From now on, banks registered in Latvia will be prohibited to do business with shell companies and service their accounts. On Thursday, 26 April, the Saeima adopted amendments in the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, banning shell companies.

On Thursday, 26 April, the Saeima deliberated on the second revision amendments to the Public procurement Law, supplementing it with a prohibition for companies registered in tax havens or tax-free jurisdictions to participate in public procurement, as well as updating the definition of offshore.

On Tuesday, 24 April, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, participated in the Conference of Speakers of the EU Parliaments in Tallinn. In a keynote speech delivered during the session on the security and defence of the EU, the Speaker emphasised that a close security cooperation between the European Union and NATO has never been as important as it is now, especially in the area of cybersecurity and hybrid-threats.

“Latvia welcomes comprehensive reforms implemented by the political leadership of Uzbekistan. Better investment and business climate, in particular, will create new opportunities for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation,” underlined Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, on Tuesday, April 17, while meeting with high-level Uzbek officials in Tashkent.

On Friday, 13 April, concluding the 8th Youth Parliament, the title of Future Politician was awarded to Ieva Strupa, Rota Lāce, Ludmila Moisejenkova and Elīna Repse. These young people were particularly active in sectoral committees and involved in discussions on draft declarations of the Youth Parliament.

On Thursday, 12 April, Saeima ratified a Memorandum of Understanding between the Latvian and Canadian governments on enhanced defence partnership and security cooperation. In the Memorandum of Understanding, the Canadian government is represented by the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. The Memorandum of Understanding defines the framework for security cooperation between Latvia and Canada. It also details the rights and responsibilities of Canadian troops, military personnel and contractors stationed in Latvia. 

On Thursday, 22 March, the Saeima in the second and final reading adopted a draft law on the ratification of the Agreement between the governments of the three Baltic States On Mutual Assistance and Cooperation in the Field of Disaster Prevention, Preparedness and Response aimed at protecting people, the environment and property, including cultural heritage.

On Thursday, 22 March, the Saeima in the third and final reading supported amendments to the Education Law and the General Education Law, regarding the transition to Latvian as the only language of instruction in general secondary education. The transition will be gradual, to be completed by school year 2021/2022.

On Thursday, 15 March, the Saeima adopted a decision on supporting the further implementation of the Rail Baltica project. The decision urges the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia to provide all the necessary support to ensure successful implementation of the project, including compliance with the set time-frame, which is essential for maintaining the political and financial support of the EU.

On Sunday, 11 March, Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, addressed the Lithuanian Parliament at a ceremonial sitting in honour of the Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania. Speaker Mūrniece opened her address saying: “On behalf of Latvia, allow me to congratulate Lithuania on 11 March, the Day of Restoration of Independence!”