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.

 

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

• Delegation of the European Commission in Latvia: the education policy is in the scope of national legislation

• The opponents of the education reform are preparing different protests activities

Last week the opponents of the education reform issued a statement saying that if the EU does not support protests against the reform they would call on people to vote against Latvia’s EU membership. Members of the Delegation of the European Commission in Latvia replied that education policy is in the scope of national legislation. However they underlined the issues mentioned in the last progress report: the need for further steps to continue the development of education reform, particularly, training of bilingual teachers, the necessity for flexible transition period and the higher involvement of national minorities in the decision making process. The opponents of the education reform hope that the EU will continue the follow-up of the recommendations.

Last week the opponents of the education reform issued a statement saying that if the EU does not support protests against the reform they would call on people to vote against Latvias EU membership. Members of the Delegation of the European Commission in Latvia replied that education policy is in the scope of national legislation. However they underlined the issues mentioned in the last progress report: the need for further steps to continue the development of education reform, particularly, training of bilingual teachers, the necessity for flexible transition period and the higher involvement of national minorities in the decision making process. The opponents of the education reform hope that the EU will continue the follow-up of the recommendations. Vesti Segodnya, Lauku Avize, Telegraf

Lauku Avize reports that the opponents of the education reform are preparing different protests activities: agitation in streets will start in August 15, there will be rock concert in August 30, and in September 10 during the activity Empty schools children will not go to schools. The Education Minister Karlis Sadurskis believes that directors of the schools are responsible for the quality of education and they have to discuss these issues with parents. The Minister is not planning to fight with opponents.