The findings were presented during the annual Shadow Economy Conference, held at SSE Riga on June 15, 2026, which attracted a full audience in the Soros Auditorium. The conference brought together policymakers, business leaders, public sector representatives, researchers and media to discuss the latest developments in the shadow economy and explore policy solutions for improving tax compliance and strengthening Latvia's business environment.

The study found that Latvia's shadow economy increased slightly in 2025, reaching 21.8% of GDP, compared to 21.4% a year earlier. While the increase is modest, the findings suggest that progress in reducing the shadow economy has stalled and that new policy approaches may be needed.

The research attracted significant attention from national media, including LSM, LTV1, TV3, Delfi, TVNET, Latvijas Radio and others. The findings were featured in television news programmes, radio broadcasts, online media and expert discussions.

Professor Arnis Sauka was interviewed across multiple media platforms, discussing the latest trends in the shadow economy, tax morale and policy measures needed to improve the business environment.
 

Among the most media appearances were:

 

The widespread interest demonstrates the continued relevance of the SSE Riga Shadow Economy Index as a key study of the shadow economy in the Baltic countries and its contribution to public policy discussions.

Read the full research: https://www.sseriga.edu/latvias-shadow-economy-remains-high-it-time-new-initiatives