Latvia & nearby
Justice Ministry Reviews Anti-Corruption Law with Private Sector Expertise
Estonia's Ministry of Justice has commissioned an independent legal assessment of the Anti-Corruption Act for €15,000 to address implementation issues and enhance legal clarity.
ERR News · 23 Jul, 08:36
Saeima Committee Supports Including Four Vidzeme Municipalities in Latvia's Eastern Territory
The Saeima's Economic, Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Policy Committee has backed a proposal to expand Latvia's Eastern Territory to include Valka, Smiltene, Gulbene and Madona municipalities, based on security and socio-economic considerations.
Ziemeļlatvija · 23 Jul, 08:36
Camp “Discover Latvia” in Kārķi Brings Together Diaspora and Local Youth
From July 6 to 12, the “Discover Latvia” camp organized by Latvijas Mazpulki in Kārķi gathered 30 participants from Latvia, the USA, Norway, Spain, Scotland, and Estonia to strengthen ties with Latvia, improve Latvian language skills, and build international friendships.
Ziemeļlatvija · 23 Jul, 07:37
Traffic closed on Māras Street in Jelgava until August 21 due to repairs
In Jelgava, a section of Māras Street from Lielā Street to Puķu Street is closed to vehicle traffic until August 21 for stormwater sewer collector repair works.
Zemgales Ziņas · 23 Jul, 07:37
Trust in courts increases by 13% over five years
Trust in Latvian courts has risen by 13% in the last five years, according to an SKDS survey. Currently, 45% of residents trust the courts, while 40% do not.
Bauskas Dzīve · 23 Jul, 07:36
First half of summer in Kurzeme – rainiest in meteorological history
After a dry spring, Latvia has experienced an unusually wet June and July, with parts of Kurzeme recording the rainiest first half of summer on record.
Jauns.lv · 23 Jul, 07:36
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First Half of Summer in Kurzeme Wettest on Record
After a dry spring, Latvia has experienced an exceptionally wet June and July, with parts of Kurzeme recording the rainiest first half of summer in history.
TVNET · 23 Jul, 07:36
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Police Special Unit Called to Vecmīlgrāvis for Intoxicated Man with Toy Gun
On Tuesday in Vecmīlgrāvis, Meldru Street, police arrived with a special unit and other services after reports of an intoxicated neighbor holding an object resembling a weapon. It was determined to be a toy pistol, and the man was taken to a psychiatric hospital.
Apollo.lv · 23 Jul, 06:38
State Audit: Municipal property sales often driven by budget gaps, not long-term planning
Latvia's State Audit finds that municipalities frequently sell properties to cover annual budget shortfalls rather than based on strategic development plans. A lack of unified records and incomplete land registration hinder effective management.
Delfi · 23 Jul, 06:36
Skaistkalne to Celebrate St. James Day with Cleanup, Tile Unveiling, and Mass
The Latvian St. James Way Association invites pilgrims and locals to St. James Day celebrations in Skaistkalne on July 25, featuring the Spanish deputy ambassador and a Lithuanian Camino delegation.
Bauskas Dzīve · 23 Jul, 06:36
Heavy rains cause damage at seed-growing farm 'Krastmaļi' in Kurzeme – oil radishes lodged, pea crop fails
Prolonged rains in the Kurzeme region have partially lodged oil radish crops and waterlogged other fields at the seed-growing enterprise 'Krastmaļi', while the pea harvest has failed; however, red fescue has been successfully threshed and exported.
LSM · 23 Jul, 06:36
KNAB and EPPO Conduct Searches at Bauska and Jelgava Hospitals in Procurement Fraud Probe
The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) and the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) carried out searches at Bauska and Jelgava hospitals today as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged large-scale fraud and abuse of office in public procurement. Hospital management confirmed the procedural actions but declined further comment; patient care remains unaffected.
Zemgales Ziņas · 23 Jul, 04:38
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Four Latvian Citizens Stand Trial in Estonia for Drug Trafficking
Four Latvians are on trial in Estonia for group drug trafficking. Two have already been sentenced, while two await verdict. One detained Latvian hopes for release to a hotel and a job at a car wash.
Apollo.lv · 23 Jul, 04:37
Jelgava student wins bronze at International Mathematical Olympiad
Ēriks Ariels Šulzingers from Jelgava Technology Secondary School won a bronze medal at the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad in Shanghai, achieving the highest score in the Latvian team.
Zemgales Ziņas · 23 Jul, 03:38
Ēvalds Urtāns' Robot Dogs Help Find Errors on Construction Sites
Artificial intelligence researcher Ēvalds Urtāns has developed robot dogs that can detect errors on construction sites. He walks his robot dog through the streets of Riga, showcasing technological advancements.
Žurnāls Ir · 23 Jul, 02:37
Four Latvians Face Court in Estonia for Drug Trafficking
Four Latvian citizens are facing charges in Estonia for drug dealing as part of an organized group. Two have already been sentenced, while the other two await their fate; one of them hopes to work at a car wash after release.
TVNET · 23 Jul, 02:37
Years of litigation over police's arbitrary confiscation of computers in Jelgava
A businesswoman in Jelgava spent nine years in court after the State Police unjustly seized her work computers based on a false complaint about illegal business. The court ruled the police action was arbitrary.
Apollo.lv · 23 Jul, 02:37
Excise Tax Revenues Fall as Cigarette Consumption Declines
After an excise tax hike in Latvia, legal cigarette deliveries have dropped by nearly a quarter, leading to lower state revenues from the tax.
Apollo.lv · 22 Jul, 22:37
Cigarette Supply in Latvia Drops Nearly a Quarter, Excise Revenue Declines
After an excise tax increase, legal cigarette deliveries to retailers in Latvia fell by almost a quarter. More people are quitting or switching to alternatives, but some smokers turn to illicit products bought online, reducing state tax revenue.
TVNET · 22 Jul, 21:38
Sigulda Gymnasium Student Wins Bronze at International Biology Olympiad
Evita Mārtinsone from Sigulda State Gymnasium has won a bronze medal at the 2026 International Biology Olympiad in Vilnius, where 302 students from 78 countries competed.
Jauns.lv · 22 Jul, 21:37
More Students in Tartu Choose to Pay Extra for Single Rooms Rather Than Share Dormitories
Tartu University has received over 700 accommodation applications for just under 600 spots, but expects everyone to find a place. The pandemic has increased demand for single rooms, with waiting lists now up to 1.5 years.
ERR (rus) · 22 Jul, 21:37
Live discussion on airBaltic's future and state investments
On July 22, a live discussion will take place about the future of national airline airBaltic, featuring several ministers and company representatives.
LSM · 22 Jul, 21:36
Floods from Dursupe dam breach reach Tukums region; evacuations carried out
After the Dursupe mill pond dam broke, floodwaters continue to spread, reaching Tukums region. Several people and a dog were evacuated from flooded homes overnight. Talsu municipality plans to request around 500,000 euros from the state to repair at least 20 damaged road sections.
Apollo.lv · 22 Jul, 20:37
Estonian Interior Minister Pledges Support to Latvia on Migration
During a visit to Latvia, Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro promised to support Latvia in combating illegal migration and highlighted the strong cooperation between the two countries' law enforcement agencies.
ERR (rus) · 22 Jul, 19:37
Talsi Municipality Considers Declaring State of Emergency After Devastating Rains
The Talsi municipality is considering requesting a state of emergency to expedite road repairs following severe flood damage caused by heavy rainfall.
Delfi · 22 Jul, 18:37
Nine drownings this summer in Estonia, mostly men over 50 under influence
Nine people have drowned in Estonia this summer, with most victims being men over 50 who were under the influence of alcohol. No women have drowned.
ERR News · 22 Jul, 17:38
Bank of Lithuania revokes AlphaPay license, says payment company is insolvent
The Bank of Lithuania has revoked the license of UK-owned payment institution AlphaPay, citing multiple regulatory violations and insolvency, and plans to initiate bankruptcy proceedings.
LRT English · 22 Jul, 17:37
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Saeima commission rejects requirement for eateries to provide tap water
The Saeima Economic Affairs Commission today backed a proposal to remove a provision that would oblige food service establishments to provide free tap water to customers.
Apollo.lv · 22 Jul, 17:37
Baltic States Pledge to Pool Energy Reserves and Share Emergency Equipment
Energy ministers from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia signed a declaration to jointly assess and purchase emergency grid equipment, strengthen reserve capacities, and coordinate protection against drone threats amid rising security concerns.
LRT English · 22 Jul, 16:38
Talsi Municipality Considers Declaring State of Emergency Due to Flood Damage
The local government of Talsi region is considering asking the state to declare a state of emergency to speed up road repairs after heavy rains. Damage assessments are being prepared for the government.
TVNET · 22 Jul, 16:37
Horse freed after getting head stuck between trees on Pärnu beach
Rescuers in Pärnu successfully freed a horse on Monday evening after its head became trapped between two trees on Raeküla Beach. The animal was unharmed.
ERR News · 22 Jul, 16:37
Supreme Court refuses cassation; 94-year-old driver's two-year prison sentence for fatal Torņakalns crash takes effect
A 94-year-old man’s two-year prison sentence has come into force after the Supreme Court refused to initiate cassation proceedings for a fatal crash in Torņakalns, Riga, which killed a minor pedestrian and injured another young person.
Delfi · 22 Jul, 16:37
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94-Year-Old Driver's Prison Sentence Takes Effect for Fatal Accident in Riga
The Supreme Court has refused to initiate cassation proceedings, making final a two-year prison sentence for a 94-year-old man who struck and killed a teenage girl in a pedestrian crossing accident in Riga.
Apollo.lv · 22 Jul, 15:36
President: No direct military threats from Russia observed, but vigilance needed
President Edgars Rinkēvičs stated on Wednesday that no direct military threats from Russia are currently observed, but the public must remain vigilant.
LSM · 22 Jul, 15:36
Rinkēvičs: No direct military threat from Russia, but public must be vigilant
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs stated that there is currently no direct military threat from Russia, but the public should be vigilant against possible hybrid operations and sabotage.
BNN · 22 Jul, 14:37
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New Latvian light infantry company deploys to Kosovo; first female commander in history
Latvian soldiers were ceremonially sent off to the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. For the first time, a woman will command the Latvian contingent in an international operation.
TVNET · 22 Jul, 14:37