Brussels-founded lobbying agency Publiiq begins operations in Latvia
A new agency, Publiiq Latvia, has been set up in Riga to help businesses and industry bodies represent their interests in European Union institutions. It points to upcoming decisions on the EU's 2028–2034 budget and on state aid rules.
The Brussels-founded agency Publiiq has set up a Riga-based unit, Publiiq Latvia, which will help Latvian companies and industry organisations represent their interests in European Union (EU) institutions and take part in shaping EU policy and regulation. The agency will also provide strategic communications, reputation management and digital communications services, combining work with decision-makers in both Brussels and Riga.
Issues the agency highlights
The agency says the EU is currently deciding on several matters that will affect Latvian businesses for years. The most important is the next EU multiannual budget for 2028–2034, which the European Commission (EC) has proposed at nearly two trillion euros. Until now, agriculture, regional development and social policy each had their own programme with separate funding, but the EC proposes merging them into a single plan for each member state. Sectors in Latvia would therefore compete for shared funding, and much will depend on how the government prepares the plan. Particularly difficult talks are expected on agriculture, as the EC proposes cutting the EU farm budget by roughly one fifth.
State aid rules are also changing. In September, the Latvian government proposed raising the de minimis threshold, meaning small-scale state aid, from 300,000 to one million euros per company over three years; the state can grant such aid without EC approval. The EU is also simplifying reporting requirements for businesses and increasing funding for the defence industry. In July 2028, Latvia will take over the presidency of the Council of the EU for the second time and will lead negotiations on new EU legislation for six months.
How the agency will work
Artūrs Alksnis, co-founder and chief executive of Publiiq, says many companies learn about new EU requirements only when they must already comply. He explains that each EU decision passes through several stages: the Commission holds a public consultation, Latvia's position is coordinated in ministries and the Saeima, and negotiations then take place in Brussels. At each stage a company can voice its view if it knows whom to approach and when.
The Brussels team monitors the EU legislative process and works with EU institutions daily, while the Riga team works with ministries, the Saeima, industry organisations and the media. The agency offers EU and Latvian legislative monitoring, policy analysis, lobbying, public relations, crisis communications and digital campaigns. Its clients are companies and organisations in all sectors affected by EU regulation.
According to Firmas.lv, SIA Publiiq Latvia was registered on 18 August 2026 with share capital of 2,800 euros. Viesturs Deksnis owns 50% of the company, while Kristīne Alksne and Artūrs Alksnis hold 25% each.
