Egils Levits (born 30 June 1955) is a Latvian jurist, political scientist and former judge who served as the 10th President of Latvia from 8 July 2019 until 8 July 2023. Before his presidency he spent many years as a legal scholar and as Latvia's representative at the Court of Justice of the European Union, where he adjudicated matters of EU law and judicial procedure.

Levits trained and worked in fields that bridge law and political theory. Over several decades he built a reputation as a constitutional expert and commentator on European legal integration. He was appointed by Latvia to serve at the Court of Justice of the European Union in 2004 and remained there until his election to the presidency in 2019. His judicial work involved interpretation of EU treaties, the balance between national and supranational law, and institutional questions arising from EU governance.

Public service and presidency

As president, Levits performed the largely ceremonial but constitutionally significant duties of head of state: representing Latvia abroad, signing legislation, and acting as a moral voice in public debate. He emphasized the importance of an independent judiciary, adherence to constitutional norms and Latvia's commitments within the European Union and NATO. His term is often noted for consistent appeals to legal principles in discussions of national policy and security.

Key themes and positions

  • Rule of law: advocacy for strong, impartial legal institutions and clear constitutional processes.
  • European integration: support for Latvia's active participation in EU institutions and for coherent EU legal standards.
  • National security and civic cohesion: emphasis on Latvia's place in Euro-Atlantic structures and the need for social resilience.

Writings and influence

Levits has published and lectured on constitutional law and European legal matters. His background as both academic and judge informed public speeches and interventions that sought to clarify legal aspects of political controversies. He is frequently cited in discussions about the relationship between national constitutions and EU law.

Notable facts

  • He served as Latvia's judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union from 2004 until 2019.
  • He held the office of President of Latvia from July 2019 to July 2023.
  • For more information about the presidential office, see the President of Latvia page.

Levits is regarded as a public figure who brought a jurist's perspective to the presidency, stressing legal continuity, international cooperation and constitutional safeguards during a period of regional and global change.