizens now have more opportunities to become citizens of Latvia. Information is the key in such matters – people must be provided with information on what they can do for themselves, said Thors.

Whereas Rinkevics said that he and Thors had agreed at their meeting that the minorities' situation in Latvia was improving.

"The amendments to the Citizenship Law that came into force last year enabling the children of non-citizens to automatically register for Latvian citizenship if parents wish so, and public opinion surveys show that the situation is good. In the meantime, we know full well that non-citizens have to be informed about the procedures and opportunities to receive Latvian citizenship. I believe that budget funds must be allotted for an information campaign. Such was also the recommendation of the commissioner, and I agree with it," said Rinkevics.

The minister went on to say that he and Thors had also discussed education reform and minorities' schools. "I believe that further progress in these areas will conform with international standards," he said.