Latvia to end compensation for NGO members working with government councils

The Latvian government is moving to eliminate compensation payments for members of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who participate in cooperation councils with the cabinet. Amendments drafted by the State Chancellery aim to save state budget funds by discontinuing these remunerations.

The proposed changes will remove provisions that allowed council members from NGOs to receive payment for their involvement in meetings and working groups. The State Chancellery explained that the goal is to ensure efficient use of state budget resources. This move affects representatives of the 578 societies and foundations that have signed the NGO and Cabinet of Ministers cooperation memorandum since 2005.

Previously, compensation was provided for work on the Memorandum Council, its working groups, and other delegated advisory and supervisory bodies. For instance, the deputy head of the Memorandum Council could receive 122 euros per session, while a council member received 61 euros. Working group leaders and members also received payments, with hourly rates set for representatives delegated to other institutions.

In 2024, a total of 854 euros was disbursed as compensation. The government had previously allocated additional budget funding in 2025 to support the Memorandum Council's activities, aiming to foster civil society sustainability and capacity. This support was based on a 2018 vision for state administration and non-governmental sector collaboration, emphasizing greater support for NGO representatives to articulate civil society interests.