Latvia & nearby (137)

Ex-president Levits unwittingly appears in political ad

A leaflet delivered to Riga residents' mailboxes quotes former president Egils Levits praising Progressive party Saeima candidate Māris Graudiņš. Levits himself reportedly was surprised to find his words used in the campaign material.

TVNET · 9 Sept, 13:13

Family baffled after young man deemed unfit for volunteer army service but fit for mandatory conscription a year later

A 19-year-old was rejected from voluntary military service last year due to a vision issue, but a year later was declared fit after being randomly selected for mandatory State Defence Service. His family is questioning the contradictory medical assessments, especially since shooting training has now revealed real difficulties.

Jauns.lv · 9 Sept, 13:12

Latvia's investment agency opens autumn round for business incubation program

From September 9 to 24, Latvia's LIAA agency is accepting applications for its Business Incubation Program, offering up to 70% funding and expert support. The program already includes 359 companies and has paid out nearly €8 million since it began.

Ziemeļlatvija · 9 Sept, 13:11

Michal to propose Herem for Estonian defence minister post

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal has confirmed he will propose former Defence Forces commander Martin Herem for the post of defence minister. The Reform Party is set to formally endorse the candidate on September 15.

ERR (rus) · 9 Sept, 12:12

Experts: school readiness means emotional preparation, not just skills

At an event organized by the State Education Agency, a psychologist and a child psychiatrist explained how parents can help children adjust emotionally to the new school year. They stressed that anxiety is natural and that a calm, supportive adult makes the biggest difference.

Ziemeļlatvija · 9 Sept, 12:11

Ziepniekkalns store security guard denies spying for Russia, admits to hooliganism

On Wednesday, a Riga store security guard, Igors Andrejevs, denied in court that he collected intelligence for Russian security services, while admitting to a separate hooliganism charge.

Apollo.lv · 9 Sept, 12:08

Vidzeme firefighters responded to 11 calls over the past 24 hours

Between September 8 and 9, the State Fire and Rescue Service's Vidzeme regional department responded to 11 calls, including a serious traffic accident in Salacgrīva that left two people injured. Nationwide, the service logged 51 calls.

Valmieras Ziņas · 9 Sept, 12:06

Latvia to see brief showers and mild temperatures this weekend

Meteorologists forecast moderately warm weather with short-lived rain showers across many parts of Latvia this weekend.

LSM (rus) · 9 Sept, 11:11

Dobele municipality launches project competition for youth and youth organisations

Dobele municipality has launched a project competition for young people and youth organisations, offering up to 600 euros per project. Applications are open until September 27.

Zemgales Ziņas · 9 Sept, 11:10

Man in Riga kills acquaintance and bites off wife's ear after joint drinking

A man was detained in Riga after beating an acquaintance to death and biting off part of his partner's ear on the same day, following a bout of joint drinking. He had prior convictions for crimes against life, health and property.

Latvijas Avīze · 9 Sept, 11:07

Roberts Kundziņš to lead Blome Culture House

Starting September 14, Roberts Kundziņš from Smiltene will head the Blome Culture House, having previously been known as a leader of the youth group "Pusnakts brigāde."

Ziemeļlatvija · 9 Sept, 11:06

Shared Property Dispute in Riga: Basement Door Conflict Continues for Generations

A dispute between two women over basement doors and courtyard use in central Riga has dragged on for generations, highlighting the risks of shared property ownership.

Apollo.lv · 9 Sept, 02:16

Car Towed to Service After Collision with Tow Truck in Āgenskalns

On Tuesday morning in Riga's Āgenskalns neighbourhood, a driver who failed to obey a stop sign caused a collision with a tow truck, after which the car had to be taken to a service centre.

Apollo.lv · 8 Sept, 23:14

Latvia's Ministry Seeks Explanation from Riga Council Over €300,000 LinkedIn Procurement

The Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development has asked Riga City Council for an explanation regarding a LinkedIn procurement worth €300,000.

TVNET · 8 Sept, 23:14

Puzikovs and Herta Take Newborn Son Home: Family Now Has One More Heart

Nikolajs Puzikovs and his wife Gita Herta have announced that their newborn son is finally home. The baby was born on September 2 and is the couple’s first child.

Jauns.lv · 8 Sept, 22:21

Keldo on state budget plan: spending must be cut, some investments postponed

Estonia’s government is preparing next year’s budget as coalition parties promise to keep the deficit below 4.5% of GDP. The opposition says a minority government should already invite opposition politicians into budget talks during the drafting phase.

ERR (rus) · 8 Sept, 21:18

New heating energy tariff to take effect in Aizpute

Aizpute utility company "Aizputes nami" will introduce a new heating energy tariff from October 1, 2026, citing changes in fuel procurement costs. Water and sewage tariffs are also being updated.

Jauns.lv · 8 Sept, 19:06

Prison sentence for former "Babīte" sports club representative over child sexual abuse takes effect

A court verdict against Ģirts Jeskems, former representative of the "Babīte" sports club, sentencing him to 12 years in prison for sexual abuse of children, has entered into legal force.

Apollo.lv · 8 Sept, 18:12

Latvia's government backs sending troops to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz

Latvia's government on Tuesday approved a draft decision to join international military operations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, though the final call rests with parliament. Up to 20 Latvian troops would take part solely in mine-clearance work, without supporting the US as a party to the conflict with Iran.

Jauns.lv · 8 Sept, 18:12

Latvia to tighten controls on grain shipments of Russian origin

The Latvian government has approved amendments allowing the Food and Veterinary Service to inspect grain shipments even when they are not intended for the EU market. The new rules target possible grain imports from Ukraine's occupied territories mislabeled as coming from elsewhere.

Delfi · 8 Sept, 18:09

Lithuania: customs duties cannot apply to grain transit from Russia and Belarus

Lithuania's agriculture minister said Latvia's planned 300% tariff on Russian and Belarusian grain cannot apply to transit shipments, as this is barred by EU rules. The two countries' prime ministers have already discussed the issue by phone.

Apollo.lv · 8 Sept, 17:13

Estonia to open mental health cafes in eight cities for World Suicide Prevention Day

On September 10, marking World Suicide Prevention Day, mental health cafes will open in eight Estonian cities, staffed by volunteers trained in psychological first aid who will listen to visitors and refer them to specialists if needed.

ERR (rus) · 8 Sept, 17:12

Estonian analyst: Next defense minister must restore civilian control and trust

Foreign policy analyst Kalev Stoicescu argues that Estonia's defense sector needs a genuine change in attitude to fix shortcomings repeatedly flagged by the National Audit Office. He calls for political unity and calm cooperation between institutions ahead of the Riigikogu elections.

ERR News · 8 Sept, 17:11

Storm "Priska" damage cleanup in Riga to cost at least €1.3 million

Riga city authorities estimate that clearing up damage caused by storm "Priska" will cost around €1.3 million, with the figure likely to rise further. Schools, trees and city infrastructure were hit hardest.

Jauns.lv · 8 Sept, 17:11

Errors found in illustrations of first-graders' booklet – children shown with six fingers, three legs

A booklet for first-graders prepared by Latvia's Children's Rights Protection Centre contains illustration errors, including extra fingers and limbs, raising suspicions of AI-generated images. The centre will not recall the booklet since the flaws were discovered only after distribution to schools.

Latvijas Avīze · 8 Sept, 16:11

Latvia plans to send up to 20 troops for Strait of Hormuz mine clearance

Latvia's government on Tuesday approved the participation of the National Armed Forces in a multinational military operation to clear the Strait of Hormuz, planning to deploy up to 20 soldiers.

LSM · 8 Sept, 16:10

University of Tartu installs free menstrual pad dispensers across campus buildings

The University of Tartu has installed 39 free menstrual pad dispensers across its buildings this academic year, aiming to remove a practical barrier to student participation. The move follows a student council proposal and is backed by survey data on menstruation-related absences.

ERR News · 8 Sept, 16:07

South Kurzeme volunteer firefighters receive 12 tanker trucks

The South Kurzeme municipality's volunteer firefighter association has received 12 tanker trucks handed over by the State Fire and Rescue Service after it renewed its own fleet. The vehicles will help provide faster response to fires and other emergencies across the municipality.

Jauns.lv · 8 Sept, 16:06

Estonia's Finance Ministry: No official has decided how EU funds will be split

An Estonian Finance Ministry representative, Triin Tomingas, has pushed back against claims that officials already decided how to allocate the next EU budget period's funds, stressing that only the government and ministers make that call. She notes ministries requested more than twice the available funding.

ERR News · 8 Sept, 15:14

Wednesday to bring the warmest day of the week to Latvia — up to +27 degrees

Meteorologists forecast Wednesday as the warmest day of the week across Latvia, with temperatures reaching up to +27 degrees in the south and southeast, while coastal areas stay cooler. Rain and thunderstorms are possible in several regions.

Delfi · 8 Sept, 15:13

Latvian security service reviews pro-Kremlin group's threats against companies

Latvia's State Security Service has taken note of a statement from a pro-Kremlin group containing threats against several Latvian companies. The information was confirmed to news agency LETA by the service itself.

TVNET · 8 Sept, 15:12

Estonia's dementia care system needs an overhaul, analysis finds

A Praxis think tank study found that Estonia's support system for people with dementia is fragmented, prompting the Ministry of Social Affairs to plan a unified care pathway with coordinators.

ERR (rus) · 8 Sept, 15:11

How to sustainably manage autumn garden and food waste

As autumn brings a sharp rise in garden and food waste from households, a waste management company outlines several ways to sort and recycle it sustainably. Residents are advised to consider composting, special waste bags, bins, or seasonal municipal collection services.

Jauns.lv · 8 Sept, 15:07

Pre-election debate sees parties clash over Latvia's healthcare crisis

In a TV24 pre-election debate on healthcare, party representatives criticized the current state of the sector and proposed different solutions, including raising funding to 6% of GDP. The 'Latvia First' representative sharply criticized the health minister's performance.

BNN · 8 Sept, 14:13