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 ruling coalition decided to lower refugee benefits while municipalities are in charge of providing additional support to refugees

The ruling coalition decided to lower the benefit for refugees or persons with alternative status to EUR 139. At the same time, municipalities are in charge of providing additional support (e.g. accommodation, electricity bills etc.) to those refugees, who do not have sufficient funds to support themselves. The level of support is different in each municipality and it is likely that the refugees will tend to move to Riga, which provides greater support than some other municipalities. It was also proposed to ease the state language proficiency requirements for employment in order to improve access to the labour market. Janis Dombrava (National Union “All for Latvia! – For Fatherland and Freedom/Latvian National Independence Movement”) opposes such amendments, arguing that it would contradict the Constitution. Neatkariga