Capital: Riga
Official EU language(s): Latvian
EU member country: since 1 May 2004
Currency: euro. Latvia adopted the euro on 1 January 2014.
Schengen: Latvia has been a member of the Schengen area since 21 December 2007.
Figures: Geographical size – population – gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in PPS
Latvia operates as a parliamentary republic where the prime minister, appointed by the president, selects the council of ministers. The president, with a largely ceremonial role, nominates the prime minister. Government decisions are subject to Parliament’s approval throughout each term. The country is divided into 110 one-level municipalities and 9 cities, each with its own city councils and municipal administrations.
In 2020, the key sectors of Latvia’s economy included wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation, and food services (23.1%), public administration, defense, education, human health, and social work activities (18.1%), and industry (15.4%).
Regarding trade, 62% of Latvia’s exports stay within the EU, with significant partners including Lithuania (15%), Estonia (11%), and Germany (7%). Outside the EU, 13% of exports head to Russia and 5% to the United Kingdom.
Concerning imports, 76% originate from EU Member States, with major contributors being Lithuania (17%), Germany, and Poland (10%). Outside the EU, 6% of imports come from Russia and 2% from Belarus.
Latvia is represented by 8 members in the European Parliament.
Latvian government representatives participate in Council meetings to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies.
Latvia held the Presidency of the Council of the EU from January to June 2015.
Valdis Dombrovskis, nominated by Latvia, serves as the Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People in the European Commission.
Latvia has 7 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee, providing consultation on proposed laws affecting work and social situations.
Latvia has 7 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, ensuring that regional perspectives are considered in proposed laws.
Latvia communicates with EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels, ensuring effective pursuit of the country’s interests and policies within the EU.
Latvia’s contributions to the EU budget are determined fairly based on its economic means, supporting various programs and projects across EU countries. The EU budget prioritizes the needs of Europeans as a whole.
