On December 9, 2025, the Society Integration Foundation’s One-Stop Agency for Newcomers in Latvia (hereinafter – the Agency) held the closing event of the first stage of its project, “From Support to Belonging.” The event brought together state and municipal officials, researchers, NGOs, and community leaders. Its aim was to reflect on the achievements so far and to define future challenges in the field of integration in Latvia. The second stage of the project is planned for 2026–2029.

Launched in 2023, the project has significantly contributed to the development of a cohesive society by providing coordinated support to third-country nationals and persons in need of international protection. During the first stage, a nationwide support network was established with branches in each cultural-historical region and a digital client management system. A new website, livelatvia.lv, was created, along with the “LearnLatvian” platform and an information campaign on social media. More than 8,662 people received services from the Agency, including Ukrainian civilians, with a total of 18,912 consultations provided. The Agency also offers oral and written translation, legal consultations, and psychological services 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 state services, and live independently.

At the opening of the event, Minister of Culture Agnese Lāce emphasized: “We often speak of integration as a formal process – documents, language, employment. But in reality, integration begins when a person feels safe and that they belong. This project has proven that Latvia can create an environment where this is possible.” The Director of the Secretariat of the Society Integration Foundation, Inese Kalvāne, noted: “The first stage has shown that targeted support accelerates the path to independence. More than half of our clients already work, study, and use the Latvian language. This means integration is not just assistance – it is an investment in the future of society.”

During the discussion, experts stressed that language acquisition is essential but not sufficient to guarantee integration. Kristīne Kļukoviča, Director of the Department for Cohesion Measures Coordination, stated: “The role of municipalities and communities is decisive. Without the involvement of local society, integration remains formal. We must build communities where a person does not feel like a visitor but as an equal participant.” Participants highlighted that language learning is critically important to ensure integration is not merely formal. When language is perceived as an opportunity rather than a barrier, people become part of society much faster. As expressed in the discussion: “Integration begins with language, but continues with the feeling that you are accepted and can participate in social life.” Language opens doors not only to the labor market and education but also to friendship and mutual trust. This combination – language skills and a sense of belonging – is the foundation of a cohesive society.

In the first part of the event, participants heard two important presentations offering professional perspectives on integration policy and its practical implementation. Researcher Henrik Emilson from Malmö University analyzed integration policy in a comparative perspective, emphasizing that Latvia has the opportunity to learn from other countries’ experiences to develop more effective solutions. Project Manager Inese Saldābola presented the creation and implementation of the service, with practical examples of how the Agency has helped people find jobs, learn the language, and feel safe in a new environment.

The event demonstrated that integration is not just statistics or policy documents – it is human experience, stories, and the path to belonging. Discussions repeatedly emphasized that language is the foundation of this path, as it opens doors not only to work and education but also to friendship and trust. For a person to feel belonging, formal courses are not enough – an environment is needed where language becomes a bridge, not a barrier. This very 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 to everyone who chooses to call Latvia their home.

Services of the Integration and Inclusion Agency are provided by the Society Integration Foundation within the framework of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund’s project (Agreement No. PMIF/13.1./2022/1/01). The funding has been allocated by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (75%) and Latvian State budget (25%).