This week, the international meeting of the GDISC Forecasting Network took place in Riga, organised by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (hereinafter – OCMA) and GDISC. GDISC is an informal network of European migration authorities and its Forecasting Network aims to exchange experiences, analyse trends and test forecasts at expert level on topics such as migration and asylum.
The aim of the meeting was to hear national views on the future of beneficiaries of temporary protection after March 2025 and to discuss the possibilities of developing a common approach that is balanced with the needs of the Ukrainian civilian population and national capacities. Experts from 17 European countries participated in the meeting; Latvia was represented by experts from the OCMA, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Welfare, and State Social Insurance Agency.
The discussions focused on migration, temporary protection processes and future challenges, especially in the context of the complex geopolitical situation in Europe.
Maira Roze, Head of the OCMA, emphasises: "In today's global society, cooperation with international colleagues is not only essential, it is indispensable. Migration and asylum issues require close international cooperation and dialogue. Only in this way can we help address the geopolitical challenges facing so many countries around the world today."
Experts shared their experiences and views on temporary protection in Europe, including the application of the Temporary Protection Directive – integration of beneficiaries of temporary protection, legal migration status of beneficiaries of temporary protection after the end of their temporary protection status, and other issues.
The participants discussed appropriate tools and methods for the successful and proactive management of migration flows in the GDISC Member States. During the meeting, experts shared international experiences on current trends in the field of migration, including both the granting of residence rights and the provision of social services to beneficiaries of temporary protection.
Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
Public Relations
prese@pmlp.gov.lv, +371 67219185
