Latvia & nearby

Lithuania moves to produce Ukrainian drones under bilateral defence agreement
Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas has announced plans to produce Ukrainian drones on Lithuanian soil under a bilateral defence industry cooperation agreement signed in May, with production to use Ukrainian technology and joint investments.
LRT English · 4 Aug, 10:56

Who Gets the 10-Cent Deposit When a Bottle Is Left at a Café? Latvia's PTAC Explains
A social media discussion has arisen over deposit fees being added to cafe bills. The Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC) says that if the bottle reaches the customer's hands, they can take it back and claim the deposit, but if it remains at the cafe, the refund belongs to the business.
Latvijas Avīze · 4 Aug, 10:54

Hockey camp coach detained in Tukums; police seek possible victims
Latvian police have detained a hockey camp coach in Tukums over alleged sexual abuse of a minor. The investigation has revealed that there may be more victims, and police are urging them and any witnesses to come forward.
BNN · 4 Aug, 10:53

Vehicle traffic closed near Daugavpils 8 in Riga
From August 3, vehicle traffic has been closed and pedestrian movement restricted near the building at Daugavpils 8 in Riga to ensure the safety of residents.
LSM (rus) · 4 Aug, 10:51

Lithuanian FM urges NATO to strengthen response after Russian missile lands in Poland
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys has called on NATO to respond more firmly to a Russian missile incident in Poland, emphasising the need for increased military presence and a stronger political stance.
LRT English · 4 Aug, 09:55

Wildberries warehouse near St Petersburg on fire after Ukrainian drone strikes
Ukrainian drone strikes sparked a fire at a Wildberries warehouse near St Petersburg and killed five people in an attack on another facility in the Moscow region. Kyiv has been hitting Wildberries logistics sites since mid-July, saying they are used to supply the Russian military.
Bauskas Dzīve · 4 Aug, 09:55

Sanita Upleja-Jegermane keeps leading Latvia’s public electronic media council
Sanita Upleja-Jegermane will continue as head of Latvia’s public electronic media council, with Una Klapkalne chosen as her deputy. The chair has broad responsibilities under the law governing the council.
Delfi · 4 Aug, 09:53

Ogre Woman Mistakes Grandson for Stranger and Calls Police
In late July, police in Ogre received a call from a woman who said an unknown person had moved into her room. It turned out to be her grandson, and the woman was experiencing memory problems.
OgreNet · 4 Aug, 08:57

Valka residents doubt politicians and worry about county's future
As Latvia prepares for the 15th Saeima elections, people in Valka county are reportedly gloomy and more likely to trust themselves than their politicians. The main concerns include the closure of a family doctor's practice, a vacant cultural centre director post and fears that the county could be merged with a neighbouring municipality.
Ziemeļlatvija · 4 Aug, 08:56

Krāslava to host Latgale seniors' song and dance festival
On Saturday, 8 August, Krāslava will host the 21st Latgale Region Senior Song and Dance Festival, bringing together collectives from across Latgale. The programme includes a church service, a procession, a concert and a dance party.
LaKuga · 4 Aug, 08:52

Tallinn may extend public transport hours to airport into night
Tallinn city officials are considering extending public transport service hours to the airport, as current schedules do not meet the needs of passengers on early flights.
ERR (rus) · 4 Aug, 08:51

Kucinskis: Review of Remote Work in Public Administration Is Necessary
Finance Minister Maris Kucinskis said the prime minister's request to review remote work practices in the state administration is needed, noting that the ministry will carry it out with interest. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs and Economy Minister Viktors Valainis have called for a broader return to in-person work, with limited exceptions.
Delfi · 4 Aug, 08:50

Younger Estonian farmers more willing to take risks
A new study finds that younger, better-educated Estonian farmers are more open to new technology and innovation, while older growers prioritise stability.
ERR News · 4 Aug, 08:50

Smiltene to clean Lake Tiltleja bed and rebuild bridge
The water level in Lake Tiltleja in Smiltene is being lowered to prepare for dredging, followed by reconstruction of the sluice and bridge. The work is part of an EU-funded climate adaptation project.
Ziemeļlatvija · 4 Aug, 07:57

Bauska sees second wettest July since 1945
July was the fifth wettest in Latvia since 1924, with several western cities experiencing record rainfall. In Bauska, it was the second wettest July since 1945.
Bauskas Dzīve · 4 Aug, 07:55

Sunny Tuesday forecast after Latvia's fifth wettest July on record
Tuesday will bring mostly sunny weather across Latvia, while data show July was the fifth wettest month in the country's observation history.
Latvijas Avīze · 4 Aug, 07:53

€60,000 available for resident initiatives in Dobele Municipality
From 4 August to 21 September, residents of Dobele Municipality can submit project ideas for the local participatory budgeting contest. This year, €60,000 has been set aside for implementing initiatives.
Zemgales Ziņas · 4 Aug, 07:52

July in Latvia was fifth wettest on record
This July was the fifth wettest in Latvia since records began in 1924, with average precipitation of 123.2 mm. Several towns saw record rainfall, while Rēzekne had the least.
Jauns.lv · 4 Aug, 07:52
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Madona Municipality Council Approves Flag and Pennant
Madona Municipality deputies have adopted a decision to approve the municipal flag and pennant. The decision was made during a council meeting.
TVNET · 4 Aug, 07:51

Government plans major education overhaul within two months, pre-election timing raises questions
The government's newly approved action plan tasks the Ministry of Education and Science with launching significant reforms in two months, including revising curriculum, deciding on a family health subject, streamlining grading, and setting new quality requirements.
LSM (rus) · 4 Aug, 07:51

Bobsleigh team to hold selection tests in Jelgava
The Latvian bobsleigh team will hold selection tests in Jelgava on 24 August to find new talent. Young people aged 14 and older are invited to participate; pre-registration is required.
Zemgales Ziņas · 4 Aug, 07:01

Latvia to See Warmer Midweek Days, Cooler Weekend
Dry and warm weather is expected across Latvia in the first half of the week, but the weekend will bring clouds, rain and cooler temperatures.
BNN · 4 Aug, 07:00

Tuesday, August 4: dry, sunny and hot
The Latvian Centre for Environment, Geology and Meteorology forecasts that on Tuesday, August 4, the sky will be mostly clear, with possible light cloudiness in places; the air will be summer-like warm and even hot, with weak wind.
LSM (rus) · 4 Aug, 06:50

Painting plein air underway in Dobele Municipality; works to be shown at Dobele Castle
The plein air painting event “Dobele Region in Cross-Section 2026” opened on Monday at Dobele Castle. Artists will work until August 8 across the municipality, and the resulting works will be exhibited at the castle.
Zemgales Ziņas · 4 Aug, 05:51
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Latvia hands down first real prison sentence for deliberate HIV infection
Alise, now 35, has won a landmark case in Latvia, securing the country's first custodial sentence for a man who deliberately infected her with HIV. She says the relationship was serious, with plans for marriage, family and children.
TVNET · 4 Aug, 05:50

Five injured in Riga tram-truck collision; witnesses describe gas smell and panic
A collision between a tram and a truck at the intersection of Slokas and Dammes streets in Riga on Monday left five people injured. Traffic was disrupted for three hours, and the Riga city council currently has no plans to install traffic lights at the crossing.
Jauns.lv · 4 Aug, 05:00

Lasnamäe Days to close with Tanel Padar and Mahavok concert
Tallinn's Lasnamäe district will celebrate its 33rd anniversary from August 23 to 30 with trampoline events, excursions and concerts. The closing concert at Pae Park will feature Eurovision winner Tanel Padar and pop-rock band Mahavok.
ERR (rus) · 4 Aug, 03:54

Juris Kaža: July in Latvia marked by two levels of racism
In his commentary, journalist Juris Kaža suggests that July in Latvia could be seen as a month of two levels of racism, from everyday “naive” stereotypes to more conscious ones. He argues that even without malicious intent, such attitudes reinforce distorted perceptions of other races and ethnicities.
Delfi · 4 Aug, 03:53

Prime Minister wants state administration employees back in offices
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has tasked the Finance Ministry with reviewing remote work practices in state administration, saying most staff should return to in-person work.
LSM (rus) · 4 Aug, 02:53

One of Latvia's Last Legionaries Laimons Ezergailis Passes Away
On 3 August, Laimons Ezergailis, a Latvian legionary and public figure, was laid to rest at Lestene Brothers' Cemetery with a ceremonial volley; he died at the age of 102.
LSM · 4 Aug, 02:53

Demolition of former exhibition complex on Pirita Road begins in Tallinn
The capital has started demolishing the former exhibition complex on Pirita Road. New owners of the site plan to build residential houses, while fair organizers are seeking suitable alternative venues in Tallinn.
ERR (rus) · 4 Aug, 02:52

Bright green caterpillar with a horn found in Latvian garden – what is it?
A woman shared on X a photo of a large bright green caterpillar with a horn found in her garden; experts identified it as a privet hawk-moth caterpillar. Though intimidating, it poses no danger to humans.
Latvijas Avīze · 4 Aug, 02:51
Latvia proposes legal framework for 'white hat' hackers in critical infrastructure
Latvia's Defence Ministry has opened for public consultation draft amendments to the National Cybersecurity Law that would give ethical hackers a legal basis for finding and reporting vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Feedback is accepted until 28 August.
LV portāls · 4 Aug, 01:51

New Kimmel Quarter eatery Cheff Mezze serves refined street food in Riga
At Kimmel Quarter in Riga, the recently opened Cheff Mezze offers a short but tasty menu of refined street food. Its sheltered terrace makes diners feel they're in a warmer place.
Žurnāls Ir · 4 Aug, 00:54

Kulbergs: Latvia still faces hybrid attack from Belarus
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs says Latvia continues to face a hybrid attack from Belarus and must use all available options to strengthen border security. The government will decide on Tuesday on an Interior Ministry proposal to suspend operations at the Pāternieki border checkpoint.
Jauns.lv · 3 Aug, 23:51

Interim KNAB chief Ineta Cīrule does not plan drastic changes at anti-corruption bureau
Ineta Cīrule has temporarily taken over as head of Latvia's anti-corruption bureau after Jēkabs Straume retired. The government may announce an open competition for the post in the coming weeks, and Cīrule has said she does not plan radical changes.
LSM (rus) · 3 Aug, 22:53