Latvia & nearby

Mariilis Gross Appointed Vice-Chancellor for Defense Policy
Mariilis Gross, former director of the defense department at Estonia's permanent representation to NATO, has been named the new Vice-Chancellor for Defense Policy at the Ministry of Defense.
ERR (rus) · 22 Jul, 14:36

LVM warns forest visitors: grass and undergrowth mowing underway – caution required
From mid-July to mid-November, Latvian State Forests is mowing grass and undergrowth along 21,270 km of forest roads; visitors are urged to follow safety guidelines.
Jauns.lv · 22 Jul, 14:36

KNAB and European Public Prosecutor's Office Search Hospitals in Jelgava and Bauska
Latvia's anti-corruption bureau, KNAB, together with the European Public Prosecutor's Office, conducted searches at two hospitals in Jelgava and Bauska over suspected fraud in public procurement.
LSM (rus) · 22 Jul, 14:36

Drunk driving instructor in Jõhvi tries to flee police
A 39-year-old driving instructor was arrested in Jõhvi after driving a training car while heavily intoxicated, performing dangerous maneuvers, and attempting to flee from police.
ERR (rus) · 22 Jul, 13:37
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Family finds son's bones in hay barn tragedy in Smiltene region
More than a month and a half after a fire killed a 14-year-old boy in a hay barn in Smiltene municipality, the family claims they discovered their son's bones at the scene and criticize the police investigation.
Apollo.lv · 22 Jul, 13:37

Klaipėda Port Reports 6% Cargo Growth in First Half of 2026
Lithuania's Port of Klaipėda handled 20.1 million metric tons of cargo in the first half of 2026, a 6% increase from a year earlier, driven by stronger transit traffic and expanding shipping connections with Asia. The port's CEO credited diversification for shielding it from geopolitical uncertainty.
LRT English · 22 Jul, 12:37

Kulbergs: airBaltic is strategically important, but needs a business plan
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs stated that airBaltic is strategically important, but it needs a clear plan and a strategic investor to avoid wasting taxpayer money. Meanwhile, the airline is seeking short-term financing to prevent default.
Delfi · 22 Jul, 12:37

Estonian Prime Minister Discusses Defense Cooperation and Conference in Tallinn with Ukrainian Counterpart
Following talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergey Koretsky, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal reaffirmed continued military aid and expanded defense industry cooperation, focusing on drone production agreements and preparations for the 2027 Ukraine Recovery Conference in Tallinn.
ERR (rus) · 22 Jul, 12:37

Tallinn Cancels Construction Contract for Endla Street Tunnels
The City of Tallinn is terminating a construction contract with contractor INF Infra OÜ for pedestrian and cyclist tunnels on Endla Street, citing the company's failure to meet contractual obligations.
ERR News · 22 Jul, 12:36
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Second Decade of July in Latvia Warmer and Significantly Wetter Than Normal
The second ten-day period of July was warmer and much wetter than the long-term average in Latvia.
TVNET · 22 Jul, 12:36

Judins: Government Should Have Revoked Support for Wood Industry
Andrejs Judins, head of the Saeima Legal Affairs Committee, criticizes the government's decision not to comply with the prosecutor's protest regarding support for wood industry companies, arguing that an illegal decision must be revoked regardless of consequences.
Delfi · 22 Jul, 11:37
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New Crisis Hotline Information Placed at All Baby Boxes in Latvia
All baby boxes in Latvia have received updated posters featuring the state-funded 24/7 crisis hotline 116123, aiming to encourage distressed mothers to seek support before leaving their newborns.
TVNET · 22 Jul, 11:37
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Road flooded in Tukums municipality after Dursupe dam breach
Late on July 21, water from the Dursupe dam breach reached Tukums municipality, flooding a road section near the Dursupe bridge. Water levels rose to 3.5 meters.
Apollo.lv · 22 Jul, 11:36

Estonia's port cargo turnover down 8.6% in first quarter
In Q1 2026, Estonia's main ports handled 4.35 million tons of cargo, down 8.6% from 4.76 million tons a year earlier.
ERR (rus) · 22 Jul, 11:36

Ghetto Games Festival Returns to Ventspils for 14th Edition with Sports, Music, and Family Fun
The Ghetto Games festival (GGFEST) will take place in Ventspils from July 24 to 26, featuring over 20 sports disciplines and participants from more than 30 countries. Entry is free.
Jauns.lv · 22 Jul, 11:36

Latvian soldiers use tear gas, warning shot after being pelted with wooden sticks at Belarus border
During a border patrol incident, NBS soldiers were attacked with wooden sticks, prompting them to use tear gas and fire a warning shot. The individuals retreated into Belarus.
Delfi · 22 Jul, 10:38
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Weekend to Bring Warm but Showery Weather; Next Week Could Be Even Hotter
The coming days in Latvia will see variable cloud cover, occasional rain and thunderstorms, with temperatures rising to +25°C by Sunday. Next week is expected to be warmer, possibly reaching +28°C in some areas.
Apollo.lv · 22 Jul, 10:37

Estonia proposes new laws to finalize 30-year land reform
The Estonian government has put forward legislative proposals to complete the land reform that began in 1991, as nearly 10,000 land parcels still remain without an owner.
ERR News · 22 Jul, 10:37

Liepāja Offers School Supply Benefit for Families with Children
From August 1 to September 30, families with children in Liepāja can apply for a 20-euro benefit per student in grades 2-12. The support targets large families, guardians, parents of children with disabilities, and low-income households.
Jauns.lv · 22 Jul, 10:36

Public Broadcaster Explains Purpose of Reporting on Crimes
After a podcast episode about the Gulbene kindergarten massacre, LSM received audience questions about the need for such content, emphasizing its goal is not sensationalism but fostering understanding.
LSM · 22 Jul, 10:36

Border violators pelt Latvian soldiers with logs; tear gas and warning shot used
On Tuesday, illegal border crossers threw wooden logs at Latvian soldiers supporting border guards on the Latvia-Belarus border. After tear gas and a warning shot, they retreated.
Jauns.lv · 22 Jul, 09:36
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Wind farm with 50 turbines planned in Balvi region
The State Environmental Service has initiated an environmental impact assessment for the 'Balvi' wind farm by Ingka Investments Renewable Energy Latvia, which plans up to 50 wind turbines with a total capacity of up to 400 megawatts.
Apollo.lv · 22 Jul, 08:37

Construction costs rise in Estonia in Q2, driven by higher material prices
Estonia's construction price index increased by 1.9% in Q2 2026 compared to the previous quarter, and by 3.1% year-on-year, with material costs accounting for about 76% of the rise.
ERR (rus) · 22 Jul, 08:36

Record-Length World Cup: Changes, Controversies, and Farewell to Legends
The World Cup, hosted by Canada, the USA, and Mexico, concluded with Spain's victory after a record-breaking 104 matches. The tournament introduced mandatory water breaks and saw the farewell of football icons like Messi and Ronaldo.
Kurzemnieks · 22 Jul, 08:36

Youth Organization to Hold Support Rally for NGOs at Freedom Monument
On July 29 at 6 PM, the youth organization “Protests” will hold a support rally for NGOs at the Freedom Monument in Riga, urging participants to dress in black.
Bauskas Dzīve · 22 Jul, 08:36

Winter barley harvest begins in Latvia – yields higher than last year
Farmers in Latvia have started harvesting winter barley, with early results showing higher yields than previous years, though high costs and unpredictable weather cast a shadow.
LSM (rus) · 22 Jul, 08:36

Young track and field athletes celebrate graduation at Valka sports school
The Valka Children's and Youth Sports School held a graduation ceremony for its MT-7 track and field group, with students receiving diplomas and heading to Valmiera for adventures.
Ziemeļlatvija · 22 Jul, 07:38
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Wednesday: Brief Rain and Temperatures Up to +20°C Expected
On Wednesday, July 22, Latvia will experience variable cloudiness and occasional rain, with temperatures ranging from +15 to +20°C.
Apollo.lv · 22 Jul, 07:37

Drunk Cyclist Stopped in Iecava
State Police stopped a cyclist in Iecava whose breath alcohol concentration was 1.53 per mille. An administrative proceeding has been initiated.
Bauskas Dzīve · 22 Jul, 07:37

Haymaking Season: Farmer in Alsunga Municipality Works Non-Stop
Madars Gulbis, a farmer from Kažoki in Alsunga Municipality, is busy preparing hay for winter for his own herd and helping other farmers without equipment.
Kurzemnieks · 22 Jul, 07:37

Latvian ministers consider new measures against drunk drivers: passenger liability and psychological help
Latvia's ministers of interior and justice are exploring additional measures to combat drunk driving, including holding passengers accountable and mandatory psychological counseling for offenders.
LSM (rus) · 22 Jul, 07:37
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Courtyard Conflict in Pļavnieki Escalates to Weapon Use; Man Detained
State Police detained a man born in 2001 for using a weapon-like object during a conflict in Pļavnieki, on Salnas Street.
Apollo.lv · 22 Jul, 06:37
EC Rule of Law Report: Progress in Latvia's Judicial Independence, but Reforms Incomplete
The European Commission's 2026 rule of law report notes improvements in Latvia's judiciary but urges completion of reforms to protect judges from political influence and enhance investment protection.
LV portāls · 22 Jul, 06:37

Experts Call for Unified Minimum of Teaching Aids in Latvian Schools
In 2026, €9.1 million is planned for teaching aids (€35.20 per student), but there is no defined minimum. This is especially critical in primary school, where printed materials are needed for learning writing and work sequence.
Žurnāls Ir · 22 Jul, 06:36

Rescued daylilies bloom in a vibrant garden in Īslīce
A colorful daylily garden in Īslīce parish, created by rescuing plants from the Lepši allotments near Bauska, is now in full bloom. The garden has been a community pride since its establishment in 2019.
Bauskas Dzīve · 22 Jul, 06:36

Singer Nansija Garkalne Injures Finger at Carnival Youth Concert, Visits Emergency Room
Singer Nansija Garkalne injured her finger before a Carnival Youth concert, spent most of the show with an ice pack, then sought medical help where no fracture was found.
Jauns.lv · 22 Jul, 06:36