Latvia & nearby (2)

Estonian student on exchange spends two weeks at tiny Kihnu island school

Vesirooži Rozmari, a student from a school in Rapla, Estonia, is spending two weeks at the school on Kihnu island, which has about 20 pupils. She chose it over a trip to the US so as not to fall behind in her own school's curriculum.

ERR (rus) · 10 Nov, 12:10

Ogre Municipality's Bookmobile Marks 30 Years on the Road

The bookmobile service in Ogre Municipality has been running for 30 years. It is currently staffed by librarian Arma Krecere and driver Dzintars Balams.

OgreNet · 10 Nov, 12:10

Marek Tamm: What Would Happen If There Were No Universities?

In an opinion piece published by Estonia's ERR portal, Marek Tamm examines the role of universities in society. He argues that they allow society to tackle questions whose practical value is not known in advance.

ERR (rus) · 10 Nov, 11:12

Government to decide on extra funding for private school teacher pay

The Latvian government plans to decide on 10 November on additional state funding for 16 private schools that did not receive the planned money for teacher salaries under the new school funding model. The changes would affect 432 children.

TVNET · 10 Nov, 11:11

Gaujiena invites visitors to Jāzeps Vītols memorial museum and musical park trail

Smiltene Municipality is promoting Gaujiena, home to the “Anniņas” memorial museum of composer Jāzeps Vītols, a historic manor and a park with a music trail.

Ziemeļlatvija · 10 Nov, 11:11

Smiltēns: Latvia has two options left – attract investment or cut budget spending

Saeima Speaker Edvards Smiltēns said on TV24 that borrowing is no longer realistic for Latvia, leaving a choice between stimulating the economy and cutting state spending. He expects concrete proposals from political partners.

Latvijas Avīze · 10 Nov, 11:10

Madona Catholic Parish to Celebrate the Feast of Christ the King

The Catholic parish in Madona, Latvia, will mark the Feast of Christ the King next week, which closes the Church's liturgical year. The feast invites reflection on the place of Christ in people's lives and in the world.

Stars (Madona) · 10 Nov, 11:10

Lithuanian social security minister questions need for family definition referendum

Lithuania's Social Security and Labour Minister Inga Ruginienė has questioned the need for an advisory referendum on the constitutional definition of family. She said existing legislation already sets a clear framework and that the vote would cost about €5.5 million.

LRT English · 10 Nov, 10:13

Four skinhead group members detained in Riga, three of them minors

On 29 October, the State Police and the State Security Service detained four members of a skinhead group in Riga on suspicion of arson and violence against homeless people. Three of those detained are minors.

Jauns.lv · 10 Nov, 10:12

Slesers: LPV Would Back a Kulbergs Government Without New Unity and the Progressives

The party Latvia First (LPV) is ready to support a government formed by prime ministerial candidate Andris Kulbergs, with or without ministerial posts, provided New Unity and the Progressives are excluded. LPV leader Ainars Slesers said so on TV3.

Apollo.lv · 10 Nov, 10:12

Linnateater Asks Narva for €10,000 to Stage "Vikings" at Narva Castle

Tallinn's Linnateater has asked the city of Narva for €10,000 to stage the open-air play "Vikings" at Narva Castle in August 2027. The project would be carried out together with the Narva Museum.

ERR (rus) · 10 Nov, 10:12

Streets in Valmiera to close briefly during Lāčplēsis Day torchlight procession

On 11 November, from 6:00 pm to 6:25 pm, sections of Rīga and Semināra streets in Valmiera will be closed for a torchlight procession. Traffic will be delayed, traffic lights switched off and buses will run late.

Valmieras Ziņas · 10 Nov, 10:11

Estonian commentator: officials should be given room to avoid unjust penalties

Imre Kaas, a commentator on Estonia's public radio Vikerraadio, argues that state agencies should be able to withdraw clearly unfair decisions. He cites a mother whom the Social Insurance Board is demanding repay at least €1,960 in child support assistance.

ERR News · 10 Nov, 10:11

First verdict in Valka EU funds fraud case: cider maker owner admits aiding fraud

A first conviction has entered into force in the case of EU funds defrauded in Valka municipality, Latvia. The owner of the company Mūrbūdu sidra darītava, Krišjānis Zintis Putniņš, admitted to aiding fraud under a plea agreement approved by the court.

Ziemeļlatvija · 10 Nov, 10:10

LPV Ready to Back Kulbergs Government if It Excludes New Unity and Progressives

The Latvia First party is willing to support a government formed by prime minister candidate Andris Kulbergs, with or without ministerial posts, provided it excludes New Unity and the Progressives. LPV leader Ainārs Šlesers said so on TV3.

TVNET · 10 Nov, 09:13

Vidzeme Rescue Service Gets 38 Calls in a Day, Including Torn-Off Roof in Smiltene

Latvia's State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) in the Vidzeme region received 38 calls between 6:30 on 9 November and 6:30 on 10 November. In Smiltene, firefighters dismantled a torn-off roof structure on a public building.

Ziemeļlatvija · 10 Nov, 09:10

Four people who identify as skinheads detained in Riga; three are minors

On 29 October, the State Police, working with the State Security Service, detained four people, including three minors, over arson and violence against homeless people. The three minors have been recognised as suspects.

Valsts policija · 10 Nov, 09:10

Three people rescued from apartment building fire in Valmiera municipality

Firefighters in Jeri parish, Valmiera municipality, rescued three people from a burning three-storey apartment building, while four more left on their own. The fire service said no smoke detector alarm was heard in any of the homes.

VUGD · 10 Nov, 09:10

Estonian foreign minister announces new ministry secretary general

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said former state secretary Taimar Peterkop will become the ministry's new secretary general. He replaces Jonaton Vseviov, who resigned to run in the 2027 election.

ERR News · 10 Nov, 08:13

Volleyball club Vecumnieki wins only one of five games to start the season

Vecumnieki, a volleyball club from Vecumnieki municipality, has won just one of its first five games in the Latvian National Volleyball League this season. Several sets were lost by narrow margins.

Bauskas Dzīve · 10 Nov, 08:13

Electricity prices surge in the Baltics in early November, reaching an average of €414/MWh in Latvia on Monday

Wholesale electricity prices in the Baltic states rose sharply in early November, and on Monday the daily average in Latvia reached €414 per megawatt-hour. Companies point to costly natural gas, weaker renewable output and limited transmission capacity.

OgreNet · 10 Nov, 08:12

Smiltene to Mark Lāčplēsis Day With Torchlight Procession and Remembrance Event

On 11 November, Lāčplēsis Day, Smiltene will hold a church service, a torchlight procession and a remembrance ceremony at the town cemetery. The event honours Latvia's freedom fighters and is open to everyone.

Ziemeļlatvija · 10 Nov, 08:11

Lithuania's Coalition Weighs VAT, Income and Vehicle Tax Changes to Boost Budget Revenue

Lithuania's governing coalition working group discussed a higher VAT, a more progressive personal income tax and an annual vehicle pollution tax last week. No decisions have been made, and the coalition council is due to hear the group's findings on Wednesday.

LRT English · 10 Nov, 08:11

Video shows boy triggered basketball hoop collapse in Iecava, municipality says

Bauskas Municipality says surveillance footage shows a ten-year-old boy snagged the net and toppled a basketball hoop at a sports ground in Iecava. Residents say the hoop had long been poorly secured, and the boy's family has filed a complaint with the State Police.

Latvijas Avīze · 10 Nov, 08:11

Liepāja's Seniors' Growth Academy: From Weeding to Artificial Intelligence

The Seniors' Growth Academy run by Liepāja's Education Board has graduated ten groups, and demand exceeds the available places. Its head says some graduates have returned to work or started small businesses.

Jauns.lv · 10 Nov, 07:12

Illegal Dump in Rīga's Āgenskalns: Residents Ask for Surveillance Camera

An unofficial waste dump has existed for several years on Kristapa Street in Rīga's Āgenskalns neighbourhood. Residents want a surveillance camera installed, but the municipal police have refused.

NRA · 10 Nov, 07:12

Journalists' Association Opposes Moving Media Support Fund to NEPLP

The Latvian Journalists' Association opposes the idea of transferring administration of the Media Support Fund to the National Electronic Mass Media Council. It argues this would concentrate power and threaten media independence.

TVNET · 10 Nov, 07:11

Dry and sunny weather expected in Latvia on Martinmas

No significant precipitation is forecast in Latvia on 10 November, Martinmas, and the sun will shine in many places. Air temperature will rise to +2..+6 degrees.

Apollo.lv · 10 Nov, 07:11

Valka's first apartment building insulated with wooden panels due for handover on 12 November

A renovated 30-apartment building at Tirgus Street 12 in Valka, insulated with factory-made timber-frame panels, is due to be handed over on 12 November. The original deadline was 8 October.

Ziemeļlatvija · 10 Nov, 07:11

Number of registered unemployed in Estonia barely changes over the week

As of 8 November, Estonia had 37,917 registered unemployed people, with the registered unemployment rate unchanged at 5.4%. Ida-Viru County continues to have the highest jobless rate.

ERR (rus) · 10 Nov, 07:10

Kučinskis: Next Year's Budget Must Include Reforms, No Tax Increases Planned

Latvian Finance Minister Māris Kučinskis told the LETA news agency that the 2027 budget package must contain reforms enabling a gradual cut in spending of up to 500 million euros. He said no tax reform or tax increases are needed next year.

Jauns.lv · 10 Nov, 06:13

Lithuania tightens checks on Russian and Belarusian transit grain at Klaipeda port

Lithuania will require Russian and Belarusian grain moving through the port of Klaipeda to be held until origin checks are completed. The process could delay exports by several months.

Pravda — ziņas · 10 Nov, 06:13

Aspiring psychologist disappointed by Latvian salaries sparks online debate on pay after graduation

A Latvian student training to become a psychologist has triggered a social media debate by complaining about job offers paying under 2,000 euros. Central Statistical Bureau data put the median gross wage in Latvia at 1,527 euros.

Latvijas Avīze · 10 Nov, 06:12

No significant precipitation expected in Latvia on Martinmas

Latvia is forecast to have dry, partly sunny weather on Tuesday, 10 November, with air temperatures of +2 to +6 degrees Celsius. The weather is influenced by an area of high pressure.

Bauskas Dzīve · 10 Nov, 06:11