Latvia & nearby
Most abortions in Latvia last year performed on women over 30
In 2025, 2,421 induced abortions were performed in Latvia, a figure roughly unchanged from the previous year, with women aged 30 to 39 accounting for the largest share. Meanwhile, births in Latvia fell by more than 7% compared to 2024.
Delfi · 8 Aug, 19:19
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Yacht with broken mast helped off Engure coast
On Saturday, a yacht lost steering ability near Bērzciems after its mast broke, and assistance was provided, the Engure Volunteer Firefighters Association reported.
Apollo.lv · 8 Aug, 19:15
Beverage carton recycling in Latvia grows 2.5 times in two years
The amount of milk, kefir and juice cartons recycled through "Eco Baltia vide" rose from 163 to 408 tonnes between 2023 and 2025. Residents are urged to sort such packaging correctly as Latvia will soon need to double its recycling rate.
Delfi · 8 Aug, 18:17
Rinkēvičs: experiences of repression must be spoken about openly
President Edgars Rinkēvičs told participants of the 27th gathering of Latvia's politically repressed persons in Ikšķile that their experiences must be spoken about loudly. Saeima Speaker Daiga Mieriņa called for continued restoration of historical justice for the repressed.
Jauns.lv · 8 Aug, 18:17
Yacht with broken mast rescued near Bērzciems
On Thursday a yacht lost its mast and became unmanageable in the sea near Engure, but volunteer firefighters and other rescuers safely escorted the vessel and its crew back to Engure harbor.
Latvijas Avīze · 8 Aug, 18:15
Water at Riga's beaches warms to 18-22 degrees
Data collected by the Riga Municipal Police shows that on Saturday, August 8, water temperature at the city's official beaches ranges from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius.
LSM (rus) · 8 Aug, 18:14
LVRTC: some eID card holders will get new e-signature solution, no need for a new card
LVRTC is developing a new remote qualified electronic signature solution for eID cards using the Cosmo 8.1 chip, which will no longer meet EU requirements. The new system must be rolled out by December, and users will not have to pay for it.
Latvijas Avīze · 8 Aug, 17:20
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Rinkēvičs: Repressions must be spoken about openly, especially for young Latvians
President Edgars Rinkēvičs, in a message to participants of the 27th gathering of Latvia's politically repressed persons in Ikšķile, said experiences of repression must be discussed openly. He noted this is especially important for Latvia's younger generation.
TVNET · 8 Aug, 17:17
Latvia's Senate: residents can sue over Biķernieki racetrack noise, but must prove violations
Latvia's Senate ruled that residents have the right to challenge public events over excessive noise as an environmental issue, though a specific complaint about the Biķernieki racetrack was rejected for lack of evidence.
Jauns.lv · 8 Aug, 17:16
Saturday sees gathering of future reservists across Latvia
On Saturday, August 8, mobilization centers opened in Riga, Valmiera, Kuldīga and Alūksne for Latvian citizens who volunteered for training to become reserve soldiers. They will be taken to the Infantry School in Alūksne for a three-week course.
LSM (rus) · 8 Aug, 17:14
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Sunday to bring sunshine and highs up to +25°C in Latvia
An anticyclone will shape Sunday's weather in Latvia, with sunny, dry conditions expected across much of the country in the morning hours. Temperatures are forecast to rise to +25°C.
TVNET · 8 Aug, 16:22
Sunny weather expected in Latvia on Sunday as anticyclone dominates
An anticyclone will shape Sunday's weather in Latvia, bringing sunny and dry conditions to most of the country in the morning, with cloud cover increasing later without rain.
Jauns.lv · 8 Aug, 16:22
Sunday brings an anticyclone to Latvia: sunny morning, more clouds later
An anticyclone will shape Latvia's weather on Sunday, bringing sunny and dry conditions in the first half of the day before clouds increase. Temperatures will reach up to +25 degrees.
Latvijas Avīze · 8 Aug, 15:15
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Anticyclone to bring sunny, dry weather on Sunday
Weather on Sunday will be shaped by an anticyclone, with sunny and dry conditions expected across most of the country during the first part of the day, forecasters say.
Apollo.lv · 8 Aug, 15:15
White Wagtail — a bird many people would like to resemble
A Latvian Radio programme highlights the white wagtail, Latvia's national bird, noting its close physical and symbolic bond with people.
LSM (rus) · 8 Aug, 15:14
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Swedbank reports disruption to its services
Swedbank has announced on social media that its services are currently experiencing disruptions. Further details on the cause and scope of the issue have not yet been provided.
TVNET · 8 Aug, 14:19
Swedbank reports service disruptions
Swedbank has announced on social media that its services are currently experiencing disruptions. The bank says staff are working on a fix and customers will be informed once operations return to normal.
Jauns.lv · 8 Aug, 14:15
Estonia's Chancellor of Justice Madise open to presidential bid if MPs seek broad consensus
Estonian Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise says she is not putting herself forward as a presidential candidate but would seriously consider it if a broad cross-party majority in the Riigikogu asked for her consent. The first round of the presidential election takes place on September 2.
ERR News · 8 Aug, 13:19
Renovated Mehikoorma lighthouse draws crowds eager to view Russia through binoculars
More than 70 people visited Estonia's newly renovated Mehikoorma lighthouse in its first three hours, many using the chance to view the Russian shore less than two kilometers away through binoculars.
ERR (rus) · 8 Aug, 13:16
Gardeners advised: remove rotting fruit from trees to protect next year's harvest
An expert recommends collecting rotting fruit from trees and the ground, warning that leftover fruit can spread disease and harm next year's crop. The advice is especially relevant for small gardens that don't use chemical treatments.
Latvijas Avīze · 8 Aug, 13:15
Mobilization centers open across Latvia to gather reservists for training
On Saturday, August 8, Latvia's National Armed Forces opened mobilization centers at Riga's Teika Secondary School as well as in Valmiera, Kuldīga and Alūksne, where citizens who signed up for voluntary reserve training gathered.
LSM · 8 Aug, 13:14
Omniva reroutes parcels to distant towns amid high delivery volumes
Estonian postal company Omniva has been redirecting some parcels to lockers in other towns, sometimes dozens of kilometers from the ordered location, citing high volumes. Customers have complained about the inconvenience, though the company says it aims to keep deliveries fast.
ERR News · 8 Aug, 12:16
Love-themed film festival Tartuff opens in Tartu — all screenings free
The Tartuff love film festival opened in Tartu on August 8, offering free admission to all screenings.
ERR (rus) · 8 Aug, 11:16
Body found in quarry in Līvāni municipality
A dead person was pulled from a quarry in Turku parish, Līvāni municipality, on Friday. Police are investigating the case.
Apollo.lv · 8 Aug, 10:19
Estonian defence committee chief: eastern border should be closed
Estonian parliament's National Defence Committee chair Kalev Stoicescu dismisses WSJ's scenario of a possible Russian attack on a NATO country as speculation, while urging that Estonia's eastern border be reinforced and closed.
ERR (rus) · 8 Aug, 10:18
Lithuania's water tourism surges in popularity, drawing foreign visitors too
More Lithuanians and foreign tourists are choosing holidays centred on the country's lakes and rivers, taking up kayaking, paddleboarding and diving. Industry figures say interest is growing despite this year's unsettled weather denting visitor numbers.
LRT English · 8 Aug, 10:18
Body of deceased person recovered from quarry in Līvāni municipality
On Friday, a dead person was pulled from a quarry in Turki parish, Līvāni municipality, and handed over to police. Since the swimming season began, 32 people have died in Latvia's waters.
Jauns.lv · 8 Aug, 10:16
Analyst: What happens to Estonia's Ida-Viru County once the €340 million fund runs dry?
University of Tartu researchers warn that the Just Transition Fund has kickstarted new projects in Ida-Viru County, but it remains unclear what will happen once the fund's money runs out. Commentator Erik Gamzejev calls for planning the fund's next phase now.
ERR (rus) · 8 Aug, 09:20
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Court to resume hearing case on shooting of three dogs in Bauska region
On August 11, the Zemgale District Court in Tukums will resume hearing a criminal case over the shooting of three dogs in Brunava parish, Bauska region, last October.
TVNET · 8 Aug, 09:19
Man born in 1992 goes missing after leaving facility on Tvaika Street in Riga
Latvian State Police are searching for a man who left a facility on Tvaika Street in Riga yesterday afternoon and has not been heard from since. He may possibly be in Ogre.
Jauns.lv · 8 Aug, 09:19
Nutritionist shares tips on protecting children's digestion while travelling
Nutritionist Olga Ļubina explains how parents can maintain healthy eating habits for children during summer travel and reduce the risk of digestive upset. She advises sticking to familiar foods, being cautious with drinking water, and packing a small first-aid kit.
Ziemeļlatvija · 8 Aug, 09:18
NBS: none of Latvia's four female colonels yet nominated for general rank
Latvia's National Armed Forces currently have four female colonels on active duty, but none has been promoted to general. The military says the decision depends not only on tenure and education but also on the availability of posts designated for that rank.
Latvijas Avīze · 8 Aug, 09:17
Climate minister Vitenbergs visits Bauska region – heating season, floods and river pollution
Climate and Energy Minister Jānis Vitenbergs visited Bauska municipality to discuss heating season readiness, flood risk reduction and pollution in the Mūsa river, while also touring several local businesses.
Bauskas Dzīve · 8 Aug, 09:16
Rinkēvičs to take week-long vacation, will skip Aglona festival this year
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs will be on his annual vacation from August 8 to 15 and will not attend this year's Aglona religious festival, which he has attended in previous years.
Delfi · 8 Aug, 09:15
Public renews push to scrap Saeima MPs' transport and housing compensation
In under four years, Latvia's 14th Saeima has drawn more than one million euros from the state budget to cover lawmakers' transport and housing costs. A petition on Manabalss.lv is again seeking signatures to abolish these payments.
LSM (rus) · 8 Aug, 09:14
Several Kuldīga council members among Saeima election candidates
With less than two months until Latvia's 15th Saeima elections, several sitting Kuldīga municipal councillors are running for parliament, while former pro-Russian party candidates have shifted to other lists.
Kurzemnieks · 8 Aug, 08:20