In order to strengthen Latvia’s energy security and promote a more efficient clean energy transition, on Thursday, 3 October the Saeima adopted the urgent draft law approving Latvia’s participation in the International Energy Agency. 

In order for local governments to implement more effective measures to combat invasive species in their territory, including the Spanish snail and hogweed, the Saeima approved in the third and final reading amendments to the Law on the Conservation of Species and Biotopes on Thursday, 3 October. Among other things, they provide for the establishmentof a list of invasive species in Latvia and require the Cabinet of Ministers to develop measures to limit the spread of these species. 

Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Head of the Latvian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, stressed the need for the international community to ensure the return of captured Ukrainians to their homeland, during the debate on the resolution “Missing persons, prisoners of war and civilians in captivity as a result of the war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine” held during the autumn session of the Assembly in Strasbourg, France.“The response of the international community has not recently reached the level necessary to achieve a just peace for Ukraine. Russia brutally violates the international order, fails to respect humanitarian and human rights with impunity. Achieving long-term peace in Ukraine and the region requires decisive and immediate action. Other international organisations should also promote pressure against Russia so that prisoners of war, civilians in captivity and abducted children can return home,” Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica said.

Mass media representatives interested in covering the Third Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform may apply for media accreditation by 14 October 2024.

In order to raise awareness and support of the international community for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, the Third Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform will take place in Riga on 24 October, bringing together delegations from all over the world in the capital of Latvia. The Summit aims to highlight the global impact of Russia’s aggression and continue to shed light at the international level on the crimes committed by the aggressor.

Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Head of the Latvian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, stressed the need to counter malicious propaganda and disinformation during the Autumn Session of the Assembly on Tuesday, 1 October in Strasbourg, France.

On Thursday, 26 September the Saeima adopted in the final reading amendments to the Criminal Law aimed at preventing illegal financing of political parties, which distorts the principles of fair competition between political parties. The amendments lower the criminalisation threshold for illegal financing.

On Thursday, 26 September, the Saeima amended the Law on the Financing of Political Organisations (Parties), "freezing" the financing of political parties. These changes were initiated by the Budget and Finance (Taxation) Committee of the Saeima.

On Thursday, 26 September, the Saeima adopted urgent amendments to the Education Law in order to compensate teachers of educational institutions their expenses related to transport and rental of living quarters.

In order to prohibit the advertising of prices and discounts for beer and wine on television and radio and thus reduce the overall consumption of alcoholic beverages and protect young people from the negative impact of advertising, the Saeima approved in the final reading amendments to the Electronic Media Law on Thursday, 26 September.