Latvia & nearby (228)

Rapid increase in VAD student numbers; universities warn of budget place shortage

Latvian universities report a sharp rise in students who, after completing voluntary national defense service (VAD), take up guaranteed state-funded study places. Institutions caution that without a long-term solution, this may limit opportunities for other applicants.

Jauns.lv · 26 Jul, 20:37

Large Number of Flying Ants Spotted in Riga; Residents Advised Not to Worry

The Riga City Council reports that a large number of flying ants have been observed in the city today, but there is no reason for concern – it is a natural phenomenon: young female and male ants are on their mating flight during warm and humid weather.

Apollo.lv · 26 Jul, 20:37

Exhibition on Tartu's Arch Bridge showcases local youth stories

An exhibition on Tartu's Arch Bridge tells the stories, experiences and achievements of local youth, as part of the program for Estonia's Youth Capital title, which Tartu received for the first time in 2026.

ERR (rus) · 26 Jul, 19:37

Program 'Case' Explores Social Surveys

The latest episode of the video program 'Case' examined social surveys, taboo topics in Latvia, and party rating formation, featuring chief sociologist Arnis Kaktiņš.

LSM (rus) · 26 Jul, 19:37

Experts Urge Timely Preparation of Heating Systems and Chimneys

Although heating season is still about two months away, fire safety experts and a certified chimney sweep remind that heating systems and chimneys should be serviced twice a year to prevent fires.

LSM (rus) · 26 Jul, 18:37

Scammers Create Fake News Portal, Use Official's Image to Lure Investments

State Police warn about a fraudulent website mimicking a news portal, featuring a fake article with a public official's photo to promote an investment platform.

Delfi · 26 Jul, 17:38

Narva Mayor Katri Raik Ousted in No-Confidence Vote

The Narva City Council voted 16-14 to remove Mayor Katri Raik and elected Jaan Toots as her successor.

ERR News · 26 Jul, 17:38

Estonians Increasingly Prefer Renting Summer Cottages Over Buying

According to real estate agency Uus Maa, a growing trend in Estonia sees people opting to rent rather than buy summer homes due to high prices and a desire for flexibility, especially among youth.

ERR (rus) · 26 Jul, 17:38

Ministry of Justice proposes extending fine payment deadline and introducing discount for early payment

The Ministry of Justice has proposed new rules for administrative fines, including longer deferral periods for those unable to pay due to objective reasons and discounts for timely payments.

TVNET · 26 Jul, 17:37

Journalist: Queues at Narva border crossing shrink without clear reason

Queues at the Narva border checkpoint have significantly shortened in recent days, despite an increase in crossings to Russia. The reasons remain unclear.

ERR (rus) · 26 Jul, 16:38

Think Tank 'LaSER' Calls for Political Parties to Agree on Improving Policy Quality

The 'LaSER' think tank recommends that major political forces conclude an agreement to enhance the quality of policy-making.

TVNET · 26 Jul, 16:38

Week to Start with Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain, End with Heat

Latvia's Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre forecasts that the last week of July will begin with thunderstorms and heavy downpours, but will end with warmer and drier weather, with Friday possibly being the hottest day.

Jauns.lv · 26 Jul, 16:37

Hundreds gather in Estonia for 82nd anniversary of Battle of Tannenberg Line

Nearly 400 people attended the commemoration of the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of the Tannenberg Line in Ida-Viru County, marking one of the bloodiest battles in Estonian history. Speakers called for official recognition of Estonian soldiers who fought there as freedom fighters.

ERR News · 26 Jul, 15:38

Number of needy individuals in Latvia decreases by 1,901 in June

At the end of June, Latvia recorded 40,110 people with needy person status, a decrease of 1,901 from May, according to the Ministry of Welfare.

Apollo.lv · 26 Jul, 15:38

Long-serving Director of Riga 13th Secondary School Ludmila Krutikova Passes Away

Ludmila Krutikova, who led Riga 13th Secondary School for over 36 years, passed away on July 24, 2026.

Jauns.lv · 26 Jul, 15:37

Last Week of July: Start with Storms, End with Calmer Weather

At the beginning of the last week of July, parts of Latvia may experience thunderstorms and heavy rain, but the weather will calm down in the second half of the week with less precipitation, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.

TVNET · 26 Jul, 15:37

NVA and "Rere būve" Settle Fire Station Construction Dispute; Company to Pay €369,817

The State Security Agency (NVA) and construction company SIA "Rere būve" have reached a settlement in a dispute over the construction of several fire stations, with the company agreeing to compensate NVA €369,817 in losses.

Delfi · 26 Jul, 14:39

Ferry workers' strike on Kihnu Virve and Ormsö took place in island ports instead of mainland

On Sunday, crews of the Kihnu-Munalaid and Rohuküla-Sviby ferry lines held a warning strike as no wage agreement was reached with the employer. The strike occurred in Kihnu and Sviby ports instead of the mainland due to schedule changes.

ERR (rus) · 26 Jul, 14:38

Forester: No reason to fear bear population growth as threat to humans

Forester Jānis Pirvics states that although bears historically lived in Latvia, the environment has changed over 40 years, leaving little room for them, but their increasing numbers do not particularly endanger people as they are primarily herbivores.

LSM (rus) · 26 Jul, 13:38

Chocolate maker 'Premium Chocolate' declared insolvent

The company 'Premium Chocolate', known for its 'Nelleulla' brand, has been declared insolvent. The Riga City Court started the procedure on July 20, and creditors must file claims by August 21.

Delfi · 26 Jul, 13:38

Interior Ministry report: Combating online child pornography becoming more complex

Around 15% of sexual crimes against children are committed online, and the fight against child pornography on the internet is becoming increasingly difficult, according to a Ministry of Interior report to the government.

Apollo.lv · 26 Jul, 13:37

Kihnu and Vormsi Ferry Crews Go on Strike Over Pay

A warning strike began at noon Sunday on ferries connecting the Estonian mainland with the islands of Kihnu and Vormsi after pay negotiations stalled.

ERR News · 26 Jul, 12:37

Supreme Court clarifies penalties for illegal border crossing

The Latvian Supreme Court's review of cases from 2020-2025 shows that imprisonment and deportation are the most common penalties for illegal border crossing and human smuggling.

Apollo.lv · 26 Jul, 11:38

Three bear cubs frolic in Estonian farmyard, unfazed by people nearby

Three bear cubs were filmed playing in a farmyard in Vanamõisa, Harju County, seemingly unbothered by people trying to shoo them away. Experts note that bear litters are growing larger, and caution is advised.

ERR News · 26 Jul, 11:38

Nearly 500 Fuel Theft Cases Registered in Estonia Since May

From May 1 to July 22, Estonia recorded 476 fuel thefts, mostly at gas stations, but police note a rise in thefts from parked vehicles, including tractors and forestry machinery.

ERR (rus) · 26 Jul, 11:37

Narva's Äkkeküla Center to Get Nearly One Million Euros for Development; Children's Playground Replacement Delayed

Narva's Äkkeküla center will receive about one million euros for modernization. Meanwhile, the children's playground on Orekhovaya Gorka has been closed, and its replacement will take time.

ERR (rus) · 26 Jul, 10:38

9,000 Attend Second Day of Viljandi Folk Music Festival

Approximately 9,000 people attended the second day of the Viljandi Folk Music Festival, featuring performances by Latvian folk singer Laima Jansone, Swedish band Groupa, and local artists.

ERR News · 26 Jul, 10:37

Four Simple Summer Meal Ideas

The article presents four easy-to-make summer dishes – fried potatoes with corn, zucchini wrap with cheese, vegetable salad with canned saury, and cottage cheese jelly cake with berries.

Staburags · 26 Jul, 10:37

Līvāni Municipality Invites Residents to Evaluate City's Centenary Celebrations

The Līvāni municipality asks residents and visitors to participate in a survey about the city's 100th anniversary celebrations “Līvāniem 100”, held on July 17-18.

Jauns.lv · 26 Jul, 10:37

Disposal of Old Asbestos Roofing: From Fines to Proper Recycling

Illegal dumping of old asbestos-containing slate endangers health and the environment. Residents face fines up to 850 euros, while proper disposal at landfills costs 400–600 euros per ton.

OgreNet · 26 Jul, 09:39

Summer Diet: Can Berries and Vegetables Cover All Nutrient Needs?

Experts warn that despite abundant summer produce, deficiencies in vitamin D, iron, and other nutrients are common, and recommend checking levels through lab tests.

Ziemeļlatvija · 26 Jul, 09:39

Ministry of Defense Opposed to Restoring Special Pensions for EDF Personnel

Estonia's Ministry of Defense urges the government to reject a bill reinstating special pensions for career military personnel, warning it would encourage early retirement and strain the state budget.

ERR News · 26 Jul, 09:38

Report: About 15% of Child Sexual Crimes Occur Online

According to a report by the Ministry of the Interior prepared for the government, approximately 15% of all sexual crimes against children are committed online, and combating child pornography on the internet is becoming increasingly difficult.

TVNET · 26 Jul, 09:38

Rescuers Free Trapped Rubber Boat, Save Two People in Lake; VUGD Releases 24-Hour Statistics

On Saturday, rescuers in the Valka region of Valmiera county successfully saved two people whose rubber boat was trapped between islands. Over the past 24 hours, VUGD received a total of 47 calls.

Delfi · 26 Jul, 09:37