Latvian Education Minister: refugees should go to Latvian schools

Latvian MEP Artis Pabriks supports Education and Science Minister Marite Seile’s suggestion that the children asylum seekers and refugees affected by the Mediterranean Crisis should go to schools with Latvian as their first language. 

"I met with Education Minister Seile and discussed integration of immigrants, including asylum seekers and refugees,” said Pabriks. “I am happy we agreed with the minister that the asylum seekers and refugees should study in schools with Latvian as the language of instruction.”

The minister also informed Pabriks on the planned teachers reform.

Pabriks promised his support to the minister as he believes that education is the foundation of the society.

On Monday July 20, European Union justice and interior ministers agreed on the admission of 54,760 refugees affected by the crisis in the Mediterranean. 

During the meeting, Latvia remained firm on its position that it will voluntarily take in 250 refugees. 

Negotiations on the resettlement of refugees in EU member states are expected to continue until the end of 2015.

Latvia will receive 6,000 euros for each person relocated on its territory for helping refugees with learning Latvian language and integrating into its society.