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Riga, 17 December 2012

CONFERENCE CO-ORGANISED BY THE LATVIAN M FA AND THE OECD THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF EMIGRATION IN LATVIA AND THE OTHER BALTIC COUNTRIES: CHALLENGES AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS. A view f rom within the diaspora. Riga, 17 December 2012. Aldis Austers Chairman of t he European Latvian Association.

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Riga, 17 December 2012

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  1. CONFERENCE CO-ORGANISED BY THE LATVIAN MFAAND THE OECDTHE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF EMIGRATION IN LATVIA AND THE OTHER BALTIC COUNTRIES: CHALLENGESAND POLICY IMPLICATIONS A view from within the diaspora Riga, 17 December 2012 Aldis Austers Chairman of the European Latvian Association

  2. A few points from our part • The European Latvian Association used to be the exilee organization, now it is registered in Latvia as NGO. • We believe, that from now on a substantial part of the Latvian population always will live outside of Latvia. • The are clear benefits from the emigration, but we also recognize the importance of close ties with the homeland. • The sheer size of emigration causes perplexity among both the home-stayers and the emigrants. A lot of emotions, mutual stereotyping. • Only a few people engage themselves in local diaspora activities (around 20%). High demand for training in Latvian tongue.

  3. Whatabout the Government? • We are happy to see awakening, at last. Referendum helped. • The recent debate on remigration shall transform into a more existential debate about relations between our state and our people. New social contract needed. • The state is not about economics, but about people. The NAP is not very good example. • Better communication with diaspora people is needed. • Should targed at the things people like to do – sing and dance, and study Latvian. Cultural identity is much stronger then political consciousness. • There is a problem at the European level too. Small nations are under attack. The concept of the European Citizenship is to be expanded to include the rights on mother tongue and cultural identity for migrating people.

  4. Whatdowewant? • A permanency in Government’s policies and actions • Fixed framework for dialogue and partnership • Latvian language instruction in foreign schools • Separate voting constituency for voters abroad • Common global communication network • Public investment in support of diaspora initiatives

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