The Latvian government has granted 203,500 LVL (292, 680 EUR) for the implementation of the society consolidation action plan in 2012. Experts indicate that, in addition to this funding, at least 700,000 LVL (1,005,997 EUR) are required for the action plan to be fully accomplished.

Sarm+te lerte, prime minister’s advisor on matters of integration, identified four primary directions of action: intensive Latvian language courses for Latvians abroad and in the region of Latgale (eastern part of the country bordering Russia), professional improvement of language instructors, strengthening of the capacity of ethnic minority non-governmental organizations (NGO), and the explanation of Latvian history and political system in the schools with Latvian and bilingual teaching. 

The funding given by the government will also support promotion of reading for children and youth in minority schools and the Latvian diaspora, participation of the diaspora in the Latvian Song and Dance festival of 2013, cultural projects in the region of Latgale and solidarity projects for youth organized by various NGOs.

This move is a result of a resolution of Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis issued on 22 February calling all ministries and state institutions to come up with concrete proposals on how to enhance a more inclusive society. The resolution came after the referendum on changes in the Latvian Constitution to grant the status of second official language to Russian language. In the referendum on 18 February approximately 75% of participants voted against, with around 25% in favour. 

In total, 148 proposals were suggested and published on 28 March. They were then evaluated in an inter-institutional working group, as well as several NGOs. 

For further information about the projects (in Latvian), please refer to the website of the Cabinet of Ministers.