On Tuesday, the 13th of December, Latvia’s government decided to reorganise Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LSPA) and integrate it into Riga Stradins University (RSU).
It is planned for LSPA to be reorganised on the 1st of January 2026, when it will continue onward as an institution of RSU. Previously the Higher Education Council (AIP) voiced conceptual support for this idea during the review of the plan suggested by the Ministry of Education and Science.
LSPA will retain its academic and scientific autonomy, as well as name and signs. The academy will also be able to develop research excellence in health and sports science sector.
The ministry, with respect of certain principles for order and good management, provides for submitting the topic of expanding reorganisation to other education institutions for discussion with other universities, Higher Education Council and ministries. Once the issue has been coordinated, it will be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers for additional discussions, said Bērziņa.
RSU principal Aigars Pētersons previously said that if the government sees benefits and decides consolidation of universities is necessary, RSU will comply with this decision.
«Both the BA School of Business and Finance and LSPA will decide on their own which scientific university they want to work with. RSU’s doors are open,» stressed Pētersons.