University of Latvia University of Latvia The University of Latvia (LU) () is a state-run university located in Riga, Latvia. It was established in 1919. The university is ranked 701st–750th in the world, as well as 4th in the Baltic states after the University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Technology, and Vilnius University. The University of Latvia, initially named as the Higher School of Latvia () was founded on September 28, 1919 on the basis of the former Riga Polytechnic (founded in 1862). The first rector of the university was chemist Paul Walden. In 1923, the school received its current name with the
History of Latvia World Trade Organization. At the end of 1999 in Helsinki, the heads of the European Union governments invited Latvia to begin negotiations regarding accession to the European Union. In 2004, Latvia's most important foreign policy goals, membership of the European Union and NATO, were fulfilled. On April 2, Latvia became a member of NATO and on May 1, Latvia, along with the other two Baltic States, became a member of the European Union. Around 67% had voted in favor of EU membership in a September 2003 referendum with turnout at 72.5%. History of Latvia The history of Latvia began around