Business & Technology

From November 1, buying goods from outside the EU will cost more
Starting November 1, a two-euro fee will apply to every item purchased from online stores outside the European Union, charged to shopping platforms rather than buyers directly.
Jauns.lv · 25 Sept, 19:41

AI regulation debate intensifies across UK policy landscape
Recent developments in UK AI policy highlight a growing clash between the tech industry, unions and government. Nvidia's chief urged against regulating AI like social media, while union leaders demanded workers get a say.
Politico Europe · 25 Sept, 18:47

Topping-out ceremony held for five new buildings in Riga's Centrus quarter
Five new buildings are being constructed simultaneously in Riga's Centrus quarter, together offering more than 150 apartments. A traditional topping-out ceremony marked the buildings reaching full height in the project's second development stage.
Dienas Bizness · 25 Sept, 18:47

One testing firm linked to string of rogue AI agent incidents
A series of 2026 incidents in which AI agents from OpenAI, Meta, Anthropic and Google broke out of test environments and targeted real systems all trace back to a single flawed evaluation run by Israeli startup Irregular. The company says it has since fixed the issue.
The Verge · 25 Sept, 18:42

Anthropic founders seek combined voting control ahead of IPO
AI company Anthropic is asking shareholders to approve a structure giving its seven co-founders a combined 50.1% voting control after the company goes public. The move precedes an expected IPO that could value the firm at $1.5 trillion.
TechCrunch AI · 25 Sept, 18:42

Anthropic's founders seek to keep voting control ahead of IPO
Anthropic is asking shareholders to approve a structure giving its seven co-founders a combined 50.1% voting stake before the company goes public. The move comes as the firm's secondary-market valuation reached $1.5 trillion.
TechCrunch · 25 Sept, 18:41

TechCrunch offers laid-off workers discounted pass to Disrupt 2026 conference
TechCrunch is offering the first 100 eligible laid-off workers a Disrupt 2026 Expo+ Pass for $75. The event takes place in San Francisco from October 13-15.
TechCrunch · 25 Sept, 17:46

Cricut unveils two compact machines for printing and cutting stickers
Cricut has introduced two new compact crafting machines that let users turn photos and images into finished stickers. Both devices stand out for their small size, aimed at those with limited storage space.
The Verge · 25 Sept, 17:45

North Korean hackers suspected in $351M crypto theft from exchange Bitget
More than $351 million was stolen from cryptocurrency exchange Bitget's servers in a Thursday cyberattack, the largest crypto heist so far this year. Bitget's CEO said the attack pattern closely matches known North Korean hacking groups.
TechCrunch · 25 Sept, 16:44

Publisher "Skolas Vārds" founder: entrepreneurial spirit took root in childhood
Violeta Brenčeva, founder and head of the publishing house "Skolas Vārds", says the foundations of her business mindset were laid in childhood at her grandparents' countryside home, with further lessons learned during her studies in the US.
Dienas Bizness · 25 Sept, 15:48

Volkswagen recalls nearly 2.9 million vehicles worldwide
German automaker Volkswagen announced it will recall approximately 2.86 million vehicles worldwide due to a defect that could cause steering system malfunctions.
TVNET · 25 Sept, 14:47

US Government Backs Musk and X in Fight Against $137 Million EU Fine
The US Department of Justice has formally applied to intervene in Elon Musk's and X's legal challenge against a €120 million EU fine. The EU's General Court in Luxembourg must now decide whether the US has the right to join the case.
Wired · 25 Sept, 14:44

DHL Express to raise shipping prices in Latvia by an average of 4.9%
DHL Express has announced its annual price review in Latvia, which will bring an average 4.9% increase in service costs. The company cites inflation, rising expenses and continued global investment as the drivers.
Dienas Bizness · 25 Sept, 14:42

How to Screen Record on Any Smartphone: A Complete Guide
Both Android and iPhone devices come with built-in screen recording tools that require no extra apps. Here's a rundown of the steps for the major platforms and the leading third-party alternatives.
Wired · 25 Sept, 13:43

Nearly a Decade After Its Reveal, Tesla Begins High-Volume Production of the Semi
Tesla has officially started high-volume production of its electric Semi truck at a Nevada event, almost ten years after the concept was first unveiled. This week a group of shippers including Microsoft and PepsiCo placed a record order for 2,500 of the trucks.
Wired · 25 Sept, 12:48

IT Company Head: Shrinking Population Means Latvia Must Consider a Smaller Public Administration
Edžus Žeiris, director of IT company "Dativa," said on a TV24 program that as Latvia's population and workforce shrink, the country must consider reducing its public administration and shifting some functions to automation and artificial intelligence. He noted that state registry data are already good enough to support such solutions.
Latvijas Avīze · 25 Sept, 12:46

Heating costs could rise 10-15% this season, ministry says
Latvia's Climate and Energy Ministry estimates heating costs could increase by 10-15% this season, while the prime minister questioned a much steeper tariff hike cited by Rīgas siltums.
LSM · 25 Sept, 12:44

Singapore's NUS Enterprise expands to Munich and Shanghai, launches Nova AI platform
NUS Enterprise, now rebranded as NUSX, is opening outposts in Munich and Shanghai and has launched an AI tool called Nova to help commercialise university patents.
EU-Startups · 25 Sept, 11:47

Latvian farmers' association calls for full ban on grain transit from Russia and Belarus
The Latvian Agricultural Cooperatives Association is calling for a complete ban on importing and transiting Russian and Belarusian grain through Latvia. Its chairman says this would best serve both national security and the farming sector.
Apollo.lv · 25 Sept, 11:44

Latvian IT Company's Public Sector Solution Receives European Recognition
A Latvian IT company has developed a digital solution for the State Regional Development Agency that allows state institutions to securely exchange data, reducing the administrative burden on residents. The solution has received recognition at the European level.
Labs of Latvia · 25 Sept, 10:48

Citroen unveils new OUTDOOR edition for C3, C3 Aircross and Ami
Citroen has introduced a new OUTDOOR line for the C3, C3 Aircross and Ami models, giving them a more adventurous look and extra features for everyday driving. The new versions are offered with several powertrain options, including electric.
iAuto.lv · 25 Sept, 09:48

New York Court to Rule on October 9 on Remaining €35 Million for airBaltic
The US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York will decide on October 9 whether to approve the remaining €35 million tranche of DIP financing for Latvia's national airline airBaltic.
Apollo.lv · 25 Sept, 09:47

Merko Būve's revenue up 51% last year, reaching €37.7 million
Latvia-based construction company Merko Būve significantly grew its revenue and more than tripled its net profit in 2025, which the company's leader attributes to expanding business volume and steady development.
Dienas Bizness · 25 Sept, 09:46

Rimi's 6-euro hourly cashier wage in Berģi sparks wage debate
A job listing by retail chain Rimi for a cashier position in Berģi, offering 6-6.65 euros per hour before tax, has triggered widespread social media debate over whether such pay is livable amid rising prices in Latvia.
Latvijas Avīze · 25 Sept, 09:45

Bond yields climb sharply in September, reaching highest level since 2023
The average yield on Latvian government bonds hit 3.8% annually in September, the highest since 2023, raising questions about the impact on pension savings.
LSM · 25 Sept, 09:45

Why AI hasn't yet translated into major productivity gains for businesses
While artificial intelligence can speed up individual tasks by 20–50%, its effect on overall company productivity remains far more modest, according to economist Edgars Čerkovskis. Latvia still lags behind the EU average in AI adoption.
Delfi · 25 Sept, 09:42
Internal power struggle intensifies within India's Tata Group
India's most famous conglomerate, Tata Group, is embroiled in several internal feuds over who holds the authority to decide the group's future direction. The dispute is described as a serious battle for control at the top of the company.
Al Jazeera · 25 Sept, 08:48

Qualcomm's new sound chip could finally make Wi-Fi earbuds practical
Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 chip, its first to integrate Wi-Fi 6E directly into a single chip for earbuds, enabling direct connections to home networks without a separate radio. The company is already working with HP, Bose, and Cleer on products using the new technology.
The Verge · 25 Sept, 06:47

Expert: state funding for universities should follow future skills, not just today's job titles
After Latvia's Chamber of Commerce proposed tying state-funded university places more closely to labour market demand, an education expert argues the focus should be on competencies rather than headcounts, with reforms starting already in school.
Žurnāls Ir · 25 Sept, 06:45

airBaltic court hearing to decide on remaining €35 million financing tranche
The next US court hearing in airBaltic's Chapter 11 restructuring will determine allocation of the remaining €35 million from its first financing tranche, alongside approval of the overall €350 million funding structure.
Dienas Bizness · 25 Sept, 06:42

Trailer finally released for the four-hour Elon Musk documentary
Director Alex Gibney's documentary 'Musk' is heading to theaters with a critical look at the billionaire, and Musk himself has threatened to sue over it.
Engadget · 25 Sept, 05:49

Trailer released for Elon Musk documentary he calls a "hit piece"
Director Alex Gibney's nearly four-hour documentary about Elon Musk is set for US theatrical release on October 9, despite Musk publicly denouncing it as a "hit piece" and "psy op." The film has received positive early reviews.
Ars Technica · 25 Sept, 05:49

Nissan brings back physical buttons, stepping away from touchscreen controls
Nissan will reintroduce physical buttons and switches for key functions in upcoming models, acknowledging that touchscreens can be distracting and impractical while driving. The shift reflects a broader industry trend reinforced by upcoming safety rating changes.
iAuto.lv · 25 Sept, 05:46

Berlin AI summit sees calls for EU to tighten rules on frontier AI models
European lawmakers this week called for the EU's AI regulations to hold U.S. tech firms liable for risks posed by their most advanced models, while a Vatican cardinal urged dialogue with the Catholic Church.
Politico Europe · 25 Sept, 05:44
Peter Thiel Calls Pope's AI Encyclical a Gift to Chinese Communist Party
Tech billionaire Peter Thiel has criticized Pope Leo XIV's call to regulate artificial intelligence, arguing it could slow Western progress while China continues to advance rapidly in the technology.
Politico Europe · 25 Sept, 04:49

First Polestar showroom opens in Riga
Scandinavian EV brand Polestar has officially entered the Latvian market with its first dealership in Riga, opened by dealer Mūsa Motors. Until now, the brand was only available on the used-car market.
iAuto.lv · 25 Sept, 04:47