Latvia & nearby (166)

Storm damages border fence on Latvia's eastern border in 124 locations

A powerful storm over the weekend damaged Interior Ministry infrastructure, with falling trees breaking the state border fence in 124 spots and harming border guard buildings and equipment. Fuel shortages and communication disruptions also hampered emergency services.

LSM · 25 Aug, 17:41

Seasonal worker dies in accident at LATRAPS facility in Eleja

A seasonal worker of Latvian agricultural company LATRAPS died on August 25 in Eleja, with authorities now investigating the circumstances of the tragedy.

Jauns.lv · 25 Aug, 16:39

Saulkrasti and Sigulda municipalities offer residents support after power outages

In Saulkrasti municipality, where electricity supply has not yet been fully restored after a storm, residents can wash, charge their phones and receive drinking water. Similar support is available in Sigulda municipality.

TVNET · 25 Aug, 16:39

Survey: 37% of Latvians struggle to return to daily routine after vacation

A survey shows that more than a third of Latvia's residents find it difficult to return to their everyday routine after a holiday.

Apollo.lv · 25 Aug, 16:39

Estonian-Russian dual citizen sentenced to four years for aiding Russia's GRU

An Estonian court has sentenced dual citizen Nikita Kuzmin to four years in prison under a plea deal after he cooperated with Russia's military intelligence agency GRU, gathering information on facilities in the border town of Narva.

ERR News · 25 Aug, 15:41

Latvian Radio news staff back department head after storm-coverage criticism

Staff at Latvian Radio's News Department have publicly backed their head Uģis Lībietis, who offered to resign after criticism of storm coverage, while urging that public broadcaster management also be held accountable.

Jauns.lv · 25 Aug, 15:41

Ilmar Parts to lead Narva development foundation through end of 2026

The council of the Narva development foundation SA Narva Linna Arendus has appointed Ilmar Parts as board member, replacing Sergei Gorlach, who was dismissed days earlier. Parts will hold the post until December 31, 2026.

ERR (rus) · 25 Aug, 15:40

Wednesday to bring warm weather with highs of +22°C in Latvia

Meteorologists forecast warm and mostly dry weather across Latvia on Wednesday, with light winds and temperatures reaching up to +22 degrees Celsius.

Apollo.lv · 25 Aug, 15:39

Latvian government rejects «K2 Ventum» wind farm plan near Pāvilosta

Latvia's Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday decided not to approve a wind farm planned by SIA «K2 Ventum» in the Saka parish of Dienvidkurzeme municipality. The related power grid connection plan was also turned down.

LSM · 25 Aug, 15:38

How to save the garden and harvest after storm damage

After a powerful storm swept across Latvia last weekend, flooding gardens and damaging fruit trees, experts shared practical advice on limiting water damage and saving crops.

Delfi · 25 Aug, 15:35

Latvian government backs wider grounds for suspending civil servants

Latvia's government today approved amendments to the State Civil Service Law that would allow a civil servant to be suspended from duty if they are named a criminal suspect. Currently, suspect status alone is not sufficient grounds for suspension.

TVNET · 25 Aug, 14:39

Pārogre residents without power for over 58 hours, criticize lack of information from municipality

Days after a severe storm hit Latvia on August 22, some residents of Pārogre near Ogre remain without electricity for more than 58 hours and say the municipality has failed to communicate clearly. Grid operator Sadales tīkls says work in the area only began Tuesday after repairing a damaged high-voltage line, with completion expected Thursday.

Latvijas Avīze · 25 Aug, 14:38

Some livestock farms in Latvia still without electricity

Several livestock farms across Latvia remain without power, forcing some to dispose of large quantities of milk. Farmers complain of poor coordination with municipalities and other institutions.

LSM (rus) · 25 Aug, 14:36

Latvian Radio news team publicly opposes LSM board's stance on editor's resignation

Staff at Latvian Radio's news service have issued an open letter opposing the public broadcaster's decision to place primary blame for communication failures during last week's storm on news chief Uģis Lībietis. They are calling on LSM's board to also assess accountability at higher management levels.

Delfi · 25 Aug, 14:35

LVM: Major storm damage in state forests could be cleared within four months

Latvia's State Forests (LVM) estimates that the most significant storm damage in state-owned forests could be dealt with in roughly four months. The forecast depends on weather conditions not worsening.

Apollo.lv · 25 Aug, 13:41

Roadworks in Tallinn expose old cobblestones, but no heritage protection awaits them

Roadworks on Tallinn's Kreutzwaldi tänav have exposed a layer of old cobblestones hidden beneath the asphalt, but since the street lies outside the Old Town, the find cannot be granted heritage status.

ERR News · 25 Aug, 13:39

Latvia draws lessons on crisis readiness after devastating storm

Days after a severe weekend storm, tens of thousands of Latvian households remain without power, prompting officials to assess what lessons should be learned about crisis preparedness. The head of the Crisis Management Centre stressed the importance of individual household readiness.

Delfi · 25 Aug, 13:37

After Lībietis's resignation, Latvian Radio News to be temporarily led by Zane Eniņa

Following Uģis Lībietis's resignation as head of Latvian Radio's News Service over criticism of storm coverage, his duties will be temporarily taken over by chief editor Zane Eniņa.

Latvijas Avīze · 25 Aug, 13:36

Don't toss wilted flowers yet – late August is prime time to collect free seeds

By late August many garden plants have ripening seeds that can be collected, dried and stored for next spring, saving gardeners money on new plants. Experts recommend waiting for seed heads to fully mature before cutting spent blooms.

Jauns.lv · 25 Aug, 12:39

As Estonia's economic outlook improves, culture workers hope for pay rise

Negotiations on Estonia's state budget began on Tuesday, and culture sector workers, encouraged by an improved economic forecast, are hoping for a higher minimum wage and better social protection for freelancers.

ERR (rus) · 25 Aug, 12:35

Storm leaves damage in Nereta unlike anything even elderly residents recall

Following a powerful storm that hit Latvia last weekend, residents of Nereta were left without electricity and communications for several days, while an eyewitness documented the destruction in the area.

Latvijas Avīze · 25 Aug, 11:41

Lithuania deploys NASAMS air defence system near Vilnius amid drone threat

Lithuania's armed forces have replaced short-range air defence systems near Vilnius with the medium-range NASAMS system, responding to repeated drone incursions from Belarus.

LRT English · 25 Aug, 11:35

Storm winds damage roofs of sports hall and kindergarten in Sigulda municipality

Strong winds in Sigulda municipality have damaged the roof of the former Mālpils vocational secondary school's sports hall, as well as the roof of the "Tornīši" kindergarten.

Apollo.lv · 25 Aug, 10:39

Latvian flag desecration: arrests made in Daugavpils and Preiļi

State Police in Latgale opened two criminal proceedings last week over desecration of the Latvian flag, in Daugavpils and Preiļi. Several people were detained, including three young people.

Latvijas Avīze · 25 Aug, 10:38

Lithuania's Girteka shifts part of operations to Latvia and Romania

Girteka Group, Lithuania's largest freight and logistics company, is moving part of its operations to Riga, Latvia, and Oradea, Romania, by setting up local subsidiaries there. The move is driven mainly by a persistent shortage of truck drivers across Europe.

LRT English · 25 Aug, 10:37

Several people detained in Latgale for disrespecting the state flag

Police in Latvia's Latgale region detained several people last week over incidents involving disrespectful treatment of the national flag, the State Police confirmed to LETA.

TVNET · 25 Aug, 10:36

Fire service still fielding storm-related calls, warns of falling branches

Days after a devastating storm hit Latvia, the fire and rescue service continues to receive calls about storm damage and is warning residents about hazardous damaged trees and power lines. Over 3,300 reports have been logged since the storm struck.

Jauns.lv · 25 Aug, 10:36

Estonian Artists' Association to auction works to cover fraud loss

After losing nearly €700,000 to fraud in May, the Estonian Artists' Association will auction part of its collection along with donated pieces in October. A board member explains why parting with paintings hurts less than losing studio space.

ERR News · 25 Aug, 10:36

Over 30,000 households in Latvia still without power after storm

On Tuesday morning around 31,000 customers across Latvia remained without electricity, with the worst-hit areas in Ogre, Aizkraute, Preiļi, Rēzekne, Jēkabpils and Bauska municipalities. Grid operator Sadales tīkls has over 200 crews working, including help from Estonia's Elektrilevi.

OgreNet · 25 Aug, 09:40

Pāvilosta resident: municipality avoids taking a clear stance on wind farm dispute

The government must issue its opinion on the “K2 Ventum” wind farm project in Pāvilosta by August 31, but there is no consensus among ministers or local residents. Supporter Gatis Auziņš argues the municipality is avoiding a clear position, waiting to see which side of the dispute prevails.

Latvijas Avīze · 25 Aug, 09:39

Storm damages disc golf course in Bauska's Ziedoņi Park, championship round postponed to September

A storm damaged the disc golf course in Bauska's Ziedoņi Park, forcing the cancellation of an August 23 championship round, now expected to be held on September 13.

Bauskas Dzīve · 25 Aug, 09:39

Over 93,000 households still without power in Lithuania after powerful storm

More than 93,000 electricity consumers in Lithuania remain without power days after a powerful storm hit the country over the weekend. Grid operator ESO says supply in the worst-affected districts should be restored by Saturday.

LSM · 25 Aug, 09:38

Police dog Karmo locates missing 74-year-old woman in Estonian forest

A 74-year-old mushroom picker who got lost in the Paunküla forest in Harju County, Estonia, was found safe after a roughly two-hour search, thanks to police dog Karmo.

ERR News · 25 Aug, 09:36

Ludmila Latt elected new leader of Centre Party faction in Kohtla-Järve council

The opposition Centre Party faction on Kohtla-Järve's city council elected Ludmila Latt as its new chairwoman on Monday, replacing Sergei Lopin, who quit the post.

ERR (rus) · 25 Aug, 09:36