Quick Facts
Biography
Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica (born June 30, 1978) is a Latvian politician.
In November 2014 Dr. Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.
As Parliamentary SecretaryZanda Kalnina-Lukasevicaensures communication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Latvian Parliament and represents the Latvian government at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings of Development Ministers.
During the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the EU Kalnina-Lukasevica as Parliamentary State Secretary for EU Affairs represented the Council at the European Parliament's plenary sessions.
In 2011, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica was elected to the Parliament (Saeima) of Latvia and served as Chairperson of the European Affairs Committee (2011-2014).
During her mandate she served also as a member of the Economic, Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Policy Committee. She played an active role during Latvia's accession process to the OECD.
Professional Experience
Between 2008 and 2011, Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica was appointed to the Strategic Analysis Commission of the President of Latvia and served as Adviser on Strategic Planning and Analysis to the President of Latvia.
Between 2003 and 2008 she worked for the Ministry of Regional Development and Local Government, first, as Deputy Director of Local Government Development and Reform Department and then as Deputy State Secretary.
Zanda Kalniņa-Lukasevica started her professional career in 1998 at the City Council of Jūrmala.
Education
Dr Kalnina-Lukasevica holds a PhD in Management Sciences from the University of Latvia.
After having obtained her first academic degree in social work, in 2004 she obtained her master's degree at the Faculty of Economics and Management of the University of Latvia, where in 2013 she also obtained Doctoral degree in Management science, subfield of public administration.
Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica speaks Latvian, English, German and Russian languages.
Civic Activities
Dr. Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica is also known for her civic activities. She is a member of the boards of a non-profit organization “European Movement–Latvia” and a member of the boards of a non-profit organization “Caritas” (Latvia). She is a European Young Leader (EYL40) alumni.