Browse Ageing Policies

The Informative Report “Final evaluation on the implementation of the Strategy on the Development of Social Services 2014–2020” aims to promote equality, inclusion, non-discrimination, and respect for fundamental rights. It aims to integrate gender equality, ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities, and transition from institutional to community-based care. The report is overseen by the Ministry of Welfare, specifically the Social Policy Planning and Development Department. Key stakeholders include various EU funds, national institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The report targets all sectors receiving EU funds, focusing on national implementation. It addresses gender equality, disability access, racial and ethnic inclusion, religious freedom, age, and sexual orientation. The report evaluates specific actions such as ensuring accessibility in infrastructure projects, promoting gender equality in employment, and supporting community-based care. It emphasizes monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance with EU regulations. The report was published on April 19, 2022.

The Guidelines on eliminating inequalities have the goal to ensure equality, inclusion, non-discrimination, and respect for fundamental rights. It aims to integrate gender equality, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and transition from institutional to community-based care. The guidelines are overseen by the Ministry of Welfare and involves various stakeholders, including state institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the European Union. The guidelines cover national implementation and targets all sectors receiving EU funds. It focuses on gender equality, non-discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation, and ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities. Key features of the guidelines include promoting gender equality, ensuring accessibility, combating discrimination, and supporting community-based care. The guidelines emphasise on promoting the inclusion of older persons in various social activities and preventing their isolation. The guidelines mandate that all EU-funded activities must reduce segregation and exclusion, and infrastructure projects must ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities. The policy was updated on November 28, 2023.

The Education Development Strategy for 2021–2027 aims to ensure quality education opportunities for all Latvian residents, fostering their potential development and lifelong learning capabilities. The Ministry of Education and Science is the main responsible institution, with support from various ministries including Defense, Economy, Finance, Culture, Interior, Welfare, Environment, Health, Agriculture, and the Cross-Sectoral Coordination Centre. This policy covers all levels and types of education in Latvia, targeting the entire population. It aims to address national educational needs and align with both Latvian and European Union development and policy planning documents. Key strategies include enhancing teacher and academic staff qualifications, modernizing educational offerings to meet labour market demands, providing support for individual growth, and ensuring sustainable and effective management of the education system. Implementation involves creating action plans for different periods and regular evaluations. The policy was adopted on June 22, 2021 and it will run until 2027.

The study “The prevalence of discrimination in the employment environment in Latvia” was conducted in order to explore the forms and types of discrimination faced by employees in Latvia during employment, understand employees' awareness of discrimination, and evaluate trends by comparing data with a 2011 study. The study was conducted by Norstat Latvia (project coordination and fieldwork) and Dentsu Data Labs (data analysis and report preparation). The study targets employees in Latvia aged 15 and above. It covers various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, trade, services, and others, and spans across different regions such as Riga, Pieriga, Latgale, Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Zemgale. The study uses an online survey (CAWI) methodology. Key areas of focus include the prevalence of discrimination, types of information shared with potential employers, and sources of discriminatory attitudes. It also examines employees' willingness to seek help and the reasons for not doing so. The study notes that the level of discrimination in workplaces has remained almost unchanged since 2011, with 31% of employees hearing about discrimination cases among acquaintances. The fieldwork for the study was conducted from March 18 to March 30, 2020.

The "Active Ageing Strategy for Longer and Better Working Lives in Latvia" was introduced in 2016 by Latvia's Cabinet of Ministers, to reduce the negative aspects caused by ageing of the population and improve support to the older population. The strategy was developed from 2014 to 2016 with support from the European Commission, implemented at the national level. This is the first policy planning document in the field of ageing in Latvia, the aim of which is to promote a longer and healthier working life of the Latvian population for improvement of the population and the overall economic situation, envisaging comprehensive measures in various fields relevant to older persons. Key measures focus on creating an inclusive labour market for older persons, ensuring they are educated and equipped to respond to changing labour market conditions. The strategy also promotes health initiatives that enable older individuals to remain physically active and independent for as long as possible. Additionally, social protection is emphasized to socially protect older workers.

The Support for Unemployed Persons and Persons Seeking Employment Law has the objective to provide support for unemployed individuals, job seekers, and those at risk of unemployment to enhance their competitiveness in the labor market. The main institutions involved are the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and its agency, the State Employment Agency. Key stakeholders include unemployed persons, job seekers, and employers. This policy applies to Latvian citizens, non-citizens, EU citizens, and other specified groups residing in Latvia. It covers national-level interventions aimed at reducing unemployment and improving labor market participation. The policy includes active employment measures such as occupational training, paid temporary community work, and measures to increase competitiveness. Specific measures for older persons include programs to help individuals update their skills and qualifications to remain competitive in the labor market and personalized guidance to help older persons navigate their career paths and find suitable employment, among other policies. The State Employment Agency is responsible for implementing the measures, coordinating with local governments, and ensuring safe and healthy training conditions. The law was adopted on May 9, 2002, and came into force on July 1, 2002.