(LV0055)

Commitment 4: Ensure greater public involvement in decision-making and strengthen civic participation in democratic processes, including by developing the civic skills of children and young people

Operational result | Performance indicators | Responsible institutions | Co-responsible institutions | Deadline
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4.1. Strengthening the capacity of society to participate in public administration for employees (training activities) | An e-course has been developed and implemented at the State Administration School. Training events on public participation are organised, including for library staff | Development of an e-course, number of participants who have completed it (state and local government institutions) Training events, including one event on providing feedback to citizens and one event on types of participation | State Administration School the State Chancellery | | Q2 2026 Q4 2027
4. Ensuring public participation in the development of national and sectoral policies, especially when it comes to public funding and crisis management | Targeted participation in the development of sectoral policy planning documents and legislation is implemented, especially when it concerns public funding and crisis management. Social groups affected by the policies are given the opportunity to express their opinions and participate in discussions, inviting those who do not get involved themselves, young people, senior citizens, rural residents, persons with disabilities and NGOs; physical, digital and communication barriers to participation are removed | At least one policy example in each sector Publicly available reports on the results and impact of public participation | All ministries the State Chancellery | | Ongoing
4.3 Promoting involvement of NGO sector in shaping Latvia's national position | In the process of developing national positions, associations and foundations representing the target group directly affected by the content of the position are identified and involved, and the public is informed about the issue and opportunities to follow its progress. Information about the position and the results achieved is provided to those members of the public who have been involved in developing the position. | There has been an increase in the number of associations and foundations/NGOS involved in the development of Latvia's national position. | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | All ministries | Ongoing
4. Promoting awareness on citizens' councils in municipalities | More information provided on the importance of citizens' councils in involving residents in local government life. Exchange of good practices between local governments on issues related to the activities of residents' councils | Communication activities on the importance of residents' councils At least one experience exchange event | the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development | Local governments Association "Rural Partnership "Lielupe""* Association "Augšzemnieki"* Other associations and foundations | Fourth quarter of 2027
4.5 Promoting the involvement of representatives of society in the process of developing binding municipal regulations | A pilot project involving members of the public in the initiation and development of regulatory acts, up to the final decision, has been implemented in at least five local governments. Experience gained in implementing the pilot project has been evaluated | Pilot project in five municipalities | Municipalities | Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development | Q4 2027
4.6 In the field of crisis management, greater public involvement and development of self-organisation skills | Revised regulatory framework promoting the inclusion of community representatives in municipal civil protection commissions. Implementation of guidelines developed as part of the innovation sprint "Improving public participation in the civil protection system"61 for local governments on the involvement of the local community (associations, foundations, communities, etc.) in civil protection measures both on a daily basis and in emergency situations. Every year, a civil protection week entitled "Safety starts with you!" is held, emphasising the importance of public preparedness for crises and cooperation between residents, associations and foundations, local governments and state institutions. Activities promoting self-organisation among residents, including ensuring an inclusive approach to the involvement of people with disabilities | Amendments to regulatory acts Implementation of measures included in the guidelines At least five measures Activities implemented (number) | IEM the State Chancellery | All ministries the State Chancellery VUGD Local governments LPA Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation* Latvian Organisation for Cooperation of People with Special Needs "SUSTENTO** SATEKA* LATVIAN FIRST AID UNIT* Other associations and foundations (NGOs) | Q4 2027
4. Use of innovative participation methods to conduct public participation | Events based on innovative participation methods are organised, such as deliberative events and dialogue circles. Methodological support is provided | Measures implemented Webinar presenting examples of good practice | the State Chancellery Ministry of Culture | All ministries Foundation for an Open Society DOTS Other associations and foundations (NGOs) | Permanent
4.8 Subscribing to news on Public Participation | Developed opportunities to inform citizens about surveys, public consultations and other opportunities for participation in state sector. Improved opportunities to subscribe to updates on draft legislation on the TAP portal using an e-address | Solutions developed by ministries, the Cabinet of Ministers and the State Revenue Service | All ministries (news) VDAA (www.latvija.gov.lv) the State Chancellery (TAP portal, news) | | Permanent
4.9. Preparation and dissemination of communication materials promoting participation, including for young people and at local level | Materials on participation and civic activities for distribution in digital and physical formats, revealing the forms of participation and show-casing results achieved through citizens' proposals (people's stories). Explanatory materials on participation freely available (digitally). A participation motto (slogan) is formulated to draw attention to opportunities for participation (used on documents sent by state institutions and local governments, in email signatures, etc.). Participation days the involvement of young people. | Preparation and distribution of communication materials (e.g. video materials, posters, digital visuals, brochures, animations, infographics) Creation of a participation motto (slogan) | the State Chancellery | Local authorities Libraries Cultural and community centres Higher education institutions Regional media (distribution and use of prepared materials) | Fourth quarter of 2027
4.10 Opportunities for constructive engagement by young people, gaining skills to be civically active | Activities are continuing within the framework of the National Youth Dialogue. The Youth Parliament is held every year. Youth tests are carried out in the development of policies and legal regulations. A variety of activities are being implemented to promote youth participation in socially significant processes and the development of civic skills | Activities carried out Number of Youth Tests conducted | Ministry of Education and Science Saeima Latvia's Youth Council | NGOs: Pīlādžoga* European Movement in Latvia* NEXT* | Permanent
4.11. Improving the framework for civic education and promoting awareness as to how Latvian state is governed, about decision-making processes and civic participation | Guidelines to promote civic skills and "political literacy" in general education. Civic education activities for students and teachers, associations and foundations throughout Latvia. The interest-based education programme "I am an entrepreneur!" introduced in schools in the Latgale Planning Region. | Guidelines have been developed A sample lecture has been created by the State Chancellery; at least 10 lectures have been held The programme implemented in at least 10 schools in the Latgale planning region | Ministry of Education and Science the State Chancellery (volunteer lecturers) Latgale planning region administration | Association of History and Social Science Teachers Education Development Centre** | Q3 2027
4.12 A framework has been created to collect and disseminate information on support opportunities for organised civil society | In cooperation with sectoral ministries and the LPA, the SIF, after assessing existing information circulation activities, has created a framework for collecting and disseminating information on support opportunities for organised civil society. Information on funding and training opportunities for associations and foundations (NGOs) provided in a summarised form. | Newsletter (or other solution) once a quarter | SIF (collects and sends information) | All ministries the State Chancellery LPA | Continuously