Latvia & nearby (232)

€4.8 Million Invested in Modernization of Ventspils Hospital

A project launched in 2022 has invested €4.8 million in new medical equipment and infrastructure at Ventspils Hospital, leading to a significant increase in the number of surgeries performed.

Jauns.lv · 24 Jul, 14:37

KNAB Launches Check on Sigulda Municipality Leaders' Personal Car Loan Agreements and Compensations

The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has initiated an official check regarding the personal vehicle loan agreements and compensations paid to the chairman of Sigulda municipality council and his deputy.

LSM · 24 Jul, 14:36

Domestic Violence Cases Increase in Estonia This Year

Estonian police report a rise in domestic violence cases in the first half of 2026, though this may also indicate more victims are coming forward to seek help.

ERR News · 24 Jul, 13:37

Lithuania's auditor general suggests fixing military spending above 5% beyond 2030

Lithuania's Auditor General Irena Segalovičienė has proposed that the country legally commit to defence spending exceeding 5% of GDP beyond 2030 to prevent future governments from cutting the military budget.

LRT English · 24 Jul, 13:37

Scammers swindle €35,000 from Tartu County resident

A 52-year-old resident of Tartu County lost €35,000 after scammers posing as courier, Smart-ID, police and cyber police coerced him into installing remote access software.

ERR (rus) · 24 Jul, 13:37

State Security Service Investigates Fire at Tavi Draugi Warehouse; Arson Suspected

The State Security Service (VDD) and State Police are investigating a fire that broke out last weekend at the premises of the Ukrainian support society "Tavi Draugi". The organization believes it was a deliberate arson involving a break-in.

LSM (rus) · 24 Jul, 13:36

Tsahkna: Sanctions must become tougher with each new package

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna commented on the 21st EU sanctions package against Russia, calling for stricter measures, including visa restrictions for Russian combatants and continued pressure on Russia's energy sector. He stressed that pressure must continue until Russia ends its aggression.

ERR (rus) · 24 Jul, 12:37

Temporary Parking Bans in Several Streets of Pārdaugava

Due to road maintenance works in late July and early August, temporary parking restrictions will be introduced in selected streets of the Pārdaugava area.

TVNET · 24 Jul, 12:37

Latvian Security Service: Fire at charity 'Tavi draugi' warehouse possibly set in Russia's interests

The State Security Service (VDD) reports that the fire on July 19 at the warehouse of the charity organization 'Tavi draugi' in Riga was likely an arson committed in the interests of Russia. Estimated damages are close to 100,000 euros.

Apollo.lv · 24 Jul, 12:37

Advertising Agency Heads Comment on Rannarootsi Controversial Ad

Estonian meat producer Rannarootsi's ad featuring men with Ukrainian flags and smoke has sparked debate over hate speech. Ad experts say the ad is straightforward, but they would not have created it themselves.

ERR (rus) · 24 Jul, 11:37

Estonia Fails to Secure Larger EU Crisis Aid for Farmers

Estonia did not succeed in obtaining a larger share of EU crisis aid for farmers, as a vote on allocating €540 million from the agricultural reserve went ahead despite Estonia's abstention over the distribution key.

ERR News · 24 Jul, 11:37

State Security Service Assists in Investigation of Fire at NGO 'Tavi draugi' Building; Possible Russian Involvement Not Ruled Out

The State Security Service is supporting police in investigating a fire at the central building of the NGO 'Tavi draugi', which provides support to Ukraine. Given Russia's recent hostile activities in Latvia, authorities do not exclude the possibility that the fire was set in Russia's interests.

TVNET · 24 Jul, 11:37

EU Sanctions Include Owner of Mere Retail Chain Manager

The European Union's 21st sanctions package includes Sergejs Šnaiders, owner of SIA 'Latprodukti', which manages the 'Mere' retail chain, according to the Financial Intelligence Unit.

LSM · 24 Jul, 11:36

What Should Latvia's Cybersecurity Infrastructure Look Like?

Latvia prides itself on fast internet and digital services, but recent data breaches at major companies raise concerns about whether cybersecurity is keeping pace with digitalization.

LSM (rus) · 24 Jul, 11:36

Lithuania Considers Joining New International Defence Financing Initiatives

Lithuania has not yet decided whether to join two newly launched international defence financing initiatives announced during the NATO summit, Finance Minister Taurimas Valys said.

LRT English · 24 Jul, 10:36

Road Repairs in Talsi Area Estimated at Nearly Half a Million Euros

Repairing storm damage to state roads around Talsi will cost approximately €470,000. The restoration of regional road P128 is expected to take four to five months.

BNN · 24 Jul, 10:36

Viljandi Folk Festival Hopes to Break Attendance Record Again

The 33rd Viljandi Folk Festival in Estonia aims to surpass last year's attendance record of 38,000 visitors. Around 60 groups and solo performers are participating, and a special area allows attendees to try folk instruments.

ERR (rus) · 24 Jul, 09:37

Odobērs: Latvia Needs Systematic Teaching of AI Output Verification

Expert Mārtiņš Odobērs calls for systematic education on critical evaluation of AI outputs in Latvia, arguing that current measures are insufficient compared to Estonia and Finland.

Delfi · 24 Jul, 09:36

Rinkēvičs: Border security requires technical systems and rapid response

President Edgars Rinkēvičs emphasizes that for the security of the Latvia–Belarus border, rapid response capability is essential in addition to technical systems. The National Security Council has agreed on new reinforcement measures.

LSM · 24 Jul, 09:36

Pre-election promises abound, but funding remains unclear

With the 15th Saeima elections approaching, politicians make grand promises despite a tight budget. Farmers face rising production costs, labor shortages, and natural disasters.

OgreNet · 24 Jul, 08:39

Estonian Presidential Election: Parties Divided on Approach

Estonian political parties adopt different strategies for the upcoming presidential election, with some meeting all hopefuls and others backing Justice Chancellor Ülle Madise.

ERR News · 24 Jul, 08:38

Entry fee for the Castle of Light to be introduced at €3; changes take effect in September

The Ministry of Culture and the National Library of Latvia have drafted new regulations introducing a €3 entry fee for visiting the library building, along with price increases for several other services. The new pricing is set to take effect on September 7.

Delfi · 24 Jul, 08:38

55 People Evacuate from Smoke-Filled Building in Babīte Due to Unattended Cooking

On Thursday, July 23, 55 people evacuated a three-story public building in Babīte Parish after food left unattended burned in a first-floor kitchen. The fire extinguished itself before firefighters arrived.

Jauns.lv · 24 Jul, 08:37

Interview with The Sound Poets: New Album, Documentary and Roots in Latgale

On July 16, the band The Sound Poets performed at Lūznava Manor in Rēzekne district, presenting their new album “Katram kuģim savs ceļš” and a documentary about its creation. In an interview with lakuga.lv, frontman Jānis Aišpurs and bassist Kārlis Josts discussed their Latgalian heritage, the album's making, and thoughts on the Latgalian language in music.

LaKuga · 24 Jul, 08:37

Over 300 Farms Open Their Gates for Estonia’s Annual Open Farm Days

This weekend, more than 300 agricultural enterprises across Estonia are participating in the traditional Open Farm Days, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually with tours, tastings, and family activities.

ERR (rus) · 24 Jul, 08:36

Engure Bakery “Kukul”: Queuing for a Feeling, Not Just Bread

The bakery “Kukul” in Engure has become a beloved destination where people willingly wait in line for up to 40 minutes to enjoy freshly baked goods and a unique atmosphere.

Ziemeļlatvija · 24 Jul, 08:36

Activist Plans to Collect Signatures to Dissolve Jelgava County Council; Reason Unclear

Political activist Raimonds Lejnieks-Puķe plans to collect signatures to initiate a referendum to dissolve the Jelgava County Council, but he has not disclosed the reason. It may be linked to his previous legal disputes with the municipality.

Zemgales Ziņas · 24 Jul, 08:36

Poor Road in Ziemupe Hinders Tourism Development in Kurzeme

The bad condition of the road in Ziemupe is causing tourists to cancel bookings, while Latvijas Valsts ceļi has no plans for investment, preferring to transfer the road to the municipality.

LSM (rus) · 24 Jul, 08:36

Painful Debate on NGO Funding: Will-o'-the-Wisps and Real Challenges

Elīna Grīnhofa warns that the public debate on NGO funding is oversimplified, risking trust in civil society and diverting attention from Latvia's real problems.

Žurnāls Ir · 24 Jul, 07:38

Valka to Upgrade Public Sports and Recreation Zone with Community Support

The Valka municipality has approved a participatory budgeting project “A Place for Movement and Recreation” to improve the sports and active leisure area near Valka Jānis Cimze Gymnasium.

Ziemeļlatvija · 24 Jul, 07:37

Zemgale Regional Court Begins Trial of Indian National Jatinder Singh for Serious Crash at Apšupe Intersection

The Zemgale Regional Court on July 24 begins hearing the criminal case against Indian national Jatinder Singh, accused of causing a serious crash at the Apšupe intersection in February while using a fake driver's license.

TVNET · 24 Jul, 07:37

Experts Explain How to Choose a Trimmer Based on Garden Size and Terrain

A guide from Ksenukai specialists offers advice on selecting a trimmer according to garden area and terrain, comparing petrol, electric, and battery models, as well as maintenance basics.

Bauskas Dzīve · 24 Jul, 07:36

Kekava Municipality Attracts 366,000 Euros from European Funds for Shelter Equipment

Kekava Municipality has started equipping eight municipal shelters and adopted regulations allowing residents of apartment buildings to receive co-financing for setting up shelters in their basements.

LSM (rus) · 24 Jul, 07:36

Student safety: 24% face physical aggression, distance learning as last resort

24% of Latvian students have experienced physical aggression, 37% emotional violence. Many children do not report incidents, and changing schools is often the only way to regain safety.

Žurnāls Ir · 24 Jul, 06:37