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.

• The head of Naturalisation Board: the main motive for naturalisation is the feeling of belonging to Latvia

Vesti-Segodnya prints an interview with Igors Gorbunovs, the head of Naturalisation Board. According to Mr.Gorbunovs, the annual number of naturalisation applications has declined from around 20,000 in 2004-2005 to 3,000 in 2010. The majority (56%) of persons going through naturalisation are youth (18-30 years), while the majority of Latvian non-citizens are much older (45-60 years). According to the results of recently conducted survey of non-citizens, the main motive to naturalise is the feeling of belonging to the country, while the main reasons for not applying for naturalisation include the lack of confidence in ones ability to pass exams (27%), belief that citizenship should be recognised automatically (33%), awaiting easing naturalisation exams (19%). In the meantime, the rate of successful passing language exams has declined from 80% at the height of naturalisation process to 56% in 2010. While during early 2000s many western funders financed free of charge preparation courses for naturalisation, this source is no longer available because of financial crisis and also Latvian government is not able to fill in this gap.