Platforms of NGOs in Latvia - The bridge to the European Union

The aim of the conference was to organise a discussion forum for Latvian NGOs on participation issues in decision-making processes in EU institutions.

The Conference was divided into two sessions. In the first session the representatives from NGOs in Latvia and from European networks, officials from public institutions in Latvia and from the European Commission gave presentations on following topics:

 Networks of NGOs in Latvia, their activities in Latvia and in EU.

 Decision-making processes in the EU.

 Lobbying for health in the EU.

 Challenges for participation in EU decision-making processes.

During the second session participants shared experiences and suggestions on how to increase the participation of health NGOs in Latvia in EU decision-making processes.

In general, Latvian health NGOs recognised that there was a need to create alliances and to cooperate between themselves, and that there was a need to improve their dialogue with the Latvian government.

This includes not only the health ministry but also the foreign affairs ministry, which drafts the national position when it comes to European legislation.

Some organisations called for more seminars on how to lobby for health at all levels. They also demanded a better flow of information.

Next steps in Latvia will be to gather health NGOs, health professionals and health academics and find out common needs and interests. A common strategy and activities at national level could also be agreed.

 Please find below the presentations and shortly the full report of the conference.

 Presentations in Latvian are available on the Civic Allinace Latvia website.