Latvia & nearby
Pärnu Defense Industrial Park Litigation Drags On Due to Noise Complaints
The Tallinn Administrative Court has postponed a decision on a complaint against the construction of a defense industrial park near Pärnu, requiring additional evidence on noise assessment.
ERR News · 23 Jul, 17:37
Ainars Biders released from custody in IT procurement case
Public procurement specialist Ainars Biders, detained on suspicion of fraud in IT procurement worth 1.5 million euros, has been released from custody.
LSM (rus) · 23 Jul, 17:36
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Over One Million Euros Needed to Repair Flood Damage in Talsu Municipality; No State of Emergency Declared
After heavy rains caused widespread damage in Talsu municipality, at least one million euros will be required for repairs. The Saeima committee decided not to declare a state of emergency, but the local government must submit a cost estimate for state compensation.
Apollo.lv · 23 Jul, 16:38
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Saeima approves import ban on certain Russian and Belarusian goods
In an emergency session, the Saeima passed amendments banning the import of books, clothing, and other goods from Russia and Belarus. The ban is part of Ukraine support policy and will be reviewed annually.
TVNET · 23 Jul, 16:37
Who Wants to Be Estonia's Next President?
Estonia's presidential election takes place in September, with incumbent Alar Karis not seeking re-election. Several potential candidates have been publicly mentioned, but formal nomination opens on August 21.
ERR News · 23 Jul, 16:37
Warm Friday with Thunderstorms in Latvia
Friday will be slightly warmer in Latvia, with scattered rain and thunder, especially in the east, forecasters say.
Apollo.lv · 23 Jul, 15:37
Lithuania Prepares Contingency Plan for AirBaltic Flight Reductions or Exit
Lithuanian Transport Minister Juras Taminskas announced that the country is developing a short-term response plan in case AirBaltic reduces flights or withdraws from the market. Meanwhile, Latvian officials cite the airline's financial difficulties and the need for additional investment.
ERR (rus) · 23 Jul, 15:37
Latvian Parliament Grants City Status to Carnikava
The Saeima approved amendments in the final reading granting city status to Carnikava, as it already functions as a city and its population exceeds the legal threshold.
BNN · 23 Jul, 15:37
Saeima: No Ticket Refunds if Event Canceled Due to Airspace Threat
The Latvian parliament adopted amendments stating that if a public event is canceled due to an airspace threat, attendees will not receive ticket refunds.
LSM (rus) · 23 Jul, 15:36
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Fire Destroys Warehouse of Ukrainian Aid Charity "Tavi Draugi" in Riga Over Weekend
Over the past weekend, a fire broke out at the warehouse of charity "Tavi Draugi" at 23 Lapeņu Street in Riga, causing significant damage. No injuries were reported, and 13 firefighters responded.
TVNET · 23 Jul, 14:36
Juris Karlsons, President of the 4 May Declaration Club, Dies
Juris Karlsons, president of the 4 May Declaration Club, has passed away.
Jauns.lv · 23 Jul, 14:36
Construction at Tallinn Real School and Hiiumaa School Faces Delays
While most of Tallinn's school renovation projects are on schedule this summer, unexpected issues at Tallinn Real School and Hiiumaa School have caused delays that will extend into autumn.
ERR (rus) · 23 Jul, 14:36
Latvian students achieve high results at international math and biology olympiads, including historical milestones
Latvian schoolchildren have achieved high results at international olympiads in mathematics and biology, with some being historical achievements.
LSM (rus) · 23 Jul, 14:36
Riga City Council Ethics Committee will not evaluate Ratnieks' 'monkeys' statement
The Riga City Council Ethics Committee decided not to review Edvards Ratnieks' comments where he used the word 'monkeys' in relation to a video about alleged migrant sexual harassment. Committee chair Paegļkalna believes the remarks should be evaluated, but the majority voted otherwise.
Delfi · 23 Jul, 13:37
ABAS Smokehouse: Latvian-made grills, smokers, and fire pits from 3 mm steel
Latvian company ABAS Smokehouse produces durable metal products – grills, smokers, and fire pits – made from 3 mm thick steel with a 24-month warranty. Manufacturing takes place in Kandava, with a showroom located in Mārupe.
Jauns.lv · 23 Jul, 13:37
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Riga City Council Ethics Committee Won't Evaluate Vice Mayor Ratnieks' 'Monkey' Remark
The Riga City Council Ethics Committee decided not to review Vice Mayor Edvards Ratnieks' comment where he referred to immigrants as 'monkeys', despite the chairwoman's opinion that it should be assessed.
TVNET · 23 Jul, 13:36
Saeima to Consider Securing Brands of Latvijas Televīzija and Latvijas Radio in Law After Elections
On Thursday, amendments were submitted to the Saeima Commission on Human Rights and Public Affairs that would embed the brands of Latvijas Televīzija and Latvijas Radio in law. The issue is scheduled for review after the elections.
LSM (rus) · 23 Jul, 12:36
Elita Drāke Reveals: I Was the 5th Most Popular Person in Latvia in 2000
Writer and esotericist Elita Drāke says in an interview that in 2000 she was the fifth most popular person in Latvia, recalling her path to fame starting with entering the Miss Elegance contest in 1999.
BNN · 23 Jul, 11:38
Saeima Rejects Progressive Party's Proposal to Restrict Logging in Protected Forest Habitats
The Latvian Saeima has rejected amendments by the Progressive Party that would have banned logging in areas meeting EU protected forest habitat criteria until the government defines old-growth forests.
TVNET · 23 Jul, 11:37
140 Illegal Migration Attempts Prevented at Latvia-Belarus Border on Wednesday
Latvian border guards stopped 140 people from illegally crossing the border from Belarus on Wednesday. So far this year, a total of 8,553 illegal crossing attempts have been prevented.
Apollo.lv · 23 Jul, 11:37
Lithuanian and Polish Border Officials to Discuss Easing Checks Amid Temporary Controls
Lithuanian and Polish border officials are meeting Thursday to discuss ways to make inspections at their shared border more efficient while Poland maintains temporary controls aimed at curbing secondary migration.
LRT English · 23 Jul, 11:37
Woman Lied About Migrant Attack in Riga City Center – Police Investigate Motives
The State Police have terminated criminal proceedings regarding an alleged sexual assault in Riga city center after finding the woman's report to be false. Authorities are now investigating why she provided false information.
LSM (rus) · 23 Jul, 11:37
Social Insurance Department Office in Jõhvi to Move to Courthouse Building
Starting August 17, the Social Insurance Department's customer service office in Jõhvi will relocate to the courthouse at Kooli 2a, offering more private and accessible facilities.
ERR (rus) · 23 Jul, 11:36
Lithuanian military drills focus on protecting critical infrastructure in Klaipėda region
Lithuania’s armed forces are conducting exercises in Klaipėda and the Curonian Spit this week to train for the protection of critical infrastructure. The Rapid Response Forces have been activated, and the drills involve cooperation with civilian agencies.
LRT English · 23 Jul, 10:37
Financial strain driving more cat surrenders to shelters in Estonia
A growing number of cat owners in Estonia are giving up their pets due to financial hardship, adding to the seasonal summer influx of strays, according to animal shelters.
ERR News · 23 Jul, 10:37
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Farmers’ Union Urges Urgent Repairs of Flood-Damaged Roads
The Farmers’ Union warns that washed-out roads in Kurzeme endanger harvest and milk collection, calling for immediate repair work.
TVNET · 23 Jul, 10:37
Police seek help in search for missing 14-year-old girl
The State Police are looking for Daniela Orehova (born 2010), who went missing several days ago after leaving her home in Ķekava municipality and heading to Riga city center.
Delfi · 23 Jul, 10:37
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Police: Woman's Report of Sexual Assault in Riga Centre Unfounded; Investigation Launched for False Testimony
The State Police have concluded an investigation into an alleged sexual assault in Riga centre, finding that no crime occurred. The woman provided false information, prompting an internal probe into potential false testimony.
Apollo.lv · 23 Jul, 10:36
How accessible are elections for people with disabilities, especially the blind?
The right to vote is fundamental, but for people with disabilities it is harder to exercise – blind voters often need assistance, which means revealing their choice.
LSM (rus) · 23 Jul, 10:36
Saeima deputies start work with new voting consoles
On July 23, 2026, Saeima deputies began an extraordinary session using new voting consoles that replaced buttons with touchscreens.
LSM · 23 Jul, 10:36
Saeima Replaces Nearly 30-Year-Old Voting System
As of July 23, the Latvian parliament uses new electronic voting machines, replacing the ones installed in 1997. The replacement cost €321,510.
Delfi · 23 Jul, 09:36
Happy Ending: Two People Lost in Forest Rescued in Saldus Municipality; Firefighters Also Handle Gas Fire and Tractor Rescue
On Wednesday evening, two people who got lost in a forest in Saldus municipality were successfully rescued. Firefighters used mobile phone contact and sound signals from a fire engine to guide them out within about an hour.
Jauns.lv · 23 Jul, 09:36
Man in Narva locked in attic, called for help from roof
In Narva, a man who went up to the attic to hang laundry accidentally locked himself in, climbed onto the roof to attract attention. Rescuers arrived, but he was soon freed and returned inside on his own.
ERR (rus) · 23 Jul, 09:36
Auce festival revives tradition of brass orchestras
The Auce city festival on July 17-18 attracted many visitors, with a highlight being a grand brass orchestra concert that revived a historical tradition.
Zemgales Ziņas · 23 Jul, 08:38
Residents Weigh In on Reasons for Student Exam Failures
Respondents identified teacher engagement, student motivation, and parental involvement as key factors affecting performance in centralized exams.
OgreNet · 23 Jul, 08:37
Latgale Regional Television Launches New Season of 'Latgale's Dowry Chest – Rebirth'
Latgale Regional Television (LRT) has started the second season of its program series 'Latgale's Dowry Chest – Rebirth', focusing on the region's cultural heritage and traditions. The first episode will feature Īdenis, the only inland fishing village in Latvia.
LaKuga · 23 Jul, 08:36