Diagonal Accountability
#9Key Findings
Latvia falls into the sample’s upper-middle ranks (rank 9) in the category of diagonal accountability.
The media operate independently. Journalists are able to investigate and hold politicians accountable. The legal framework supports press freedom, ensuring the confidentiality of sources and access to public information. There is no censorship of digital, print or broadcast media.
The government is developing a new public-media financing model to enhance the system’s independence. Most major media outlets have shifted online. The government bans TV channels from countries such as Russia that threaten another country’s territorial integrity.
Assembly rights are well protected. Key labor and capital groups regularly engage in dialogue with the government, and help shape policy. The influence of social welfare and environmental organizations varies widely.
The media operate independently. Journalists are able to investigate and hold politicians accountable. The legal framework supports press freedom, ensuring the confidentiality of sources and access to public information. There is no censorship of digital, print or broadcast media.
The government is developing a new public-media financing model to enhance the system’s independence. Most major media outlets have shifted online. The government bans TV channels from countries such as Russia that threaten another country’s territorial integrity.
Assembly rights are well protected. Key labor and capital groups regularly engage in dialogue with the government, and help shape policy. The influence of social welfare and environmental organizations varies widely.
Graph View
Graph View
To what extent are the media free from government influence and able to act independently?
10
9
9
There are no disincentives, by law or in practice, for the media to criticize the government and public officials.
8
7
6
7
6
Existing disincentives, by law and in practice, pose no significant obstacles to the media in criticizing the government and public officials.
5
4
3
4
3
Existing disincentives, by law and in practice, pose some significant obstacles to the media in criticizing the government and public officials.
2
1
1
Existing disincentives, by law and in practice, pose various significant obstacles to the media in criticizing the government and public officials.
In Latvia, the media operate with independence and freedom, allowing journalists to investigate cases without restriction. Analytical journalism is highly developed, enabling the media to hold politicians accountable.
The Public Electronic Media Council (Sabiedrisko Elektronisko plašsaziņas līdzekļu padome, SEPLP) was established under the Law on Public Electronic Mass Media. The council is an independent, autonomous public body representing public interests in the electronic media sector.
The Media Ombudsman was elected in 2021 and has been effective since March 2022. The Media Ombudsman monitors public electronic media and the services delivered by public electronic mass media. The monitoring covers the code of ethics and editorial guidelines of public electronic mass media. In addition, the Media Ombudsman – either upon its initiative or based on the submissions of individuals – provides an opinion on the conformity of public electronic mass media programs and services.
The legal framework ensures freedom of the press, confidentiality of journalistic sources, and access to public information. There is no censorship in any form – digital, print, or broadcast media.
Media licensing in Latvia is politically neutral and adheres to legal procedures. Many TV channels broadcasting from Russia, accused of spreading propaganda and violating Latvian laws, have been banned. According to the law, TV programs registered in a country (such as Russia) that threaten the territorial integrity and independence of another country are prohibited from operating in Latvia.
The legal framework distinguishes among political influences, differences, and media oversight. In addition, the oversight function of public media and the regulatory function within the industry have been separated.
Journalists work in a safe environment. However, they may be subject to verbal attacks online. At the end of 2022, the Riga Regional Court upheld a lower court’s decision, sentencing an individual to two months’ imprisonment for harassing a “re:Baltica” investigative journalist. This case marked the first time someone was imprisoned for harassing a journalist.
The government plans to merge the public television and radio entities into a unified public broadcasting company. Additionally, there is a plan to introduce a new public media financing model to enhance media independence.
While overt acts of media censorship or direct harassment of journalists are challenging to address, self-censorship presents significant obstacles within the media landscape, extending to both state and regional outlets (Ramāns 2020). Various factors contribute to self-censorship. While the lack of stable media financing stands out as a primary concern, an overdependence on state funding through Media Support Programs has also resulted in the promotion of pro-government narratives. Additionally, the consolidation of public media into a unified broadcasting entity has drawn criticism from media experts who argue that it undermines media independence by intensifying government influence.
Citations:
Latvia. https://rsf.org/en/country/latvia
Law on Public Electronic Mass Media and Administration. https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/319096
SEPLP. 2022. “Ombuda konference 2022.” https://www.seplp.lv/lv/ombuda-konference-2022
SEPLP. 2023. “Latvijas sabiedrisko elektronisko plašsaziņas līdzekļu attīstības plāns 2024. – 2026. gadam.” https://www.seplp.lv/lv/media/1377/download?attachment
LSM. 2022. “Apgabaltiesa Sondaram negroza divu mēnešu cietumsodu par žurnālistes vajāšanu.” https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/apgabaltiesa-sondaram-negroza-divu-menesu-cietumsodu-par-zurnalistes-vajasanu.a484583/
Ramāns, J. 2020. “Pašcenzūra joprojām sastopama teju visos medijos; sabiedriskie mediji – visbrīvākie.” https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/medijpratiba/pascenzura-joprojam-sastopama-teju-visos-medijos-sabiedriskie-mediji–visbrivakie.a351322/
The Public Electronic Media Council (Sabiedrisko Elektronisko plašsaziņas līdzekļu padome, SEPLP) was established under the Law on Public Electronic Mass Media. The council is an independent, autonomous public body representing public interests in the electronic media sector.
The Media Ombudsman was elected in 2021 and has been effective since March 2022. The Media Ombudsman monitors public electronic media and the services delivered by public electronic mass media. The monitoring covers the code of ethics and editorial guidelines of public electronic mass media. In addition, the Media Ombudsman – either upon its initiative or based on the submissions of individuals – provides an opinion on the conformity of public electronic mass media programs and services.
The legal framework ensures freedom of the press, confidentiality of journalistic sources, and access to public information. There is no censorship in any form – digital, print, or broadcast media.
Media licensing in Latvia is politically neutral and adheres to legal procedures. Many TV channels broadcasting from Russia, accused of spreading propaganda and violating Latvian laws, have been banned. According to the law, TV programs registered in a country (such as Russia) that threaten the territorial integrity and independence of another country are prohibited from operating in Latvia.
The legal framework distinguishes among political influences, differences, and media oversight. In addition, the oversight function of public media and the regulatory function within the industry have been separated.
Journalists work in a safe environment. However, they may be subject to verbal attacks online. At the end of 2022, the Riga Regional Court upheld a lower court’s decision, sentencing an individual to two months’ imprisonment for harassing a “re:Baltica” investigative journalist. This case marked the first time someone was imprisoned for harassing a journalist.
The government plans to merge the public television and radio entities into a unified public broadcasting company. Additionally, there is a plan to introduce a new public media financing model to enhance media independence.
While overt acts of media censorship or direct harassment of journalists are challenging to address, self-censorship presents significant obstacles within the media landscape, extending to both state and regional outlets (Ramāns 2020). Various factors contribute to self-censorship. While the lack of stable media financing stands out as a primary concern, an overdependence on state funding through Media Support Programs has also resulted in the promotion of pro-government narratives. Additionally, the consolidation of public media into a unified broadcasting entity has drawn criticism from media experts who argue that it undermines media independence by intensifying government influence.
Citations:
Latvia. https://rsf.org/en/country/latvia
Law on Public Electronic Mass Media and Administration. https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/319096
SEPLP. 2022. “Ombuda konference 2022.” https://www.seplp.lv/lv/ombuda-konference-2022
SEPLP. 2023. “Latvijas sabiedrisko elektronisko plašsaziņas līdzekļu attīstības plāns 2024. – 2026. gadam.” https://www.seplp.lv/lv/media/1377/download?attachment
LSM. 2022. “Apgabaltiesa Sondaram negroza divu mēnešu cietumsodu par žurnālistes vajāšanu.” https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/apgabaltiesa-sondaram-negroza-divu-menesu-cietumsodu-par-zurnalistes-vajasanu.a484583/
Ramāns, J. 2020. “Pašcenzūra joprojām sastopama teju visos medijos; sabiedriskie mediji – visbrīvākie.” https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/medijpratiba/pascenzura-joprojam-sastopama-teju-visos-medijos-sabiedriskie-mediji–visbrivakie.a351322/
To what extent is a plurality of opinions in the media ensured?
10
9
9
There are no barriers, by law or in practice, to a pluralistic media landscape that represents all existing political perspectives in society.
8
7
6
7
6
Existing barriers, by law and in practice, pose no significant obstacles to the media in representing all relevant political perspectives in society.
5
4
3
4
3
Existing barriers, by law and in practice, pose some significant obstacles to the media in representing all relevant political perspectives in society.
2
1
1
Existing barriers, by law and in practice, pose various significant obstacles to the media in representing all relevant political perspectives in society.
In response to the digitalization trend, the number of newspapers and magazines has decreased, with many media outlets shifting to online content. Privately owned print media have transitioned more quickly to online formats, although they face financial challenges. Online news portals, such as the public media outlet LSM and the privately owned Delfi, have successfully replaced newspapers as the primary sources of information. Regional media have experienced a similar transition. In contrast, printed media are now limited in scope and data. The role of digital media and social media in news consumption among residents is growing.
The licensing of electronic media in Latvia is politically neutral and follows the procedures outlined in the Law on Electronic Communication. The Media Ombudsman, elected in 2021 and in office since March 2022, oversees public electronic media and their services, ensuring compliance with the code of ethics and editorial guidelines.
The Media Pluralism Report 2023 indicated that Latvian media fall within the medium-risk zone regarding pluralism (65%). The primary risks in this domain stem from the low level of media market pluralism and the influence of advertisers and owners on editorial independence. Latvia lacks specific regulations for digital media companies to publish data on beneficiaries and owners. Since 2020, data on media owners has been available for free in the Enterprise Register database.
Latvian media regulation and self-regulation do not include mechanisms to protect journalists in the event of a change in media ownership or editorial direction, resulting in a high risk to editorial independence from commercial and owner influences (78%). Political autonomy is assessed at 37% due to potential influence from politicians and media owners.
The 2023 Media Pluralism Report showed improvement in the indicator for minority representation in the media (low risk – 22%), development in media literacy (53%), and better protection against disinformation and hate speech (66%) (Rožukalne, 2023).
The media in Latvia enjoy freedom, with no restrictions on criticizing government actions and policies. While the government has faced significant criticism in certain areas, the media’s capacity for investigative journalism, particularly regarding the economy, is limited, resulting in milder criticism (Rožukalne, 2023).
Public administration is implementing strategic measures to combat disinformation. However, the only organization conducting sustainable fact-checking is the REBaltica initiative RE: Check of the Center for Investigative Journalism.
Citations:
Rožukalne, A. 2023. Monitoring Media Pluralism in the Digital Era: Application of the Media Pluralism Monitor in the European Union, Albania, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey in 2022. Country Report: Latvia. https://cadmus.eui.eu/handle/1814/75728
Elektronisko sakaru likums. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/334345-elektronisko-sakaru-likums
The licensing of electronic media in Latvia is politically neutral and follows the procedures outlined in the Law on Electronic Communication. The Media Ombudsman, elected in 2021 and in office since March 2022, oversees public electronic media and their services, ensuring compliance with the code of ethics and editorial guidelines.
The Media Pluralism Report 2023 indicated that Latvian media fall within the medium-risk zone regarding pluralism (65%). The primary risks in this domain stem from the low level of media market pluralism and the influence of advertisers and owners on editorial independence. Latvia lacks specific regulations for digital media companies to publish data on beneficiaries and owners. Since 2020, data on media owners has been available for free in the Enterprise Register database.
Latvian media regulation and self-regulation do not include mechanisms to protect journalists in the event of a change in media ownership or editorial direction, resulting in a high risk to editorial independence from commercial and owner influences (78%). Political autonomy is assessed at 37% due to potential influence from politicians and media owners.
The 2023 Media Pluralism Report showed improvement in the indicator for minority representation in the media (low risk – 22%), development in media literacy (53%), and better protection against disinformation and hate speech (66%) (Rožukalne, 2023).
The media in Latvia enjoy freedom, with no restrictions on criticizing government actions and policies. While the government has faced significant criticism in certain areas, the media’s capacity for investigative journalism, particularly regarding the economy, is limited, resulting in milder criticism (Rožukalne, 2023).
Public administration is implementing strategic measures to combat disinformation. However, the only organization conducting sustainable fact-checking is the REBaltica initiative RE: Check of the Center for Investigative Journalism.
Citations:
Rožukalne, A. 2023. Monitoring Media Pluralism in the Digital Era: Application of the Media Pluralism Monitor in the European Union, Albania, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey in 2022. Country Report: Latvia. https://cadmus.eui.eu/handle/1814/75728
Elektronisko sakaru likums. https://likumi.lv/ta/id/334345-elektronisko-sakaru-likums
Graph View
To what extent are citizens able to freely form or join independent political and civic groups, openly raise and discuss political issues, and assemble without restrictions?
10
9
9
There are no barriers, by law or in practice to creating an engaged society and civil society organizations that are free to operate.
8
7
6
7
6
Existing barriers, by law and in practice, pose very few or no significant obstacles to creating an engaged society and civil society organizations that are free to operate.
5
4
3
4
3
Existing barriers, by law and in practice, pose some significant obstacles to the creation of an engaged society and civil society organizations that are free to operate.
2
1
1
Existing barriers, by law and in practice, pose various significant obstacles to the creation of an engaged society and civil society organizations that are free to operate.
Fundamental rights are effectively protected. Latvia ranks 22nd among 142 countries in the World Justice Project Assessment. There are no legal, political, or de facto restrictions for citizens to enjoy freedom of association and assembly. According to Freedom in the World, Latvia scored 88 out of 100, categorizing it as free.
The law protects the freedom of assembly, and the practice is well-established and respected. Some restrictions were applied during COVID-19, but since 2022, all rules have been lifted. However, there was a case when authorities attempted to ban protests. Ogre municipality tried to deny a protest supporting the Ogre Museum in the conflict between the mayor and the museum in 2023. The protest was allowed after a second application to the city and a recommendation from the ombudsman.
Political and civic groups can operate freely. All permit requests to assemble are evaluated according to the criteria set in the law, with an opportunity to appeal to the administrative court afterward.
Citations:
World Justice Project. 2023. “Latvia.” https://worldjusticeproject.org/rule-of-law-index/country/2023/Latvia/Fundamental%20Rights/
Freedom House. 2023. “Latvia.” https://freedomhouse.org/country/latvia/freedom-world/2023
The law protects the freedom of assembly, and the practice is well-established and respected. Some restrictions were applied during COVID-19, but since 2022, all rules have been lifted. However, there was a case when authorities attempted to ban protests. Ogre municipality tried to deny a protest supporting the Ogre Museum in the conflict between the mayor and the museum in 2023. The protest was allowed after a second application to the city and a recommendation from the ombudsman.
Political and civic groups can operate freely. All permit requests to assemble are evaluated according to the criteria set in the law, with an opportunity to appeal to the administrative court afterward.
Citations:
World Justice Project. 2023. “Latvia.” https://worldjusticeproject.org/rule-of-law-index/country/2023/Latvia/Fundamental%20Rights/
Freedom House. 2023. “Latvia.” https://freedomhouse.org/country/latvia/freedom-world/2023
To what extent do civil society organizations (CSOs) have the capacity to actively participate in the co-creation of relevant policies?
10
9
9
All the major CSOs active in the field have the capacity to shape public policies.
8
7
6
7
6
Most of the major CSOs active in the field have the capacity to shape public policies.
5
4
3
4
3
Few of the major CSOs active in the field have the capacity to shape public policies.
2
1
1
None of the major CSOs active in the field have the capacity to shape public policies.
Within the framework of the tripartite social dialogue in Latvia, social partners – the Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia (LBAS), the Latvian Chambers of Commerce (LTRK), the Employers Confederation of Latvia (LDDK), and the Latvian Association of Local Government (LPS) – are recognized as the social partners for the government and engage in dialogue regularly. Thus, employers and business associations possess the organizational resources to be present at all stages of policymaking. Their influence on policymaking issues varies, although they can unite smaller CSOs under their umbrella. However, the trade union density is 11.6% (data of 2018 in OECD/AIAS ICTWSS database).
The government has ensured that all opportunities for social partners to participate in policymaking, via online tools, access to governmental information, and participation in government meetings, are available.
The Foreign Investors’ Council in Latvia (FICIL) is an NGO established by foreign investors in Latvia. It can identify policy problems and advocate for policy proposals. FICIL’s priorities for the coming years include combating the shadow economy and addressing labor force availability and skills.
Citations:
OECD/AIAS ICTWSS database. https://www.oecd.org/employment/ictwss-database.htm
Nacionālā trīspusējās sadarbības padome. https://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/nacionala-trispusejas-sadarbibas-padome
Foreign Investors` Council in Latvia. https://www.ficil.lv
The government has ensured that all opportunities for social partners to participate in policymaking, via online tools, access to governmental information, and participation in government meetings, are available.
The Foreign Investors’ Council in Latvia (FICIL) is an NGO established by foreign investors in Latvia. It can identify policy problems and advocate for policy proposals. FICIL’s priorities for the coming years include combating the shadow economy and addressing labor force availability and skills.
Citations:
OECD/AIAS ICTWSS database. https://www.oecd.org/employment/ictwss-database.htm
Nacionālā trīspusējās sadarbības padome. https://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/nacionala-trispusejas-sadarbibas-padome
Foreign Investors` Council in Latvia. https://www.ficil.lv
To what extent do civil society organizations (CSOs) have the capacity to actively participate in the co-creation of relevant policies?
10
9
9
All the major CSOs active in the field have the capacity to shape public policies.
8
7
6
7
6
Most of the major CSOs active in the field have the capacity to shape public policies.
5
4
3
4
3
Few of the major CSOs active in the field have the capacity to shape public policies.
2
1
1
None of the major CSOs active in the field have the capacity to shape public policies.
The major CSOs can form alliances to represent interests, as they have sufficient organizational capacities. However, smaller CSOs struggle with corporate resources. According to the Monitoring Report 2023, 83% of all CSOs (about 25,600 in 2023) do not have any employed staff. The same report identified that about half of all registered CSOs are active and operational (Civic Aliance Latvia, 2023). In terms of membership, the law requires a minimum of two members for a CSO to operate.
Regarding finances, in 2022, all CSOs received donations totaling €97.7 million. However, donations constitute only around 16% of CSOs’ income (Civic Alliance Latvia, 2023). The other income sources are project-type funding and allocations from public institutions.
The 2021 Civil Society Organization Sustainability Index for Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia indicates that Latvia’s CSOs have seen an improvement in their overall sustainability score. However, population support and involvement in CSOs need to be higher. The Civic Alliance reports that only 2% (in 2018) of the population are NGO members. The report also shows that the number of CSOs has decreased since 2018 (Civic Alliance Latvia (2023)). Overall, CSOs – except for large labor CSOs – have limited capacity to conduct research on their specialized issues.
The Civic Alliance is the umbrella organization for all civil society organizations (CSOs) in Latvia, regardless of their sector or capacity. The public benefit organization stipulates that any such organization has the right to receive tax relief if it registers as a public benefit organization. Additionally, any business that donates to public benefit organizations receives a tax deduction.
The 2023 Monitoring Report of the Latvian Civic Alliance reflects that while the number of CSOs accepting donations from businesses is increasing, it benefits fewer CSOs – primarily those with a certain level of organizational strength. Moreover, financial donations from public agencies have grown in recent years.
The social welfare CSOs with the highest number of employees are the Latvian Red Cross and the Latvian Union of Samarians. However, these CSOs differ significantly in their capacity to generate policy proposals and participate in policy implementation. Some CSOs delivering social services have accumulated capacity and can influence policy. In contrast, others, such as groups representing seniors or patients, still need to develop and have limited impact on the policy process or outcomes.
Citations:
2021 Civil Society Organization Sustainability Index for Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia. 25th edition. January 2023. https://www.fhi360.org/projects/civil-society-organization-sustainability-index-csosi
Public Benefit Organization Law. https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/90822-public-benefit-organization-law
Civic Alliance Latvia (2023). NVO sektora monitorings 2023. (in Latvian). https://nvo.lv/uploads/nvo_sektora_monitorings_2023_pap181.pdf
Civic Alliance Latvia (2022). Resources of civil society organizations: current situation and needs 2022. https://nvo.lv/lv/portfelis/petijumi/resources_of_civil_society_organisations_current_situation_and_needs_2022
Nevalstisko organizāciju un Ministru kabineta sadarbības memoranda īstenošanas padome. (in Latvian). Retrieved from https://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/nevalstisko-organizaciju-un-ministru-kabineta-sadarbibas-memoranda-istenosanas-padome
Regarding finances, in 2022, all CSOs received donations totaling €97.7 million. However, donations constitute only around 16% of CSOs’ income (Civic Alliance Latvia, 2023). The other income sources are project-type funding and allocations from public institutions.
The 2021 Civil Society Organization Sustainability Index for Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia indicates that Latvia’s CSOs have seen an improvement in their overall sustainability score. However, population support and involvement in CSOs need to be higher. The Civic Alliance reports that only 2% (in 2018) of the population are NGO members. The report also shows that the number of CSOs has decreased since 2018 (Civic Alliance Latvia (2023)). Overall, CSOs – except for large labor CSOs – have limited capacity to conduct research on their specialized issues.
The Civic Alliance is the umbrella organization for all civil society organizations (CSOs) in Latvia, regardless of their sector or capacity. The public benefit organization stipulates that any such organization has the right to receive tax relief if it registers as a public benefit organization. Additionally, any business that donates to public benefit organizations receives a tax deduction.
The 2023 Monitoring Report of the Latvian Civic Alliance reflects that while the number of CSOs accepting donations from businesses is increasing, it benefits fewer CSOs – primarily those with a certain level of organizational strength. Moreover, financial donations from public agencies have grown in recent years.
The social welfare CSOs with the highest number of employees are the Latvian Red Cross and the Latvian Union of Samarians. However, these CSOs differ significantly in their capacity to generate policy proposals and participate in policy implementation. Some CSOs delivering social services have accumulated capacity and can influence policy. In contrast, others, such as groups representing seniors or patients, still need to develop and have limited impact on the policy process or outcomes.
Citations:
2021 Civil Society Organization Sustainability Index for Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia. 25th edition. January 2023. https://www.fhi360.org/projects/civil-society-organization-sustainability-index-csosi
Public Benefit Organization Law. https://likumi.lv/ta/en/en/id/90822-public-benefit-organization-law
Civic Alliance Latvia (2023). NVO sektora monitorings 2023. (in Latvian). https://nvo.lv/uploads/nvo_sektora_monitorings_2023_pap181.pdf
Civic Alliance Latvia (2022). Resources of civil society organizations: current situation and needs 2022. https://nvo.lv/lv/portfelis/petijumi/resources_of_civil_society_organisations_current_situation_and_needs_2022
Nevalstisko organizāciju un Ministru kabineta sadarbības memoranda īstenošanas padome. (in Latvian). Retrieved from https://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/nevalstisko-organizaciju-un-ministru-kabineta-sadarbibas-memoranda-istenosanas-padome
To what extent do civil society organizations (CSOs) have the capacity to actively participate in the co-creation of relevant policies?
10
9
9
All the major CSOs active in the field have the capacity to shape public policies.
8
7
6
7
6
Most of the major CSOs active in the field have the capacity to shape public policies.
5
4
3
4
3
Few of the major CSOs active in the field have the capacity to shape public policies.
2
1
1
None of the major CSOs active in the field have the capacity to shape public policies.
Environmental CSOs face the same financial, staff, and organizational challenges as all CSOs in Latvia. Some strong environmental CSOs can provide policy analysis for the wider public and the responsible ministry.
The trends indicate an increasing openness among the population to engage in environmental protection. Civic Alliance reports that only 26% of the population participated in ecological clean-up efforts in 2018 (Civic Alliance Latvia, 2022). Therefore, the capacity of CSOs to mobilize the population largely depends on the public image of environmental CSOs and the general perception of the issue.
Citations:
Civic Alliance Latvia. 2023. NVO sektora monitorings 2023. https://nvo.lv/uploads/nvo_sektora_monitorings_2023_pap181.pdf
Civic Alliance Latvia. 2022. “Resources of Civil Society Organisations: Current Situation and Needs 2022.” https://nvo.lv/uploads/cso_resources_current_situation_and_needs_2022.pdf
The trends indicate an increasing openness among the population to engage in environmental protection. Civic Alliance reports that only 26% of the population participated in ecological clean-up efforts in 2018 (Civic Alliance Latvia, 2022). Therefore, the capacity of CSOs to mobilize the population largely depends on the public image of environmental CSOs and the general perception of the issue.
Citations:
Civic Alliance Latvia. 2023. NVO sektora monitorings 2023. https://nvo.lv/uploads/nvo_sektora_monitorings_2023_pap181.pdf
Civic Alliance Latvia. 2022. “Resources of Civil Society Organisations: Current Situation and Needs 2022.” https://nvo.lv/uploads/cso_resources_current_situation_and_needs_2022.pdf