Latvijas Pilsoniskā alianse: 62% of residents recognise the importance of civil society organisations - Zeme un valsts

Latest articles

Sandis Jansons to lead AS “Latvijas valsts meži”
A heavy blow to the Latvian forest industry – the European Emissions Trading System reform
What is the US Forest Service 'Roadless Rule' and why does President Trump want to repeal it?
Kuri ir Latvijas pievilcīgākie darba devēji un kāds ir pievilcīga darba devēja portrets?

Poll

Concern about gaps in the skills and knowledge of our pupils is voiced quite widely from time to time. Unfortunately, only when someone from outside Latvia has concluded as much. Why is that?
There is a political tendency to be busy, to invest, to make promises, but not to think about the results
If you have little knowledge yourself, you do not even know how or what you do not know...
A smart society is not always desirable or welcome
Many interests swirl around education. A "good result" is rarely mentioned among them

A lighter note

“Why are the trees here so big?”
X-mas hangover!
Dreams are lovely, life is good

VIDEO

From log to microchip: where is Latvia's export value actually created?
The Latvian and His Forest
Kurzemnieks speaks. A conversation with lawyer and forester Valdis Kalns

Latvijas Pilsoniskā alianse: 62% of residents recognise the importance of civil society organisations

Latvijas Pilsoniskā alianse | 31.03.2026

The research centre SKDS has carried out a survey of Latvian residents* commissioned by Latvijas Pilsoniskā alianse (LPA) in order to establish public attitudes towards associations and foundations. Overall, the survey results point to a positive public assessment of, and support for, civil society organisations.

According to the study, 62% of Latvian residents believe that the work of associations and foundations makes a substantial contribution to society. This confirms that most of the public sees these organisations as an important driving force behind the country's development.

“In commissioning this survey, our aim was to establish public attitudes towards and perceptions of the work of civil society organisations. The results, which show a broadly positive public assessment, confirm that civil society organisations are seen as an important player in the country's development,” says Kristīne Zonberga, director of Latvijas Pilsoniskā alianse.

Public support is also reflected in attitudes towards the state's role in supporting the work and development of civil society – 59% of respondents believe that the state should provide financial support for the work of associations and foundations, particularly where that work is aimed at achieving public benefit objectives. Just under 9% believe that financial support is not necessary.

At the same time, the survey results highlight the need to strengthen public understanding of the civil society sector. Around a quarter of residents have no clear view either on civil society organisations or on the need to support them financially.

When asked about the recognisability of organisations, residents most often name organisations working in the field of social assistance, such as Ziedot.lv, Centrs MARTA and Latvijas Sarkanais Krusts. At the same time, some respondents also gave political parties as examples, which points to the need to explain the nature of civil society organisations and to raise their profile in the public arena.

Overall, the results of the study confirm that there is steady public support for civil society in Latvia, while also underlining the need to continue work on informing and educating the public and encouraging their involvement.

*The survey of Latvian residents was carried out on behalf of LPA by the research centre “SKDS”, reaching 1005 respondents aged 18 to 75 across the whole of Latvia. The survey was conducted between 27.02.2026 and 02.03.2026.

 

Add a comment