“This is undoubtedly a time of heightened stakes. It is a dangerous moment, but also one rich in opportunity—provided we know how to seize it. Today, foreign policy is no longer merely theoretical; it has a direct impact on the security, economy, and very existence of society,” emphasised Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, on Friday, 4 April, at the opening of the conference “EU Conversations: Europe for the New Age” held at the Parliament. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the conference.

“Today, freedom and its meaning are just as important as they were 35 years ago. It is our duty to teach that freedom must be cared for every single day. Responsibility for our country must be assumed by each of us—both young and old. It is we, the people of Latvia, who shape our nation,” emphasised the Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mieriņa, on Friday, 4 April, addressing attendees at the conference Baltic Spring and the Latvian Will, dedicated to the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Latvia’s independence.

Third-country nationals who do not hold a visa or residence permit issued in Latvia will be required to submit specific personal information about themselves, their relatives, and the purpose of their travel before entering Latvia. These changes to the Immigration Law and the amendments to the State Border Law were adopted by the Saeima in the final reading on Thursday, 3 April. The changes are necessary to strengthen national security and enhance the effectiveness of border protection.

The Saeima has extended the ban on the import of agricultural and feed products from Russia and Belarus intended for consumption in Latvia for an additional year. The decision was made on Thursday, 3 April, with the final reading and urgent adoption of the amendments to the Law on Agriculture and Rural Development. The ban is now scheduled to remain in force until 1 July of next year.

"Today, we honour the memory of the horrific events that unfolded in Bucha in March 2022. This small town endured unimaginable atrocities. In the 21st century, European civilisation was confronted by medieval barbarism — by savages who murdered, raped, and tortured innocent civilians. These crimes must never be forgotten, and they must never be forgiven. The perpetrators must be called by their name, held to account, and punished with the full force of justice. Crimes against humanity carry no statute of limitations," emphasised Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa on Monday, 31 March, during her participation in a summit held in the Ukrainian city of Bucha.

“Healthcare is a fundamental right, and one of our key responsibilities is to ensure an accessible, effective, and resilient healthcare system. The Baltic States face similar challenges in the field of healthcare, and therefore, solutions must be sought through closer regional cooperation — particularly in joint medical procurement and the integration of cross-border healthcare,” stressed Deputy Speaker of the Saeima and Chair of the Baltic Assembly Committee on Health, Welfare and Family, Antoņina Ņenaševa, addressing participants at the committee meeting on Friday, 28 March, in the Estonian capital, Tallinn.

Under new legislation adopted by the Saeima on Thursday, 27 March, police will be authorised to land or neutralise drones not only in the event of an actual attack, but also to prevent potential threats. Until now, such action was only permitted during an ongoing drone assault.

To make it easier and more reliable for consumers to compare electricity prices offered by different electricity traders, a framework will be introduced for a price comparison tool. This is provided for in the amendments to the Electricity Market Law, adopted by the Saeima in the third and final reading on Thursday, 27 March.

On Wednesday, 26 March, receiving Salome Zourabichvili, the fifth president of Georgia, at the Latvian parliament, Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, affirmed Latvia’s support for the fight of the Georgian people, opposition, civil society, and independent media for democracy and justice in their country.

“There is a need for all European countries to rapidly strengthen their defence capabilities. Security and defence are the backbone of democracy, as they ensure stability, protect fundamental freedoms, and foster the well-being of our people,” highlighted Jānis Vucāns, President of the Baltic Assembly and Head of its Latvian delegation, addressing the audience at the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament, which also included the heads of interparliamentary organisations, on 20 March in Strasbourg, France.