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Representation:

The Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments (LALRG) represents municipalities vis-à-vis the central government; the Law on Local Governments requires that either the LALRG or the chairperson of a local council be present, depending on the scope of government action.

Information:

The Saeima (parliament), in its Rules of Procedure, Sections 172 & 173(1), has established the right of its committees to summon officials from local governments without 'mediation' by the Saeima's Presidium.

Consultation:

Sections 86 & 87 LOSG specify that either the LALRG (Sec. 86) or a representative of a municipality council (Sec. 87) need to be consulted when the central government is preparing measures that have an impact on the interests of all municipal governments or specific local governments. Outside the legislative setting, the LALRG council often hosts – and is attended by – government ministers who plan measures within their portfolio that will affect local government interests.

With regard to regional policy, the government is obliged to consult local and regional authorities before adopting any decisions which affect them.

Coordination:

Although there is no tradition of local government participating in European affairs, the LALRG tries to get involved at all levels. One such example is the association's partner status in the preparation of national positions. Its representatives participate in meetings on EU issues held between senior government officials. At the EU level, the LALRG coordinates positions among the Members of the Committee of the Regions with the national positions.

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is primarily responsible for representing Latvia's interests at the EU level. The work is managed by the ministry's European Union Directorate.

However, all national positions have to be approved by the Saeima European Affairs Committee.