On 21 May 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, took part in a meeting of the General Affairs Council of the European Union (EU) in Brussels, where a discussion was held on the situation of the rule of law in several EU Member States – Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Latvia. The discussion on the rule of law was based on the European Commission’s annual report published in July 2023, which examines the effectiveness of justice systems, anti-corruption frameworks, media pluralism and freedom, and other issues related to institutional balance.
In her address, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that under the conditions when Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues, thereby undermining the international rules-based order, it is particularly important to safeguard EU values. “The annual rule of law dialogue benefits all parties involved enabling them to express their views, share best practices and lessons learned,” the Minister noted.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted the progress made by Latvia in the digitalisation of its justice system, by creating an electronic case management system, developing an online dispute resolution system, and providing courts with videoconferencing equipment, which improves citizens’ access to justice and reduces costs.
The Minister also emphasised that, in accordance with the opinion of Transparency International, Latvia demonstrates a stable, positive performance in fighting corruption. The Minister informed the Council that in order to ensure transparency of the impact of interests in the decision-making process, the Register of Interest Representation will be launched in September 2025. In order to promote meaningful opportunities for public participation in the drafting of development planning documents and legislation, a new regulation for engaging the society in public administration has been developed in Latvia. The Minister also noted that the Saeima has supported amendments to several laws envisaging the introduction of a partnership institution in Latvia (a possibility to legally strengthen relations between two adults, including same-sex couples, and provide them with a definite social and economic protection).
Baiba Braže pointed out that in order to promote pluralism and freedom of the media, Latvia is updating its media policy guidelines, including addressing the issues of the safety of journalists. Latvia has established a multilateral working group on the safety of journalists, which will develop an action plan based on the recommendations of the European Commission and the Council of Europe.
“It is essential to address specific problems faced by journalists, such as data protection, strategic litigation against public participation, online harassment, the necessary legislative improvements, and legal aid,” the Minister said and invited other Member States to share their experience on those issues.
At the meeting, ministers also discussed the annotated draft agenda of the European Council on 27-28 June, and were informed about Poland’s progress in restoring the rule of law and constitutional order in the country. There was also an exchange of views with the Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, on Moldova’s efforts to implement recommendations in the context of EU enlargement.
