On 9 December 2025, the Society Integration Foundation’s OneStop Agency for Newcomers to Latvia (the Agency) held the closing event of the project’s first phase, “From Support to Belonging”. The event brought together representatives of state and municipal institutions, researchers, nongovernmental organizations, and community leaders. Its aim was to reflect on what has already been achieved and to define future challenges in the field of integration in Latvia. The implementation of the project’s second phase is planned for 2026–2029.
The project, launched in 2023, has significantly contributed to the development of a cohesive society by providing coordinated support to third-country nationals and people in need of international protection. During the first phase,a nationwide support network was established, with branches in each cultural-historical region and a digital client management system. The project also introduced a new website, livelatvia.lv, developed the LearnLatvian platform, and implemented an information campaign on social media.The Agency has served more than 8,662 people, including Ukrainian civilians, and has provided a total of 18,912 consultations. The Agency also offers services such as oral and written translation, legal consultations, and psychological support for adults, children, and families. As a result, more than 55% of clients have already successfully integrated - they work, study, use the Latvian language, access public services, and live independently.
“We often speak about integration as a formal process - documents, language, employment. However, integration in fact begins when a person feels safe, heard, and knows they can receive state support even in situations that may seem simple to us, such as registering a child witha doctor or opening a bank account in Latvia. The OneStop Agency is a place where one can find a specialist they can trust for guidance,” noted Minister of Culture Agnese Lāce.
During the discussion session, experts emphasized that language proficiency is essential, but not the only guarantee of integration.
As Kristīne Kļukoviča, Director of the Social Cohesion Measures Coordination Department, stated: “The role of municipalities and communities is crucial. Without the involvement of the local society, integration remains formal. We need to strengthen communities where a person does not feel like a visitor, but like an equal participant.” Participants highlighted that language learning is critically important so that integration does not remain merely formal. When a person sees language as an opportunity rather than a barrier, they become part of society much more quickly. As expressed during the discussion: “Integration begins with language, but continues with the feeling of being accepted and able to take part in community life.” Language opens doors not only to the labour market and education but also to friendship and mutual trust. This combination - language skills and a sense of belonging - forms the foundation of a cohesive society.
In the first part of the event, participants heard two important presentations offering a professional perspective on integration policy and its practical implementation. Malmö University researcher Henrik Emilsson analyzed integration policy from a comparative perspective, emphasizing that Latvia has an opportunity to learn from other countries’ experiences to develop more effective solutions. Project Manager Inese Saldābola presented the development and implementation of the service, as well as practical examples of how the Agency has helped people find employment, learn the language, and feel safe in a new environment.
The event demonstrated that integration is not just statistics or policy documents - it is people’s experiences, stories, and their journey toward belonging. Discussions repeatedly emphasized that language is the foundation of this journey, as it opens doors not only to employment and education but also to friendship and mutual trust. For a person to feel a sense of belonging, formal courses alone are not enough - it requires an environment where language becomes a bridge, not a barrier. This combination - language skills and the feeling of being accepted - is the basis of a cohesive society, and the Society Integration Foundation will continue its work to make this path even more accessible for those who choose to call Latvia their home.
The implementation of the OneStop Agency’s services is ensured within the project carried out by the Society Integration Foundation under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (Agreement No. PMIF/13.1./2022/1/01). Funding is provided by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (75%) and the Latvian state budget (25%).