Latvia & nearby
Latvian Civic Alliance: NGO funding debate lacks respect and quality data
The Latvian Civic Alliance says Tuesday's meeting with Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs on NGO funding lacked respectful dialogue and quality data; the organization expressed disappointment that no common vision was reached.
Delfi · 5 Aug, 20:52
Narva hopes to restore part of its lost Old Town as detailed plan advances
Narva has approved a detailed plan aimed at bringing back part of the city's lost Old Town, with the next steps depending largely on investors. The plan will be publicly discussed in autumn and final approval is expected by the end of the year.
ERR (rus) · 5 Aug, 20:50
Magonis and Osinovskis, accused in bribery case, file cassation appeals
Uģis Magonis, former chairman of the board of Latvian Railways, and Estonian businessman Oļegs Osinovskis, both accused in a bribery case, have filed cassation appeals.
LSM · 5 Aug, 20:49
KNAB launches review of Latvian MP's housing allowance after public reports
Latvia's anti-corruption bureau has initiated a review into Progressive MP Leila Rasima's rental compensation, also urging stricter checks to prevent abuse.
Delfi · 5 Aug, 19:54
KNAB launches probe into deputy Rasima’s housing compensation
Latvia’s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau has launched an internal review into Saeima deputy Leila Rasima’s rental allowance after public reports suggested possible abuse. The bureau has also called for tighter controls to prevent dishonest use of the compensation system.
Latvijas Avīze · 5 Aug, 19:53
Design phase begins for renovation of Narva rowing base; completion planned for 2028
Narva has signed a contract for the design of the reconstruction of its rowing base. The renovation is expected to be completed by June 30, 2028.
ERR (rus) · 5 Aug, 19:52
KNAB launches review into Saeima deputy Rasima's rental compensation
Latvia's Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau has launched a review on its own initiative over possible dishonest conduct by a Saeima deputy involving housing rental compensation.
LSM (rus) · 5 Aug, 19:50
Narva police: call 112 first, don't film window smashing
A man with a hammer smashed shop windows and doors in central Narva; police urge witnesses to call 112 immediately instead of filming.
ERR (rus) · 5 Aug, 18:55
Pellet prices sky-high: is relief on the way?
Latvia's Climate and Energy Ministry has signed a memorandum with three local pellet producers to make fuel more affordable, but the key question about price remains unanswered.
LSM (rus) · 5 Aug, 18:49
Grass snake found hiding in wires behind TV in Estonia; rescuers relocate it to river
On the morning of August 4, rescue workers in Lääne-Nigula helped remove a grass snake that had crawled behind a television and settled among the cables.
ERR (rus) · 5 Aug, 17:54
LIZDA: Proposed education changes cannot be properly assessed in just a few days
Latvia's education workers' union has sharply criticized the ministry's rushed amendment process, saying it could create new problems for schools and teachers.
Jauns.lv · 5 Aug, 17:52
Vilnius warns of fake QR stickers on parking payment machines
Vilnius authorities have warned drivers about fraudulent QR stickers placed on parking payment machines. Scanning them leads to a fake payment page where bank card details are stolen.
Latvijas Avīze · 5 Aug, 17:51
President Rinkēvičs: Matter of Dombrava's letter to Spain is closed
Latvia's president says the controversy over the interior minister's letter to Spain is resolved, and stressed the need for coordinated foreign policy communication.
Delfi · 5 Aug, 17:50
Migrants attack Lithuanian border guards after crossing via tunnel from Belarus
A group of migrants attacked Lithuanian border guards after entering the country through a tunnel from Belarus. The incident took place in late July, with no injuries reported.
LRT English · 5 Aug, 16:56
Delfi remains Latvia’s most visited website in July; Inbox.lv moves to second
In July, delfi.lv was the most visited audited website in Latvia, reaching 792,000 real users including its mobile apps. Inbox.lv overtook tvnet.lv to take second place.
Delfi · 5 Aug, 16:50
State Police reports five alcohol-related violations this year; minister seeks review of police chief
The State Police has recorded five alcohol-related disciplinary violations this year. After an incident in Aizkraukle, the interior minister has called for a service review of the police chief.
Jauns.lv · 5 Aug, 15:55
Estonian retailers split over Nutri-Score color labeling
Estonia's retail chains have differing views on introducing the Nutri-Score color labeling, with the ministry analyzing the plan and a decision expected after results arrive in autumn.
ERR (rus) · 5 Aug, 15:50
Estonia hands over first eight detained illegal migrants to Latvia
Estonian border guards on Wednesday handed eight Ethiopian citizens to Latvia at Ikla, after they entered Estonia illegally via Latvia from Belarus. None of the men sought international protection, saying they intended to travel onward to other Schengen countries.
Delfi · 5 Aug, 15:50
Analysis: Ida-Viru County residents' expectations for the future
A University of Tartu survey of over 1,200 residents shows that Ida-Viru County is worried about health care, jobs and what happens after EU funding ends. Experts recommend stronger mental health support, youth retention measures and low-risk community grants.
ERR News · 5 Aug, 15:49
Man faces charges over nearly 32,000 illicit cigarettes and money laundering in Preiļi region
The State Police has completed an investigation into a man caught with nearly 32,000 illicit cigarettes in Preiļi region, who is also accused of laundering criminal proceeds.
Delfi · 5 Aug, 14:55
Former Narva deputy mayor Marina Shurupova regains city council seat
Narva’s city electoral commission has restored the deputy mandate of former vice-mayor Marina Shurupova, with Viktor Shemarin losing his council seat.
ERR (rus) · 5 Aug, 14:54
Lithuanian government sees no need for emergency action despite diesel price topping €2
Lithuania’s finance minister says the fuel market is not in a critical state, even though average diesel prices have risen above €2 per litre, and relief would only be considered if crude stayed above $100 for several days.
LRT English · 5 Aug, 14:53
Swimming Allowed in Stende and Irbe Rivers Despite Fish Kill, Inspectorate Says
Despite the mass death of fish in the Stende and Irbe rivers in Ventspils Municipality, the Health Inspectorate says the water is safe for people and swimming is not prohibited.
LSM (rus) · 5 Aug, 14:52
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Apollo.lv invites readers to test their school knowledge
Apollo.lv has published a test that lets anyone check how well they remember basic knowledge from school. Participants can find out how many correct answers they get.
Apollo.lv · 5 Aug, 14:51
Latvia considers involving National Defence Service soldiers in Belarus border protection
Deputy Chief of the State Border Guard General Juris Martukāns has said the situation on the Latvia-Belarus border has become dramatic and that additional human resources are needed. The possibility of involving National Defence Service soldiers in border protection is currently being considered.
LSM · 5 Aug, 14:49
Golf Center and Private Residences Planned Near Tartu
A comprehensive plan for Ilmatsalu, a borough about 11 km west of Tartu, proposes a golf village, two artificial lakes, and a single-family home neighborhood on the site of former fish farming ponds.
ERR News · 5 Aug, 13:55
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Rinkēvičs: Dombrava's letter issue can be closed
During a joint press conference in Jūrmala, President Edgars Rinkēvičs said the question of Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava's letter to Spain should be considered closed.
TVNET · 5 Aug, 13:54
Children cause explosions near abandoned house in Narva-Jõesuu
Children in Narva-Jõesuu used bottles filled with chemicals and foil to cause explosions near an abandoned building; police and sappers responded.
ERR (rus) · 5 Aug, 13:50
Estonia to review gambling law as self-exclusion list nears 21,000
Nearly 21,000 people in Estonia have placed themselves on a gambling restriction list, prompting the Ministry of Finance to plan a review of the Gambling Act next year, with changes possible in mid-2026.
ERR News · 5 Aug, 12:53
Kulbergs: More on Latvia-Belarus border steps expected in August
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has said new measures to strengthen Latvia's border and curb illegal migration could be announced in August.
Latvijas Avīze · 5 Aug, 12:52
Former defense chief Riho Ühtegi bows out of Estonian presidency race
Retired Maj. Gen. Riho Ühtegi, former commander of the Estonian Defense League, has dropped out of the upcoming presidential election due to a serious health condition. He had been one of the potential candidates in the race.
ERR News · 5 Aug, 11:55
Latvijas Avīze invites readers to test their knowledge of Latvian rivers
A new quiz published by Latvijas Avīze invites readers to check how well they know Latvia's rivers. Participants can find out whether their former geography teacher would be proud of them.
Latvijas Avīze · 5 Aug, 11:53
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Police to clarify situation over man allegedly approaching minor in Jelgava
The State Police have launched an internal review into an alleged incident in late July when a man reportedly approached an underage girl in Jelgava. A decision will be made after the circumstances are clarified.
TVNET · 5 Aug, 11:52
Accused of sabotage on Russian intelligence orders ready to plead guilty
Denis Lukanenok, accused of committing sabotage on the instructions of a Russian special service, is prepared to sign an agreement with the prosecutor to admit guilt and accept a sentence.
LSM (rus) · 5 Aug, 11:49
Three Summer Lemonade Recipes: Watermelon, Strawberry and Peach
Fresh berries and fruits can be turned into refreshing summer lemonades. Here are three simple recipes using watermelon, strawberries and peaches.
Jauns.lv · 5 Aug, 10:57
Latvia proposes using unclaimed funds from closed accounts for public needs
The Ministry of Justice has proposed allowing the state to take over money left unclaimed for years in accounts closed by financial institutions, with funds going toward socially important purposes. One intended use would be establishing a safe house for children and youths in conflict with the law.
Delfi · 5 Aug, 10:53