On 4 November 2026, Kurzeme Planning Region hosted a meeting in Kuldīga, bringing together representatives of municipalities across Kurzeme and the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM) to discuss the latest developments in return migration. Participants shared their experience of supporting returning residents and explored ways to make it easier for people to return and settle in the region. The discussions focused particularly on the role of local authorities in encouraging return migration and the practical measures needed to help people rebuild their lives in Latvia.
Opening the meeting, Rimants Safonovs, Executive Director of Kuldīga Municipality, highlighted the importance of creating an attractive living environment that encourages people to return to their home region. Drawing on his own experience of returning to Latvia after several years abroad, he offered a personal perspective on the reasons people leave and the challenges they face when deciding to come back.
Evita Ozoliņa, Head of Administration at Kurzeme Planning Region, emphasised the value of the cooperation established between regional and local authorities and encouraged municipalities to continue working closely together on return migration issues. Agnese Berģe, Regional Return Migration Coordinator at Kurzeme Planning Region, provided an overview of the current situation in Kurzeme, highlighting the involvement of municipalities and the importance of tailoring assistance to the individual circumstances and needs of those considering a return to Latvia.
Representing Kuldīga Municipality, Signeta Lapiņa, Business Support Specialist, and Ilze Zemberga, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist, shared examples of local initiatives aimed at making the municipality an attractive place to live. Their presentation highlighted the benefits of a family-friendly environment, financial and social assistance, housing options, and opportunities for leisure and personal development. They also stressed the importance of clear, accessible information to help prospective residents understand what the municipality has to offer. Among the initiatives discussed was a new municipal newsletter, which could become a useful source of information for people settling in the area.
A personal perspective on return migration was provided by Aija Pušīlova, a Kuldīga resident and owner of the Raxti guesthouse and the catering business Kulinārija&Banketērija Nr.1. She shared her experience of returning to her home region and establishing her businesses. Her story illustrated how return migration can open up new opportunities for individuals while also benefiting local communities and economies through entrepreneurship and job creation.
The national perspective was presented by Zigmārs Erts and Vita Ziemele from the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM). They outlined recent developments in return migration policy, including existing support measures, the role of municipalities, and opportunities for business development in Latvia's regions. Their presentation also covered the findings of surveys of return migrants conducted in 2025 and 2026, alongside plans for engaging with the Latvian diaspora between 2027 and 2029.
The meeting concluded with discussions on the challenges municipalities face and how existing support could be improved. Participants considered ways to reach people living abroad who may be thinking about returning, help them make informed decisions, and ensure they receive appropriate assistance when settling in Kurzeme.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for municipal representatives to exchange practical knowledge, learn from one another and identify ways to strengthen return migration support across Kurzeme. It also reinforced the importance of cooperation between municipalities, national authorities and the Regional Return Migration Coordinator in ensuring that people wishing to return to the region can access information and assistance suited to their needs.
Information prepared by:
Kurzeme Planning Region
Regional Return Migration Coordinator
Agnese Berģe
Email: koordinators@kurzemesregions.lv
Translated by AI