Latvia Completes Transition to Latvian-Only Instruction in Schools

As of September 1, 2025, Latvia has officially completed its transition to using Latvian as the sole language of instruction in all public and private preschools and basic education institutions. This reform marks a pivotal milestone in the country's educational policy, aimed at strengthening national identity and promoting the state language in all spheres of public life.

Background and Legislative Milestones

The transition was legislated through amendments to the Education Law and the General Education Law, adopted by the Latvian Parliament (Saeima) in September 2022. These amendments introduced a phased implementation plan over three academic years:

• September 2023: Latvian became the only language of instruction for grades 1, 4, and 7, and all preschool groups.

• September 2024: The policy was extended to grades 2, 5, and 8.

• September 2025: The final implementation phase now includes grades 3, 6, and 9, completing the transition across all compulsory education levels.

In addition, school principals and teachers are required to meet language proficiency standards to ensure consistent application of the policy.

Objectives and Educational Rationale

The reform was introduced to address concerns that previous bilingual education models did not sufficiently promote Latvian language proficiency among students from minority backgrounds. According to the Ministry of Education and Science, the primary goals of the reform include:

• Promoting the full integration of all residents into Latvian society.

• Ensuring equal access to higher education and the labor market by strengthening proficiency in the state language.

• Fulfilling the constitutional mandate to preserve Latvian as the official and primary language of the state.

Impacts on Minority Communities

This transition significantly affects minority groups, especially the Russian-speaking population, which represents a notable segment of the country’s demographic. Approximately one-quarter of students and a considerable number of educators previously engaged in minority language-based education programs.

To mitigate concerns regarding cultural and linguistic preservation, the government has provided mechanisms for continuing minority language and cultural education through extracurricular activities, supported by both the state and municipal governments.

Legal and Human Rights Considerations

The policy has been reviewed by the Constitutional Court of Latvia, which ruled in 2019 that the transition to Latvian-only instruction complies with constitutional norms and does not violate minority rights. Nonetheless, the reform has attracted attention from international human rights observers. UN experts have expressed concern about the implications of the policy on minority language rights and have urged the Latvian government to ensure compliance with international conventions on linguistic and cultural rights.

Looking Ahead

Latvia’s education reform is among the most comprehensive linguistic transitions in Europe. While the government emphasizes national cohesion, equal opportunity, and legal compliance, the reform has sparked ongoing public debate regarding its impact on the country’s multicultural fabric.

The European Council of Leading Business Schools (ECLBS) will continue to monitor such systemic educational changes across member and partner countries, recognizing their implications for integration, identity, and quality assurance in education.