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.

• Diena discusses possible changes regarding the legal status of the Society Integration Foundation
• Results of the study ‘Creation of the Civil Society in Largest Cities and Ethnically Heterogeneous Regions of Latvia by the Latvian Institute of Social Sciences

Diena discusses possible changes regarding the legal status of the Society Integration Foundation (SIF). Four years ago the Society Integration Foundation was established as unique institution whichs main task is to administrate funding for integration and civil society development issues. However, the deputy head of the Policy Coordination Department of the State Chancellery Baiba Petersone argues that the legal status of the SIF (public establishment) does not comply with the Law on State Administration Structure therefore the SIF should be re-arranged into the state agency. Resultantly, non-governmental organisations and municipal institutions may have no say in distribution of funding. Currently the Board of the Society Integration Foundation is in charge of distribution of funding. Representatives of NGOs and municipal institutions are among the members of the Board. The annual budget of the Society Integration Foundation is about Ls5,000,000 (approximately EUR7,114,359) and only 0,8 million come from the state.

Vesti Segodnya reports on the results of the study ‘Formation of Civil Society in the Largest Cities and Ethnically Heterogeneous Regions of Latvia by the Latvian Institute of Social Sciences. According to the study, Latvians have more confidence in government, Saeima, state administration and municipalities than Russians do. Latvians also are bigger supporters of NATO - 61% Latvians and only 22 – 25% Russians trust in NATO. The results of the study also show that 88% non-citizens in Riga, 94% in Kraslava district and 90% non-citizens in Ludza district would participate in municipal election if they were granted the right to participate in municipal elections.