Brussels-founded lobbying agency Publiiq launches Latvian arm in Riga

Publiiq, an advocacy and communications agency founded in Brussels, has established a company in Riga called Publiiq Latvia. It will help local businesses and industry organisations represent their interests in European Union (EU) institutions and take part in shaping EU policy and regulation. The agency will also offer strategic communications, reputation management and digital communications services. Its aim is to give clients a single partner for dealing with decision-makers in both Brussels and Riga.

EU issues relevant to businesses

Publiiq Latvia says the EU is currently deciding on several matters that will affect Latvian companies for years. The most important is the EU's multiannual budget for 2028–2034, which the European Commission has proposed at nearly two trillion euros. Until now, agriculture, regional development and social policy each had a separate programme with its own funding, but the Commission proposes merging them into one plan per member state. Sectors in Latvia would therefore compete for a shared pool of money, and much will depend on how the government prepares the plan. The toughest negotiations are expected over agriculture, as the Commission proposes cutting the EU farm budget by roughly one fifth.

The agency also notes changes to state aid rules. In September, the Latvian government proposed raising the de minimis threshold, meaning the ceiling for small-scale state aid, from 300,000 euros to one million euros per company over three years. The state can grant such aid without Commission approval. Meanwhile, the EU is 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 already have to comply. He explains that every EU decision goes through several stages: the Commission holds a public consultation, Latvia's position is agreed in ministries and the Saeima, and negotiations then take place in Brussels. At each stage, companies can voice their views if they know whom to approach and when.

The Brussels team monitors the EU legislative process and works daily with EU institutions, while the Riga team deals with ministries, the Saeima, industry organisations and the media. The agency offers monitoring of EU and Latvian legislation, policy analysis, advocacy, public relations, crisis communications and digital campaigns. Its clients are companies and organisations in all sectors affected by EU regulation.

According to Firmas.lv, Publiiq Latvia SIA was registered on 18 August 2026 with share capital of 2,800 euros. Viesturs Deksnis owns 50% of the company, while Kristīne Alksne and Alksnis hold 25% each.