Latvia & nearby (111)

Estonia extends border guard mission in Latvia amid rising illegal migration

Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro says illegal migration into Estonia has increased, prompting the country to extend its ESTPOL border guard mission on the Latvian-Belarusian border. Over 40 people were detained in Estonia in the past week on suspicion of illegal residence.

ERR (rus) · 23 Sept, 16:49

KNAB again investigates Daugavpils construction authority over bribery and conflict-of-interest suspicions

Latvia's anti-corruption bureau KNAB is investigating possible abuse of office at the Daugavpils Construction Management authority and has already imposed a penalty for a conflict of interest, even after the city's former planning and construction department was dissolved.

LSM (rus) · 23 Sept, 16:48

Baltic states ask EU for €500 million to counter drone threats

Defence ministers of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania have sent a joint letter to the European Commission requesting an urgent €500 million allocation to strengthen defence against drones, Estonian newspaper Postimees reports.

TVNET · 23 Sept, 16:47

Boy, 12, flees police at up to 187 km/h in Madonas district

On Friday, September 18, a boy born in 2013 fled from police near Madona and Cesvaine, reaching speeds of up to 187 km/h in a car he had taken from his father without permission.

Jauns.lv · 23 Sept, 16:43

12-year-old boy flees police at 187 km/h in father's car in Madona region

A dangerous police chase unfolded in the Madona and Cesvaine area on Friday after a boy born in 2013 fled from police in a car he had taken without his father's knowledge, reaching speeds of up to 187 km/h. No one was injured, but other road users were endangered.

Delfi · 23 Sept, 16:42

Lithuania to close Central Asian visa centres citing terrorism risks

Lithuania's interior minister has ordered the closure of external service centres in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Bosnia and Herzegovina, citing security and terrorism concerns, as the country also tightens labour migration rules from Central Asia.

LRT English · 23 Sept, 15:46

Over 6,700 people have returned to Latvia with remigration coordinators' help since 2018

A Latvian ministry official told parliament that around 6,730 people have returned to Latvia with the support of remigration coordinators since the program began in 2018, though funding and capacity remain insufficient.

Jauns.lv · 23 Sept, 15:42

Copyright holder demands compensation from Mart Helme for using Mattiisen song in political ad

Marijita Mattiisen-Puusepp, who holds the copyright to a song by Alo Mattiisen, is demanding 6,531.40 euros from EKRE deputy chairman Mart Helme after the song was used without permission in a political advertisement. Helme has not met the demand and denies responsibility.

ERR (rus) · 23 Sept, 15:41

The Long-tailed Tit: A Small Bird With a Big Talent for Building

The long-tailed tit, known in Latvian as "garastīte," is a small and charming bird recognized for its distinctive appearance, its nest-building skill, and its habit of living and keeping warm in flocks.

LSM · 23 Sept, 15:41

Pre-election debates: sectors seek clarity on candidates' positions ahead of 15th Saeima election

Ahead of the 15th Saeima election, debates and discussions are being held in which representatives of various sectors seek to learn potential deputies' views on issues relevant to their fields.

LSM · 23 Sept, 14:48

Three killed, dozens caught drunk driving during ROADPOL road safety week in Latvia

From September 16 to 22, Latvia's State Police took part in the European-wide "ROADPOL Road Safety Days" campaign, intensifying traffic checks — three people died on Latvian roads during the week, and dozens of drivers were caught driving under the influence of alcohol.

TVNET · 23 Sept, 14:46

Latvia's "Taste of the Region" contest judges more than just flavor

Organizers of the "Novada Garša 2026" quality competition explain how small Latvian producers' food products are evaluated and why the awarded medals signal genuine quality. This year's entrants range from artisan cheese to freeze-dried honey cake.

Latvijas Avīze · 23 Sept, 14:45

Estonia's Defence Ministry to allocate €365,000 for projects strengthening public defence readiness

Estonia's Ministry of Defence has launched a grant competition worth up to €365,000 to support projects that boost the public's readiness to defend the country. Applications are open until October 26.

ERR (rus) · 23 Sept, 14:43

Foggy night ahead in Latvia, forecasters warn of poor visibility

Meteorologists warn that dense fog will form across much of Latvia overnight into Thursday, reducing visibility. Thursday itself will bring mixed conditions with scattered rain.

Jauns.lv · 23 Sept, 14:41

Over 15,000 illegal cigarettes found at elderly woman's home in Daugavpils

During a property inspection in Daugavpils in September, State Police found and seized more than 15,000 illegal cigarettes at the home of an elderly woman. The State Police reported the find to news outlet Apollo.lv.

Apollo.lv · 23 Sept, 13:46

Daugavpils police find over 15,000 illegal cigarettes at elderly woman's premises

State Police in Daugavpils seized 15,340 illegal cigarettes during a premises inspection, launching a criminal case against a woman born in 1954.

Jauns.lv · 23 Sept, 13:43

Families of Latvians missing in Nepal face legal difficulties

Fifteen families whose relatives went missing in a devastating flood in Nepal have sought help from sworn advocates. No new information has emerged about the 33 missing Latvian travelers.

LSM (rus) · 23 Sept, 13:41

Baltic's largest 3D digital screen unveiled in Riga

Outdoor advertising company JCDecaux Latvija held a media event in Riga to officially unveil what it describes as the largest 3D digital screen in the Baltics.

Apollo.lv · 23 Sept, 12:47

Estonia moves to scrap monthly counseling rule for many jobseekers

A draft bill from Estonia's Ministry of Social Affairs would end mandatory monthly counseling for many registered jobseekers, while directing more frequent sessions to young people and those with reduced work ability.

ERR News · 23 Sept, 12:45

Lawyers: Families of Latvians missing in Nepal tragedy face numerous legal problems

Fifteen families of Latvians missing after a tragedy in Nepal have sought legal assistance from the Latvian Council of Sworn Advocates. No new information has emerged about the 33 missing Latvian travelers.

LSM · 23 Sept, 12:42

In Estonia, students' financial survival depends on work, not state or parental support

An Estonian higher-education expert warns that most students are forced to work extensively to afford studying, as state and parental support remain too limited — creating overload and leaving some young people effectively excluded from free higher education.

ERR News · 23 Sept, 11:49

airBaltic to drop Dubai and 13 other winter routes

airBaltic will suspend direct flights between Riga and Dubai starting this winter season, adding it to a previously announced list of 14 canceled routes. Passengers with existing bookings will be offered rebooking, refunds or connecting flights via partner airlines.

Latvijas Avīze · 23 Sept, 11:49

Latvia may amend Citizenship Law over case of Russian billionaire Aven

If Russian billionaire Pyotr Aven's Latvian citizenship cannot be revoked, the government may push to amend the Citizenship Law to ban dual citizenship with Russia without exceptions. Latvia's migration authority has so far found no grounds to strip Aven's citizenship.

Jauns.lv · 23 Sept, 11:47

Healthcare workers' union to hold picket outside Latvian Cabinet of Ministers on September 29

The Latvian Trade Union of Healthcare and Social Care Employees will hold a picket next week on Brīvības Boulevard, opposite the Cabinet of Ministers building. News agency LETA learned of the registered event from Riga City Council.

Apollo.lv · 23 Sept, 11:45

Forecasters promise: after rainy days, a sunny and warm autumn week is coming

Latvia will see rainy, windy weather in the second half of this week, but forecasters expect an anticyclone to bring dry, sunny conditions next week that could last into October's second week.

Latvijas Avīze · 23 Sept, 10:46

Tallinn begins selling its stake in Coop Pank

The city of Tallinn has started selling its entire Coop Pank shareholding — just over 2.8 million shares, about 3% of the bank's capital. Bids will be accepted until midday on September 24.

ERR (rus) · 23 Sept, 10:45

Bus Operators Protest: Demand More Frequent Cost Compensation

On Wednesday, several passenger bus operators in Latvia held a protest that canceled a number of scheduled routes, saying rising fuel and labor costs are not being adequately compensated under long-term state contracts. Operators are demanding changes to how contract indexation works.

Staburags · 23 Sept, 10:45

LRT Council reprimands director-general, who calls it 'psychological pressure'

Lithuania's public broadcaster LRT Council has found Director-General Monika Garbačiauskaitė-Budrienė responsible for a workplace violation over undisclosed service providers. She called the decision an attempt to pressure her.

LRT English · 23 Sept, 10:45

Why autumn crocus-like flowers bloom right now, in fall

In September, autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) blooms in gardens — an unusual bulb plant often mistaken for a true crocus, with its own care requirements.

Latvijas Avīze · 23 Sept, 09:47

Latvia's PM Kulbergs: EU sanctions dispute should have been handled without isolating Latvia

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said Latvia was left alone opposing the removal of two Russian oligarchs from the EU sanctions list, but the standoff ultimately yielded a positive outcome as France pledged to strengthen Latvia's defenses.

Delfi · 23 Sept, 09:44

August storm exposes gaps in Latvia's water utilities – generators and clear rules lacking

The August storm caused power and communication outages that disrupted many Latvian water utilities, revealing the sector's lack of emergency preparedness. Experts say around two billion euros in investment will be needed over the next 10–15 years.

Kurzemnieks · 23 Sept, 09:44

Latvian PM Meets US Special Envoy, Seeks Help Against Hybrid Attacks at Border

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs met in Riga with US President Donald Trump's special envoy for Belarus affairs, John Cole, asking for assistance in countering hybrid attacks at the country's border.

TVNET · 23 Sept, 09:43

Kulbergs: Latvia should not be left alone on EU sanctions issue

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said on TV3's "900 sekundes" that he was frustrated by the position Latvia was placed in over an EU sanctions matter, stressing the need for a joint Baltic states' stance.

Apollo.lv · 23 Sept, 09:42

Mostly dry and sunny weather expected in Latvia next week

Meteorologists forecast that an anticyclone will bring mostly dry, sunny weather to Latvia next week, while the second half of the week will see a shift to rain and stronger winds.

Bauskas Dzīve · 23 Sept, 09:42