My professional life is linked to the field of international relations. I worked as a Latvian diplomat for ten years, being posted in Washington and Madrid. After leaving the diplomatic service and having a short spell in private sector I joined the social-democratic group in the European Parliament. Currently I work as a political advisor in the Foreign affairs committee, and my responsibilities include Russia and post-Soviet space, Turkey and Iran. I advice members of the social-democratic group on the policy towards these countries and regions.

I believe in the universality of such values and principles as democracy, human rights, gender equality and separation of religion and state. As a staunch secularist I think that religion is best left to private realm and should play no role in political and social life.


On my private side, I am a music lover who enjoys listening to baroque and renaissance music, especially operas. I am also an Iranophile, deeply interested in the culture and history of Persia, especially its pre-Islamic, Zoroastrian past, as well as its poetry and music.

In this blog I will share my thoughts and impressions on European, Latvian and global issues of public interest.