How Does the Last Social Safety Net Work? Discussion on the Minimum Income Reform

Since 2023, the Ministry of Welfare has been implementing the Minimum Income Reform, which is part of the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility plan. The aim of the reform is to ensure a fairer and more effective social security system by reviewing minimum income thresholds annually and linking them to the income median.

During the discussion held on 24 September 2025 in Riga, professionals from various fields assessed the results of the reform and highlighted its importance in reducing poverty and promoting social inclusion.

The main conclusion – poverty cannot be reduced by benefits alone. Situations, circumstances, and people are very different; therefore, a compassionate, respectful, and individual approach is needed for each person. The reform is a step in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done.

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