Latvia & nearby
Lynx attacks dog in Estonia: owners in shock, hunters call situation critical
On July 21, a lynx attacked a dog in Peri forest near Rosma village, just 400 meters from a house. The dog suffered serious injuries, and the owners are shocked.
Delfi · 29 Jul, 03:39
Woman defrauds oncology patient of over €3,000 in Kuldīga region
The State Police have completed an investigation into a fraud where a woman used an oncology patient's trust to illegally transfer money from his bank account, intended for medical treatment.
irLiepāja · 29 Jul, 03:38
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Latvian detained in UK tells court: I would rather die than return to Latvian prison
A UK court has ordered the extradition of a Latvian citizen accused of a serious crime; the man stated he would prefer death over returning to a Latvian prison, citing a prior experience behind bars in Latvia.
Apollo.lv · 29 Jul, 03:38
Despite Fire, 'Tavi Draugi' Continues Work in Temporary Tents
The NGO 'Tavi Draugi' continues its relief efforts after an arson fire destroyed a large portion of aid intended for Ukraine. Volunteers are now working in temporary tents while considering several offers for new premises from entrepreneurs and the local government.
LSM · 29 Jul, 02:38
Latvian detained in UK refuses to return to Latvian prison
A UK court has ordered the extradition of a Latvian man accused of a serious crime, who told the court he would rather die than go back to a Latvian prison.
TVNET · 29 Jul, 02:38
Lithuania finds unfinished migrant-smuggling tunnel from Belarus; dozens of suspected dig sites
Lithuanian border guards discovered an underground tunnel from Belarus, though it had no exit on the Lithuanian side. Officials believe it was meant for smuggling foreign nationals, and suspect dozens more may exist.
Meduza · 29 Jul, 02:37
Latvian Alpinist Mārtiņš Bilzēns Returns Home After Alaska Accident
Mārtiņš Bilzēns, the sole survivor of a four-member climbing group that fell 300 meters in Alaska, returned to Latvia on Tuesday evening after nearly two months of treatment at an Anchorage hospital.
LSM · 29 Jul, 00:37
Wednesday Forecast: Clear or Partly Cloudy with Isolated Showers
Wednesday, July 29, will see predominantly clear or partly cloudy skies with occasional brief showers. West winds will bring temperatures from 9-14°C at night to 19-25°C during the day.
ERR (rus) · 28 Jul, 22:39
Expert explains why people in power sometimes cross boundaries
Following the murder of a teacher in Priekule, where the suspect is a police officer, criminology expert Rūta Treija explains that the roots of the problem lie not only in the individual but also in the system and society.
Delfi · 28 Jul, 22:38
Woman finds man stuck in fence near social care center in Jelgava
In Jelgava, a woman heard cries for help late at night and found a man stuck in a fence near a social care center.
Apollo.lv · 28 Jul, 22:38
New spa hotel opens on the shores of Lake Peipus
A €36 million spa hotel has opened in Uusküla village, Alutaguse parish. The complex features nearly 100 rooms, a restaurant, spa with pools, and conference halls, and can employ up to 100 people.
ERR (rus) · 28 Jul, 21:37
Latvian firefighters head to Portugal to help extinguish massive wildfires
Portugal is experiencing extensive wildfires and has requested international assistance. This month, 20 Latvian firefighters have traveled to Portugal to support local crews.
TVNET · 28 Jul, 21:37
Car Crashes into Tree in Baldone
On Tuesday, a driver lost control and crashed into a tree in Baldone, reports Degpunktā.
Apollo.lv · 28 Jul, 21:37
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Kulbergs: Election platform preparation on schedule, ahead of timeline
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (AS) stated that the preparation of the election platform for the 15th Saeima elections is proceeding as planned and even ahead of schedule.
TVNET · 28 Jul, 20:38
Estonia's First Remote-Controlled Taxi Accident Raises Liability Questions
Estonia recorded its first traffic accident involving a remote-controlled taxi in Tallinn, highlighting legal and operational challenges. The incident occurred when the operator decided to proceed despite a red light, leading to a collision.
ERR (rus) · 28 Jul, 20:38
Getliņi eko: landfill capacity may be exhausted within years
Over the past decade, waste volume per capita in Latvia has increased by about 100 kilograms per year. Imants Stirāns, head of Getliņi eko, warns that even under the most favorable scenario, the landfill's capacity could be exhausted within the next ten years.
LSM (rus) · 28 Jul, 20:37
Latvia aims to complete eastern border fortification by 2027
Latvia plans to finish strengthening its eastern border in 2027, though most infrastructure is already in place.
ERR (rus) · 28 Jul, 19:37
Kulbergs to Meet with NGOs to Discuss Their Financing
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs will meet with non-governmental organizations to discuss funding issues, aiming for a more transparent and targeted support model.
Delfi · 28 Jul, 18:37
Government approves hospital network reform; ZZS fears funding cuts
The Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday approved changes to the hospital network reform proposed by the Ministry of Health, aiming to concentrate complex services by 2029. The Greens and Farmers Union objected, warning of a 10-million-euro reduction in funding for regional hospitals.
Delfi · 28 Jul, 17:38
Demolition Underway at Tallinn's Former Eesti Näitused Expo Center
The demolition of Tallinn's former Eesti Näitused expo center has begun, making way for a residential quarter planned by Metro Capital.
ERR News · 28 Jul, 17:37
Government adopts hospital network reform; disputes over Tukums hospital status resolved with compromise
The Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday, July 28, after heated discussions, approved the Health Ministry's hospital network reform, reducing the number of hospital levels from five to three. The biggest controversy was over the classification of Tukums Hospital as a local rather than a regional facility.
LSM · 28 Jul, 17:37
Planned completion of eastern border reinforcement in 2027
The Ministry of the Interior reported to the Cabinet on Tuesday about the construction of infrastructure on the state's eastern border, noting that the border fence and most infrastructure are already built, but some stages are planned to be completed by the end of 2027.
LSM (rus) · 28 Jul, 17:37
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LIAA launches tender for new state image strategy worth €50,000
The Latvian Investment and Development Agency has announced a competition to develop the state's image strategy for 2027–2031, with a planned budget of €50,000.
TVNET · 28 Jul, 16:38
Estonian Prosecutor's Office channels money from conditionally terminated cases to NGOs via lottery
Since 2024, the Estonian Prosecutor's Office can direct financial obligations from conditionally terminated criminal cases to non-profit organizations through a lottery system, instead of the state treasury. Recently, two sports clubs received €6,000 each from a case linked to an MP bribery scandal.
ERR News · 28 Jul, 16:37
Ida-Viru County Seeks Tourism Rebrand Away from Soviet 'Ghost Town' Image
Ida-Viru County in Estonia aims to shift its tourism focus from Soviet-era ghost town attractions to natural and recreational sites, moving beyond the 'ghost town' Viivikonna.
ERR News · 28 Jul, 15:38
Two Foreign Nationals in Lithuania Charged with Smuggling Drug-Laced Paper to UAE, Bahrain
Lithuanian prosecutors have charged two foreign nationals with attempting to smuggle large quantities of drugs hidden on A4 paper sheets to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
LRT English · 28 Jul, 15:38
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Estonia to Extend Night Closure of Border Checkpoints with Russia Indefinitely
Estonia's Ministry of Interior has proposed an indefinite extension of nighttime closures at three border checkpoints with Russia.
TVNET · 28 Jul, 15:38
Latvian Government Plans Long-Term Support for Ukrainian Residents
The Ministry of Culture will draft a support plan for Ukrainian residents in Latvia until 2027 and beyond, responding to a parliamentary committee's call to revise the integration system.
BNN · 28 Jul, 15:38
Hiiumaa and Saaremaa Residents to Travel with Discounted Ferry Tickets Soon
Estonia's Ministry of Regional Affairs has revoked time-limited changes for discounted ferry tickets following strong criticism, and a new system will allow permanent residents of Hiiumaa and Saaremaa year-round discounted travel.
ERR News · 28 Jul, 14:38
Signature Collection Started for Mandatory Financial Literacy Course in Universities
A public initiative has been launched on the Manabalss.lv platform to collect signatures for introducing a mandatory financial literacy course in all Latvian universities.
LSM (rus) · 28 Jul, 14:37
Lithuania in a State of Anxious Anticipation Ahead of Possible Russian Attacks
Lithuania has been conducting military exercises near strategic sites, while officials warn of potential Russian operations targeting NATO member states. The question is no longer if attacks will happen, but when.
Delfi · 28 Jul, 13:38
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Floods Damage 53 Road Sections in Talsi Region
Last week's heavy rains caused damage to 53 road sections in Talsi region, according to the chairman of the Talsi County Council, Ansis Bērziņš.
TVNET · 28 Jul, 13:38
Setomaa Farm Museum Seeks Seto Names for Three Lambs
Three lambs born at Värska Farm Museum in July are still nameless; visitors are invited to suggest traditional Seto names by August 2.
ERR News · 28 Jul, 13:38
Tali Responds to ERJK Claims Over Social Media Ads
Estonia's Political Party Funding Supervision Committee (ERJK) has initiated proceedings against two MPs over social media advertisements. Kadri Tali states the ad was related to her cultural role, not politics.
ERR (rus) · 28 Jul, 13:37
New Grass-Fed Beef Product Line Hits Latvian Stores, Aims to Save Endangered Meadows
A new beef product line labeled “Natural Meadow Product” has launched in Latvia, supporting the preservation of natural meadows that cover only 0.9% of the country.
Jauns.lv · 28 Jul, 13:37
Stricter requirements for foreign students; some universities already acting
Several Latvian universities are tightening requirements for foreign students from third countries, while the Ministry of Education and Science has prepared nationwide stricter rules. Some proposals have faced objections from other ministries.
LSM · 28 Jul, 13:37