Latvia & nearby
Ex-Ministry state secretary Balševics may face criminal prosecution over leaked restricted information
Latvia's Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has asked prosecutors to launch criminal proceedings against former state secretary Edvīns Balševics over three alleged leaks of restricted information. Balševics was already removed from his post earlier this summer following an internal probe.
Jauns.lv · 2 Sept, 14:25
Estonian hospital mistakenly declares living man dead
An Estonian entrepreneur discovered he had been mistakenly registered as deceased in state systems after visiting a North Estonia regional hospital's emergency department, losing access to his bank accounts and e-services as a result. The error occurred after he walked out of the hospital on his own two feet.
Delfi · 2 Sept, 13:32
Social media post describes rude treatment of a foreigner by Rīgas Satiksme employee
A Riga resident shared on Threads how a tram No. 1 driver shouted at a foreign passenger trying to buy a ticket from a machine. Rīgas Satiksme has promised to look into the incident.
Latvijas Avīze · 2 Sept, 13:30
Speeding driver in Jelgava region fined €1,400 and stripped of licence
On Tuesday, a driver in the Jelgava region was fined €1,400 and had their driving licence revoked for exceeding the speed limit, the State Police reported.
LSM (rus) · 2 Sept, 12:30
Estonian Finance Ministry: state company heads not required to declare economic interests
Estonian Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi said heads of state-owned companies are not holders of public power and therefore have no general legal duty to declare economic interests the way ministers and MPs do.
ERR (rus) · 2 Sept, 12:26
Police: Envelope wages and fake transactions still widespread in Latvia
Tax and Customs Police chief Andrejs Grišins says Latvia's shadow economy still exceeds 20%, driven largely by unpaid personal income tax and VAT evasion. Companies increasingly register abroad to formally employ Latvian workers while dodging domestic tax obligations.
Delfi · 2 Sept, 11:26
Estonia to see frequent rain in early September, night frosts expected by month's end
Meteorologists at Estonia's Environment Agency forecast frequent rain in the first half of September, with drier weather later in the month and possible night frosts toward its end.
ERR (rus) · 2 Sept, 11:25
Poland extends border controls with Lithuania and Germany until April 2027
Poland's Interior Ministry has extended border controls with Lithuania and Germany by another six months, until April 2, 2027, citing the continued migration route through Belarus and the Baltic states.
LRT English · 2 Sept, 10:29
Estonia stops sending police to help seniors who fall at home
An Interior Ministry decision now bars Estonia's Emergency Response Center from dispatching police to seniors who have fallen at home, shifting the task to ambulance crews and social workers as of September 1. Local governments and the Social Affairs Ministry say the change came without warning or a workable alternative.
ERR News · 2 Sept, 10:26
Longer trains between Riga and Sigulda this weekend due to Unity Ride cycling event
Due to the Unity Ride cycling event, Latvian rail operator "Pasažieru vilciens" will run longer train sets between Riga and Sigulda this weekend. The company has published a detailed updated schedule.
Jauns.lv · 2 Sept, 10:25
Estonia's parliament to vote for new president on Wednesday
Estonian MPs will hold a secret ballot on Wednesday to choose a new president, as incumbent Alar Karis' term ends this month. Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise is the sole candidate in the first round.
ERR News · 2 Sept, 09:25
Bunkus murder trial: appeal court begins questioning defense witnesses
The Riga Regional Court has started questioning witnesses called by the defense in the appeal over the murder of insolvency administrator Mārtiņš Bunkus, after earlier rejecting several defense motions.
Jauns.lv · 2 Sept, 09:25
'Elite officers, but their hands are tied': Lithuania's slow shift to drone warfare
Lithuanian military experts warn that the armed forces are adapting too slowly to drone-driven changes in modern warfare, with bureaucracy blamed as the main obstacle despite the creation of a new drone unit.
LRT English · 2 Sept, 08:30
Latvian students achieve country's best-ever result at International Geography Olympiad
Latvian students placed fifth in the world in the team ranking at the International Geography Olympiad, the best result in the country's history. In the individual competition, they won one gold, two silver and one bronze medal.
LSM (rus) · 2 Sept, 08:29
Sand sculptures in Jelgava on view until September 27
The sand sculptures on Pasta Island in Jelgava will remain open to visitors until September 27, with the park's opening hours changing for the autumn season. This year's festival theme was dedicated to the Jurassic period and featured sculptors from 10 countries.
Zemgales Ziņas · 2 Sept, 08:27
Musician Denijs Grieze to perform acoustic concert at Palsmane's “Šķūnis” venue
On September 5, cultural venue “Šķūnis” in Palsmane will host an acoustic concert by musician Denijs Grieze, featuring songs from his debut album “Laimīgs” along with new, previously unreleased tracks.
Ziemeļlatvija · 2 Sept, 08:27
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Latvia-Ukraine agreement on mutual recognition of driving licences takes effect
From September 2, Latvia and Ukraine allow residents to exchange a driving licence issued in one country for one from the other without retaking driving exams. The Latvian Transport Ministry announced the agreement's entry into force.
TVNET · 2 Sept, 08:26
Russia using intimidation to try to end Western support for Ukraine, says Latvian military chief
Latvian National Armed Forces commander Kaspars Pudāns says Russia is deploying sabotage and other hybrid threats to try to pressure the West into halting support for Ukraine. Latvia's month-long "Namejs" defense exercise begins Wednesday.
Delfi · 2 Sept, 08:26
Estonian Prosecutor's Office launches probe into Defense Ministry finances
Estonia's Prosecutor's Office has opened criminal proceedings into the Defense Ministry's finances following National Audit Office reports. No suspects have been named, and the Internal Security Service (KAPO) is leading the investigation.
ERR News · 2 Sept, 08:26
Scammers target relatives of Latvians missing in Nepal disaster
Latvia's State Police warns that fraudsters are trying to extract money from relatives of Latvians missing after a natural disaster in Nepal, offering paid "help" including psychic services. Officials stress that genuine state assistance is always free.
BNN · 2 Sept, 08:25
Estonia still unsure how many pupils lack a school place
Estonian Education Minister Kristina Kallas says the exact number of children without a school place cannot yet be confirmed, as schools have until September 10 to update the data system. Many of the currently unregistered pupils have Ukrainian names, and schools cannot reach their parents.
ERR (rus) · 2 Sept, 08:25
Power outage in Bauska region affects around 2,200 customers
A grid fault left roughly 2,200 customers without electricity in the Bauska region on Wednesday morning. Grid operator Sadales tīkls says crews are working to restore supply.
Jauns.lv · 2 Sept, 08:24
Jelgava calls on young people to join its youth council
Young people aged 13 to 30 can apply to join the Jelgava Youth Council until September 30. The body identifies youth needs and puts forward proposals to the city government.
Zemgales Ziņas · 2 Sept, 07:31
Smiltene municipality holds forest fire drill with military helicopter support
A civil protection training exercise for extinguishing forest fires took place in Smiltene municipality's Launkalne parish, involving a National Armed Forces Air Force helicopter. The drill aimed to test cooperation and readiness among emergency services.
Ziemeļlatvija · 2 Sept, 07:31
Party manifestos give Latgale more attention, but few concrete solutions
Compared to the previous Saeima election, Latgale features more prominently in party manifestos, though mostly in connection with strengthening the eastern border rather than economic development.
LSM · 2 Sept, 07:28
Expert: Compensation after CSDD data leak can be sought before DVI ruling
Following a cyberattack on Latvia's Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) that resulted in a data leak, affected people do not need to wait for the Data State Inspectorate's (DVI) review to conclude before seeking compensation, a legal expert says.
LSM (rus) · 2 Sept, 07:27
Old Jewish chapel ruins in Jaunjelgava get a second life — restoration, not reconstruction
Construction work is underway at the Jewish cemetery in Jaunjelgava to stabilize the ruins of a historic burial preparation building, with the local memorial society aiming to preserve the ruins rather than rebuild the structure.
Staburags · 2 Sept, 07:26
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Heavy rain and thunderstorms expected in parts of Latvia on Wednesday
Meteorologists forecast brief rain showers across most of Latvia on Wednesday, September 2, with heavy rain and thunderstorms possible in some areas.
TVNET · 2 Sept, 07:26
Bauska town square marks Knowledge Day with festivities
A Knowledge Day celebration took place at Bauska's town square, documented in photos by local news outlet Bauskas Dzīve. The event fell on September 1, the traditional start of the new school year in Latvia.
Bauskas Dzīve · 2 Sept, 07:25
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Chef Mārtiņš Sirmais reminds about the end of chanterelle season and shares storage tips
Chef Mārtiņš Sirmais reminds that chanterelles are wild summer mushrooms and that the season is drawing to a close, sharing advice on how to preserve them for winter.
TVNET · 2 Sept, 06:34
Eight scholarships for social welfare students announced in Jelgava Municipality
Jelgava Municipality has opened applications for eight professional scholarships for students of social welfare professions until September 30. Recipients will be required to work in the municipality for at least three years after graduation.
Zemgales Ziņas · 2 Sept, 06:31
Bauska District starts new school year with 6,463 students and 18 new teachers
A total of 6,463 students, including 435 first-graders, have begun the school year in 23 educational institutions in Bauska District. Eighteen new teachers have also joined the workforce.
Bauskas Dzīve · 2 Sept, 06:30
Lawyer: K2 Ventum’s threats to Latvian government lack legal basis
Attorney Ivars Pommers argues that wind park developer K2 Ventum’s threat of a €120 million lawsuit against the state is unfounded and appears aimed at pressuring the government’s decision.
Žurnāls Ir · 2 Sept, 06:29
Brown bear puts on playful ‘gymnastics’ show in Sedas bog, caught on camera
A trail camera in the Sedas bog area has captured a brown bear performing amusing antics, sparking laughter on social media. Experts remind foragers to stay cautious and noisy in the woods as Latvia’s bear population grows.
Latvijas Avīze · 2 Sept, 05:35
LSM board disciplines editors over storm coverage failures
Latvia’s Public Broadcasting (LSM) board has imposed disciplinary measures on chief editor Anita Brauna and Latvian Radio News chief editor Zane Eniņa over their conduct during the storm on August 22–23; other reviewed employees received verbal warnings.
Delfi · 2 Sept, 05:35
Narva's Vanalinna School moves to temporary premises for two years
The Vanalinna School in Narva has relocated to temporary premises in the Krengolm district for two years due to major renovation. The new school year in the city began with 360 children sitting at their desks for the first time.
ERR (rus) · 2 Sept, 04:34