Integration monitor is a daily Latvian press digest on ethnic minority and society integration issues. The Monitor reviews the biggest Latvian dailies: Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga (in Latvian language), Vesti Segodnya (in Russian language). In specific cases other information sources are used. Latvian Centre for Human Rights is not responsible for information published by the media.

• Vesti Segodnya interviews the head of the State Language Centre Maris Baltins
• Society Integration Foundation is granted state funding in amount of EUR 801,432 in 2015

Vesti Segodnya interviews the head of the State Language Centre (SLC) Maris Baltins. According to Mr Baltins, the main aim of the SLC is to strengthen Latvian language and to achieve that it functions in all areas of life in Latvia. Mr Baltins stresses that the SLC is not Russophobic institution and any restriction on the use of other languages is introduced only in order to achieve functioning of the state language and is based on the common sense and law. He also stresses that there is no restrictions for private life and communication.  Commenting the ban by SLC on distributing invitation for screening of cervical cancer in Russian language, Mr Baltins says that the invitations were addressed to women of working age who should be proficient in Latvian language. He believes that information distributed by state institutions in foreign languages destroys people’s efforts to learn Latvian. Mr Baltins also believes that bilingual education system ensures balanced approach and is one of the success stories for Latvia.

The Saeima’s Citizenship, Migration and Society Consolidation Committee met with representatives of the Society Integration Foundation (SIF) in order to discuss use of the state funds. According the SIF, in 2015, the government granted EUR 801,432 for implementation of different projects, including EUR 331, 387 for diaspora projects, EUR 311,912 for support of civil society, EUR 158,133 for society integration. From the funding aimed for integration projects, EUR 113,830 will be provided for organisation of state language courses. 11% of the budget the SIF spends for administrative needs. Latvijas Avize