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II. DOCUMENTS  

Declaration on the Intended Activities of the Cabinet of Ministers 
Strategy of the Republic of Latvia for Integration into the European Union 
Latvia's Annual National Programme for Membership into NATO 2001 
Preparation of the National Programme "Integration of Society in Latvia"

DECLARATION ON THE INTENDED ACTIVITIES OF THE CABINET OF MINISTERS¹

The Government will follow a thoroughly considered and purposeful foreign policy line promoting the integration of Latvia into the European Union and the transatlantic security structures, strengthening and improving the relations of Latvia with countries in its region.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned goals, the Government shall take the following steps in the fields outlined below:

12.1. [Continuity of Foreign Policy]

12.1.1.The continuity of the foreign policy will be based on such common values as democracy, the rule of law, individual rights and freedoms, respect for the minorities. The foreign policy of Latvia is the policy of European unity;

12.1.2.Strive to implement the key tasks of Latvia's foreign policy âÀ“ to promote the national interests, consolidate the state security and increase the welfare of the nation;

12.1.3.Retain unchanged the strategic goals of the state foreign policy: integration into the European Union and full membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO);

12.1.4.Act in accordance with the following priorities of the state foreign policy: co-operation with the strategic partners and countries of the region, participation in international organisations, bilateral relations with the neighbouring countries, consistently supporting the integrity and common values of Europe.       

12.2. [Unity of Europe and the European Union]

12.2.1.Continue the accession process to the European Union with an aim of strengthening the sovereignty of the state, gaining the opportunity to take part in the decision making process on the future of the united Europe, developing a modern Latvian identity, acquiring official status for the Latvian language in the EU and ensuring the development of a stable and competitive economy;

12.2.2.Ensure a successful EU accession negotiation process and conclude the accession negotiations by 2003, paying special attention to the strengthening of the administrative capacity of the state;

12.2.3.Make the European integration tasks the basis of the daily work of the Cabinet of Ministers and that of every public administration institution;

12.2.4.Work on informing and educating different groups of society about the importance of Latvia's participation in the EU.       

12.3. [European Unity and Transatlantic Security]

12.3.1.Strive to create favourable external and internal conditions for Latvia to be invited to join the Alliance in the next round of enlargement. Latvia expects that the Alliance would take the decision on inviting new countries to join NATO in 2002;

12.3.2.Concentrate the foreign policy activities on raising the NATO Member States' political support for inviting Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania to join the Alliance;

12.3.3.Support the Alliance's policy of strengthening peace and security; participate actively in the NATO-led peacekeeping missions;

12.3.4.On the basis of the NATO Membership Action Plan we will strengthen the defence capabilities of the state, develop the armed forces in compliance with the NATO requirements thus attaining the practical readiness for the NATO membership;

12.3.5.Promote the public understanding and support for Latvia's participation in NATO;

12.3.6.Support the development of the European Security and Defence Policy and participate in the implementation of this policy.        

12.4. [Co-operation for European Unity]

12.4.1.On the basis of the U.S.-Baltic Charter of Partnership enhance co-operation with the U.S. and consolidate the U.S. involvement in the North-Eastern Europe region;

12.4.2.Develop the bilateral relations with the EU and NATO Member States and Candidate Countries in accordance with the strategic goals of Latvia's foreign policy;

12.4.3.Continue a comprehensive co-operation with the Baltic States paying special attention to joint activities in the accession process to the EU and NATO, since mutual co-ordination among the Baltic States is a precondition for a full-fledged integration; to that end we will enhance co-operation in the framework of the institutions of the Baltic States;

12.4.4.Facilitate a comprehensive co-operation with the Nordic countries and countries of the Baltic Sea region, thus facilitating the European integration, a harmonious development of the region and use of its economic potential;

12.4.5.Within the process of uniting Europe, Latvia as a future EU and NATO Member State will develop good neighbourly relations with Russia and Belarus, enhance the transfrontier co-operation and mutually beneficial co-operation with the regions of those countries; work at resuming the work of the Latvia-Russia Intergovernmental Commission and urge Russia to sign the prepared bilateral agreements, including the Agreement on State Frontiers;

12.4.6.Presiding in the Council of Europe we will support the consolidation of common European values in all Council of Europe Member States, develop the idea of the identity of the European culture, as well as share the experience of creating an integrated society.                   

12.5. [Public Policy and Diplomatic Service]

12.5.1.In order to provide the international society with up-to-date information on the development of Latvia, we will adopt a common external information policy achieving co-ordinated operation of the institutions involved, paying special attention to the information on the integration of society and the research and appraisal of the history of the totalitarian regimes;

12.5.2.Support the work of the History Commission; facilitate the international co-operation in researching history and educating the public;

12.5.3.In order to achieve the above-mentioned foreign policy goals, we will implement the development concept of the diplomatic service and its material resources, ensuring an adequate level of Latvia's diplomatic representation in the EU and NATO Member States;

12.5.4.With effective support of Latvia's embassies we will implement the national policy of attracting investments, promoting exports and supporting the Latvian entrepreneurs;

12.5.5.Assist the development of the Occupation Museum by making visit to this museum an integral part of the programmes of the state diplomatic protocol and the educational process.

1 Adopted on 5 May 2000. Published in the official gazette of the Republic of Latvia "Latvijas Vestnesis" No 164/165 (2075/2076), 6 May 2000. Internet address: http://www.mk.gov.lv/eng/cabinetofministers/default.htm.

STRATEGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA FOR INTEGRATION INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION¹

INTRODUCTION. The accession to the European Union (EU) provides Latvia with an opportunity to participate in the development of European and global economy, politics, and culture. The previous EU experience has shown that the so-called small states have played an important role especially in adopting strategic decisions. The EU expects that the applicant countries will not only demand the benefits for themselves, but also come forward with proposals and ideas that would be beneficial for both the applicants and the EU.

The amount of tasks Latvia has to implement in order to integrate into the EU is growing all the time. The number of institutions and people involved in the integration process is increasing as well. Several documents on separate aspects of strategy have been elaborated and adopted. However, unanimity on the priorities of integration has not yet been reached.

The Strategy for the Integration of Latvia into the EU is a document, determining the basic aspects of decision-making on the EU policy issues. Its objective is to facilitate the unified work and understanding, thus promoting Latvia's accession to the EU.

The Strategy:

• Provides the summary of operational guidelines for the government, ministries, and other institutions involved in the integration process;
• Facilitates the elaboration and implementation of integration programmes in new sectors as well as the research of issues related to the integration process;
• Envisages the compliance of the public administration with the requirements of the EU, and the co-ordination of the priorities of sectors with the integration into the EU;
• Determines that the fiscal policy and the planning of the state budget have to comply with the requirements of the process of Latvia's integration into the EU;
• Emphasises that the preconditions for the support of the society are the knowledge on the EU, access to objective information, and open dialogue between the public administration and population.

As regards the EU enlargement, it is for the benefit of both the applicant countries and the EU to maintain the quality of the defined standards. The EU historic development shows that each country has to find its own way towards the most effective usage of common rules. We have to solve the tasks of the strategy in a creative manner, actively seeking the most favourable solutions for Latvia and simultaneously being aware of the obligations towards the other states, and the EU in general.

The EU operates on the basis of the subsidiarity principle, envisaging that the EU does not implement any measures on the level of its competence if more effective solutions can be found on national, regional and local level. This principle ensures that the decision-making, and the implementation and control of the decisions is drawn as near to the population as possible.

In order to enhance the preparation of the applicant states for the EU membership, the European Commission regularly issues proposals on the integration priorities and provides different types of assistance with an aim to make the applicant country realise its unique and therefore very necessary role.

The tasks of the Strategy are grouped in accordance with the institutional structure of the EU, and the membership criteria set out by the EU Copenhagen Council.

Special attention is paid to the national interests of Latvia.

Strategy is to be considered as implemented upon Latvia's accession to the EU.

1 Adopted by the Parliament of the Republic of Latvia on 9 February 2000. Internet address http://www.eib.lv/doc/stratinteu.doc. Report on Implementation of the Strategy: http://www.am.gov.lv/file/l/zin-par-strat-int-ES.pdf.

LATVIA'S ANNUAL NATIONAL PROGRAMME 2001¹

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. The 1999 Washington Summit offered candidate countries a Membership Action Plan (MAP) that would help them to prepare for NATO membership. Aspiring members were asked to set up their annual national programmes on preparation for future membership.

Latvia's Annual National Programme 2001 is developed on the basis of experience gained while preparing Latvia's NATO Integration Plan 1999 and Annual National Programme 2000. It is also designed, taking into account NATO "Progress Report on Latvia's Participation in the Membership Action Plan: 1999âÀ“2000" and valuable comments provided by Allied countries during the NATO-Latvia meetings of 1999/2000, as well as at numerous bilateral political-military consultations.

The ANP 2001 has been based on membership requirements set out in the Washington Treaty, the Study on NATO Enlargement and the documents of Washington Summit 1999.

The basic text of the Programme gives a short overview of the progress towards NATO membership and identifies the priority areas in 2001.

The Annex to the Programme contains a list of specific activities scheduled for the year 2001 defining the allocated funding, setting the deadlines, and naming responsible authorities. These activities have been carefully selected to make the Programme realistic, precise and achievable. In order to facilitate the practical readiness of Latvia for accession to NATO, a total of 85 tasks in 17 areas have been scheduled for the year 2001.

The Chapter on Politics and Economy describes the compliance of Latvia's security and defence policy with NATO acquis and acknowledges Latvia's readiness to assume the liabilities of a NATO member state. The chapter confirms that in order to be as well prepared as possible for the next round of enlargement, Latvia will do its utmost to use every opportunity offered by Membership Action Plan.

The chapter reflects that Latvia is a stable, democratic country with sound judicial system and a viable market economy. It describes the progress already achieved, and the tasks envisaged for the year 2001 in the following areas:

• Enforcement of democracy and the rule of law;
• Implementation of human rights;
• Development of the economy;
• Democratic control over the National Armed Forces;
• Regional co-operation and development of good neighbourly relations;
• Latvia's preparation for EU membership;
• Latvia's participation and the contribution to increased security of the Euro-Atlantic Region;
• Development of crisis management system in Latvia;
• Environmental issues;
• Informing the society about issues related to security and defence policy.

The Chapter on Defence and Military gives an overview of the tasks and activities the implementation of which would develop and improve the military preparedness of the National Armed Forces and secure the readiness of Latvia for NATO membership.

To rise the efficiency of the defence system, the following priorities for the year 2001 have been singled out:

• Improvement of the combat capabilities of the National Armed Forces (NAF) and self-defence capability of Latvia adequate to the security risks of the 21st century;
• Improvement of the compatibility with NATO (a consistent implementation of the goals and compliance with the co-operation requirements between Latvia and NATO);
• Improvement of the capabilities of the National Armed Forces to provide assistance to civilians in peace-time;
• Participation in peacekeeping and peace support operations;
• Increase the Baltic States' responsibility for the implementation and development of common Baltic co-operation projects âÀ“ a process named "baltification";
• Building of the administrative capacity of the national defence system;
• Improvement of the defence planning system âÀ“ strengthening of Planning, Programming and Budgeting System;
• Information security;
• Improvement of the personnel management system;
• Gaining support of the society and the state for the defence system.

To achieve those goals, the main NAF development priorities highlighted in the Programme are:

• Increase of self-defence capabilities;
• Provision of compatibility and co-operation capabilities with NATO;
• Participation in international peacekeeping and support activities.

The Defence Planning System envisages annual recurrent clarification and review of the plans and strategies. The stages of NAF development planning include 12-year plan (long-term), four-year plan (medium-term) and one-year plan (short-term). The long and medium-term development plans (twelve and four years) were elaborated and ratified in the year 2000. Also the NAF strategy has been elaborated, and the two-year cycle of budget formation has begun.

Latvia, as a NATO candidate country, integrates the requirements set by NATO into the defence-planning documentation.

In order to promote the development of the National Armed Forces and a closer integration into NATO, Latvia actively participates in NATO/PfP projects. In 2000 Latvia joined the programme Partnership Goals (PGs) elaborated in accordance with NATO defence-planning principles. It facilitates Latvia's integration in the planning system of NATO. An implementation plan for each Partnership Goal is prepared so that they meet the deadlines; it envisages the necessary resources, training, documentation and equipment, and others.

The principle of total defence lies at the basis of the long-term development goals of the state defence system. The territorial defence system, devised in accordance with that principle, aims at provision of defence for each part of Latvia, as well as at the implementation of NATO common defence system and the tasks set out in the Strategic Concept.

One of the most important preconditions for the participation in NATO/PfP is implementation of Partnership Goals in Land, Air, and Naval Forces.

The priorities defined in the medium-term development plan are as follows: development of peace-time organization; development of command, control, and communication systems; development of the mobilization system by forming the first three mobile reserve battalions; development of a peace-time and wartime logistics system; completion of formation of LATBAT by 2003; accumulation of equipment for two training centres and three mobile reserve battalions; implementation of PGs in accordance with NAF long-term development plans and priorities; development of a total defence planning system.

To continue the development of NAF the following activities are envisaged for 2001: to elaborate and introduce war and peace-time Command and Control system in NAF; to reorganize National Guard and establish regional Command and Control system; to develop Land Forces âÀ“ to prepare one Mandatory Military Service company in 12 months in Adazi; to develop and improve the military co-operation among the Baltic States; to develop Naval Forces; to develop Air Forces.

The following tasks were accomplished in the development of NAF in the course of the year 2000: the development concept of the Latvian Battalion (LATBAT) has been elaborated; the formation of the first LATBAT company has been commenced in accordance with the development plan of LATBAT, the personnel has been provided with individual equipment, weapons, and ammunition; the establishment of EOD Training centre for combat engineers has been commenced; the formation of Anti-aircraft Division has been commenced and the headquarters have been established, partial training of the personnel has been carried out and armaments have been received. Also, the NAF Logistic Doctrine, and the Logistic Reporting System have been elaborated, and a common training system introduced.

The increase of the national defence potential as well as the capability of NAF to achieve compatibility with NATO depends on the training of accordingly qualified personnel, and the improvement of the personnel management system. That is why personnel-related issues are among NAF priorities.

In the Annual National Programme 2001, the issues concerning development of personnel have received special attention, concentrating on the ability of personnel to integrate into the work of NATO's political and military structures, elaboration of educational and training criteria of the military and civil personnel, as well as personnel managers.

The following activities have been carried out in 2000:

• Certification and evaluation system of the professionalism of military personnel has been introduced;
• Rotation of senior officers, as well as financial incentives to support the mechanism have been set up;
• Documentation of the infantry platoon section leader training course has been prepared;
• With the support of Danish specialists, the course on military pedagogy and management has been introduced to the officers and lecturers of the National Defence Academy;
• Significant progress in the improvement of living conditions of the military personnel has been achieved;
• A school for non-commissioned officers has been established.

Special attention is paid to the Joint Baltic Co-operation Programmes, as well as bilateral co-operation issues. The co-operation of the Baltic States in the military field is significant since it increases the mutual compatibility capabilities between the Baltic States and NATO, as well as optimises the utilization of common defence resources. Continuing the co-operation of the Baltic States in military field, Latvia takes part in the following joint military co-operation projects: BALTBAT, BALTNET, BALTRON, and BALTDEFCOL. BALTPERS project was commenced in 2000 with the objective to develop a common register of the Baltic military personnel.

In May 2000 NAF commanders of the Baltic States ratified the BALTBAT Development Plan for the period of five years. In the same year also the BALTNET system was launched, and the Regional Air-Space Surveillance Co-ordination Centre established. Working on further development of the BALTRON project, the improvement of infrastructure of the Navy base has been commenced. Also the development of the Navy Diver Training Centre was started and an anti-mine device installed. Among BALTDEFCOL graduates in 2000 eight officers were from Latvia. Among the staff of BALTDEFCOL, there is one lecturer from Latvia specializing in National Administration.

The Baltic States have been working together actively, taking up co-operation on an ever-growing number of areas. The Baltic States are co-operating also in the field of "baltification" âÀ“ which means that the Baltic States are gradually taking over the projects from the supporting countries, paying special attention to financial, managerial, and personnel issues.

Bilateral co-operation between the defence systems is a tool for implementation of the tasks set by the ANP of Latvia and Partnership Goals, which cannot be accomplished only with the help of national resources. More than 400 bilateral activities were envisaged for 2000. The main emphasis was laid on co-operation between the armed forces units, material-technical assistance, as well as consultations on various topics at different levels.

The Resource Chapter characterizes the resources related to the development of defence system and integration into NATO. The draft law on Defence Financing, ratified by the Cabinet of Ministers on 12 September 2000, and submitted to the Parliament of Latvia for review, attests to the fact that defence, security, and integration into NATO will invariably remain the priority of the state budget for 2001 and beyond.

The increase of the military budget, allocation of budget resources for the personnel, maintenance costs, and investment projects are discussed in the Resource Chapter. In 2001 a continuous increase of investment is envisaged, mainly in the development of infrastructure, air-space surveillance system (BALTNET), BALTRON project, development of cartography, and NAF system of communications and information technology, as well as in the implementation of co-operation goals with NATO. It is envisaged to receive a significant donation of military equipment from partner countries.

With a continuous increase of resources, the issues relating to resource management system gain importance. Latvia is currently working on Planning, Programming and Budgeting system for defence. In 2000 the development of the Defence Budget was for the first time based on the review of definite programmes. Certain criteria for elaboration of those programmes were set. Also the implementation of programmes in accordance with National Defence Concept and NAF Development Plan was provided for. Starting from January 2000, a single system for the control and monitoring of defence resources was introduced.

The Chapter on Information Security describes Latvia's progress in the sphere of guaranteeing the security of classified information in accordance with NATO requirements. It enlists the following activities envisaged for 2001 in this field:

• Enlargement of the classified information register system;
• Improvement of protection regime for classified information in state institutions involved in NATO integration process, as well as Latvia's embassies abroad;
• Improvement of information exchange and storage system of classified information;
• Continuation of personnel training and education in accordance with NATO requirements;
• Preparation and signing of bilateral agreements with NATO member states and NATO applicant countries;
• Participation in seminars on protection of classified information organized by NATO.

The Chapter on Legal Issues discusses legal aspects of NATO integration. Although Latvia will be entitled to join the international documents regulating the activities of NATO only after the accession, Latvia has already started the harmonization of the legal basis in line with NATO standards and the requirements set in international agreements.

As Latvia has to be prepared to participate in the collective self-defence system, there must be no legal restrictions hindering the co-operation with NATO. To eliminate any obstacles, the analysis of legal acts and international agreements is carried out. The following issues are addressed:

• Restrictions and prohibitions related to the defence system of Latvia;
• Integration of Latvia into NATO and the legal basis for use of military force;
• Residence and status of NATO troops and personnel of its institutions in Latvia;
• Participation of Latvia's NAF units in military operations abroad.

In 2000 the process of lifting the ban on the participation of Latvia in NATO's organized activities was started. Also, measures have been taken to enhance the efficiency of decision-making procedure. A number of amendments to certain significant documents (the law "On Participation of the National Armed Forces of Latvia in International Operations", the Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers "On Entrance and Stay of Foreign Warships in the Territorial Waters and Ports of the Republic of Latvia and their Departure thereof" etc.) has been prepared and submitted for ratification.

In 1999 a special internal co-ordination and control mechanism was devised to supervise the implementation of the Annual National Programme. It ensures the participation of all the institutions involved in NATO integration process. The main co-ordinating body is the NATO Integration Council of Latvia, administered by the Head of the Government. Since 2000, also the Ministers of Finance, and Transport, the Heads of the Constitutional Protection Bureau, and the Crisis Management Centre, as well as the Head of the Parliamentary Defence and Interior Commission take part in the Council. The Council commissions the Committee of Senior Officials on NATO Integration Issues to co-ordinate the work on the Annual National Programme of Latvia. The Ministry of Defence administers the control of the implementation of the Annual National Programme of Latvia, and controls the evaluation of the implementation process.

1 On 19 September 2000, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia adopted Latvia's Annual National Program 2001 for NATO membership. Internet address: http://www.am.gov.lv/e/?id=788.

PREPARATION OF THE NATIONAL PROGRAMME "INTEGRATION OF SOCIETY IN LATVIA"

Integration of the society has been one of the top priorities of successive Governments. The implementation of this priority has been further streamlined with the elaboration of the Integration Programme of Society in Latvia. The Government of Latvia has adopted the National Programme "Integration of Society in Latvia" to support the formation of a democratic civil society on the basis of common values such as Latvia's independence, respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities to preserve their identity. It has been developed to better coordinate the existing efforts aimed at integration of society, such as Latvian language training, naturalisation and reform of education, as well as to establish the framework for new initiatives in this area. The National Programme forms the basis of a comprehensive programme, which will address integration problems in the political, social, education, culture and other areas.

Beyond its purely practical application, the programme serves as a point of reference for the people of Latvia as it shows the political vision of the Government for short-term and medium-term development of society.

FUNDAMENTALS OF INTEGRATION. The development of the independent Latvian state and the integration of society are mutually reinforcing processes. The goal of integration is to form a democratic, consolidated civil society, founded on shared basic values. Integration is unthinkable without the support and active participation of the political forces in Latvia. Human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to an ethnic minority, are a significant instrument for the consolidation and development of Latvian society.

MAIN FIELDS OF ACTIVITIES. The integration of society includes processes that occur in various spheres âÀ“ political, judicial, social, educational, cultural; all these areas are covered by the National Programme "Integration of Society in Latvia".

• In the field of civic participation and political integration the Programme will seek to increase political integration and active participation of residents of Latvia at all levels in the parliamentary process, also by continued naturalisation. It will seek to promote civic participation by supporting formation and activities of NGOs. It foresees the establishment of a unified system, which would ease the repatriation for any Latvian or citizen of Latvia who wish to do so and would assist in his/her integration in the society of Latvia.
• In the field of social and regional integration the Government seeks to create a society with equal opportunities for all; to extend the possibilities for social participation for all individuals and groups of residents. It will work to decrease and prevent unfavourable regional differences.
• In the field of education, language, and culture the teaching of Latvian language will be strengthened; the implementation of minority educational programmes will be continued. The state will continue to care for preservation, research and development of Latvian and minorities' cultures, to create preconditions for integration of cultural life and to develop tolerance with regard to other cultures.

CHRONOLOGY

In March 1998 a ministerial Integration Council is established which is tasked with drafting the Framework Document of the National Programme "Integration of Society in Latvia".

In March-September 1998 a group of experts established by the Integration Council prepares the first draft Framework Document of the National Programme.

On 29 September 1998 the Cabinet of Ministers accepts the draft Framework Document as a basis for future discussions.

On 18 February 1999 a Steering Group is established to coordinate the public debate on and revision of the draft Framework Document of the National Programme.

On 10 March 1999 the public debate commences; it lasts until the end of May. An estimated 25 000 persons take part in the debate, an unprecedented number in Latvia. More than 80 events take place during this period, including national and regional conferences and seminars on particular issues dealt with in the Framework Document.

In June-July 1999 the draft Framework Document of the National Programme is revised and updated, taking into account the results of the public debate. In the text of the final draft two new sections on civic participation and social integration are added.

On 7 December 1999 the Cabinet of Ministers gives the final approval to the Framework Document of the National Programme.

On 21 December 1999 the condensed version of the Integration Programme is presented to the Cabinet of Ministers.

It outlines the structure of the National Programme "Integration of Society in Latvia" and proposes the practicalities of implementation mechanisms.

On 16 May 2000 the Cabinet of Ministers adopts the revised condensed version of the Integration Programme. In August, the Cabinet of Ministers decides that a Society Integration Department in the Ministry of Justice will be responsible for the implementation of the Programme and decides that a Society Integration Fund âÀ“ a non-profit limited liability organisation âÀ“ shall be founded to attract financial resources from the state budget and from international donors.

On 14 November 2000 the Cabinet of Ministers accepts the draft Law on Society Integration Fund and decides to allocate 200, 000 lats (LVL), an equivalent of 330, 000 US dollars, for the operations of the Fund in 2001, and allocates the funds necessary for the operation of the Society Integration Department of the Ministry of Justice.

On 20 November 2000 the Society Integration Department is established.

IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISM OF THE INTEGRATION PROGRAMME. The following three institutions will deal with the society integration issues:

• Society Integration Council, consisting of ministers from the ministries related to the society integration processes will provide the political guidance for the integration of society.
• Society Integration Department within the Ministry of Justice will coordinate implementation of the Society Integration Programme, announce tenders on projects in the field of society integration, analyse the received projects and submit them to the Consultative Council of the Society Integration Fund for consideration.
• Society Integration Fund âÀ“ a non-profit limited liability organisation will be founded, with the possibility of participation of non-state actors, for instance, the NGO Centre or the Union of Local and Regional Governments. The Society Integration Fund will attract financial resources form the state budget and donors and allocate resources for the projects recommended by the Consultative Council. The Consultative Council will be a part of the Fund. It will comprise representatives from ministries, local governments, NGOs and international experts; the Consultative Council will consider the submitted projects and recommend the selected ones to the Integration Fund for funding.

INTERNATIONAL ASPECTS OF THE INTEGRATION PROGRAMME. Mr Max van der Stoel, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, has expressed interest regarding the future development of the National Programme. The participation of international donors in the implementation of concrete projects will be crucial, due to the large scale of the project. The Government of Latvia hopes that its international partners will be able to support the implementation of the Integration Programme, given its high significance for the development of consolidated society in Latvia.