Latvia - Constitutional & Legal Foundations

In 1995, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted the Latvian Concept of Education as a strategic basis for educational development. This document outlined long-term policies, the direction of education reform, its legal framework, and a research model. According to the Concept, education determines the prospects of societal development and the place of a nation among other cultures.

With limited resources of raw materials and energy, Latvia must look for a competitive edge in the highly educated and qualified population and the intellectual capacity of an economy. The implementation of the Concept with all activities, procedures, terms, desired outcomes, and estimated costs is further described in the National Program of Education and Science. This long-term educational development program allocates a period of ten to fifteen years for a transition.

The Law of Education was adopted in 1991. It provides the main principles, goals, and features for reform in education. According to this law, Latvian residents have the right to an education. The state and the local governments guarantee this right, enabling every individual to acquire the highest possible education. The principal goal of education, as stated in the Latvian Concept of Education and the Law of Education, is to provide conditions for the development and perfection of one's spiritual, creative, physical, and professional abilities.