Latvia & nearby
Estonian state spending on private PR firms up 55% in two years
Estonian state and public institutions spent €7.3 million on public relations services in 2025, a 55% increase from €4.7 million in 2023. The Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS) is the biggest spender, paying millions to PR firms for promoting Estonia abroad.
ERR News · 21 Jul, 11:36
Anti-Drone Systems to Be Installed on Border by End of September – Defense Minister
Defense Minister Raivis Melnis has ordered the deployment of radar systems along the entire eastern border of Latvia by the end of September to significantly enhance border protection against unmanned aerial vehicles.
LSM (rus) · 21 Jul, 11:36
Former Lithuanian military officer says service ended after raising procurement concerns
Former senior Lithuanian officer Audrius Beinoras claims his career was cut short as retaliation for questioning procurement practices in the armed forces. The Defence Ministry says the decision was based on personnel needs and disciplinary issues.
LRT English · 21 Jul, 10:37
Chimney Sweep Urges Timely Heating System Maintenance for Safety
With heating season approaching, a certified chimney sweep and a fire safety official recommend early inspection and cleaning of heating systems and chimneys to reduce fire risks.
LSM · 21 Jul, 10:36
Shed Fire in Valka Triggers Criminal Investigation
Over the past 24 hours, firefighters in Vidzeme extinguished one fire – a shed in Valka. A criminal process has been launched to investigate the incident.
Ziemeļlatvija · 21 Jul, 09:37
Hungary's OTP Bank acquires Luminor, enters Baltic market
Hungarian bank OTP has signed an agreement to acquire Luminor Bank, marking its entry into the Baltic region and expanding its operations to 14 countries.
BNN · 21 Jul, 09:37
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Search for Missing Diver Near Roja Suspended; Police Cite Small Chance of Washing Ashore
The Latvian Coast Guard has ended the 38-hour search for a missing diver near Roja. The missing man has been identified as Jurijs Dmiščuks, born in 1965. Police say there is a small chance he could be washed ashore between Roja and Riga due to his heavy gear.
TVNET · 21 Jul, 09:37
Stalin-era Ceiling Mural Covered Up at Tallinn Cultural Center
A Stalin-era ceiling mural at the Mere Cultural Center in Tallinn has been covered and a hammer and sickle emblem removed as part of ongoing removal of Soviet symbols in Estonia. The mural is preserved under a white cover; the emblem will be displayed in a museum room later this year.
ERR News · 21 Jul, 09:36
About 6,000 people watched World Cup final at Vabaduse Square in Tallinn
From July 10 to 19, public screenings of World Cup matches were held at Vabaduse Square in Tallinn, with the final attracting a record audience of approximately 6,000 viewers.
ERR (rus) · 21 Jul, 09:36
Meldra Gailāne Wins Pīters Jurciņš Literature Competition Grand Prize in Children's Literature
Meldra Gailāne has won the Pīters Jurciņš literature competition with a story featuring beloved character Meikuleņš and Marta, who embark on a time-travel adventure.
LaKuga · 21 Jul, 08:37
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Share of Foreigners in Latvian Language Exams Increases
Last year, 11,428 people took Latvian language proficiency exams, including 200 Russian and 2,080 Ukrainian citizens, as well as over 1,500 unemployed individuals and 60 diaspora representatives. The most common level taken was A2.
Apollo.lv · 21 Jul, 08:37
Heavy Rain Destroys Road in Talsi Region, Residents Left Isolated
Severe rainfall in western Latvia has completely destroyed a road in Balgava Parish, Talsi region, flooding the area and cutting off residents without power.
Jauns.lv · 21 Jul, 08:37
Joller Opposes Increase in Benefits for Repressed Persons and Chernobyl Liquidators
Estonian Minister of Social Affairs Karmen Joller (Reform Party) has declined to support a bill that would raise annual benefits for repressed individuals and Chernobyl disaster liquidators from 292 to 350 euros, citing lack of funding.
ERR (rus) · 21 Jul, 08:37
Increase in foreigners taking Latvian language proficiency tests
Last year, 11,428 people from 54 countries took Latvian language tests, including 200 Russians and 2,080 Ukrainians.
TVNET · 21 Jul, 08:37
"I Still Feel Like I'm Fifty" – Vecumnieki Resident Antonina Zālīte Celebrates 90th Birthday
Antonina Zālīte, who was born in Ukraine and now lives in Vecumnieki, celebrated her 90th birthday, saying she still feels young. Her life story includes moving from Kharkiv to Latvia after marriage and learning Latvian.
Bauskas Dzīve · 21 Jul, 08:36
Forest harvest season teaches patience and responsibility
The current berry and mushroom season offers not only food but also valuable life lessons about work, patience, and supplementing the family budget.
Ziemeļlatvija · 21 Jul, 08:36
Two Local Roads Closed in Talsi Municipality After Heavy Rains
Heavy rainfall on July 20 caused the Dursupe mill pond to overflow, flooding the surrounding area and washing out two local roads in Talsi Municipality.
LSM · 21 Jul, 08:36
Grain Harvest Begins in Bauska Region; Farmers Expect Good Yield After Tough Years
Farms in Bauska municipality have started harvesting grain, with initial results indicating a good harvest following several challenging years.
Bauskas Dzīve · 21 Jul, 07:38
Home Café Days return to Smiltene municipality in August
This year, the Home Café Days in Smiltene municipality will take place on August 8 and 9, featuring four more cafés than last year. The event's motto is 'Enjoy life without haste', inviting visitors to experience local hospitality and homemade food.
Ziemeļlatvija · 21 Jul, 07:37
Preserving the Energy Ministry – a Security Issue, not an Administrative Choice
Toms Nāburgs, head of the Latvian Wind Energy Association, warns that reducing institutional capacity in energy, such as transferring the functions of the Climate and Energy Ministry to other bodies, could jeopardize Latvia's energy independence and security.
Žurnāls Ir · 21 Jul, 07:37
Lielauce Residents' Council Meeting Scheduled
A residents' council meeting will take place at the Lielauce Parish Administration on July 30 at 6 PM, discussing cultural events, a crane project, and expansion of sports activities.
Zemgales Ziņas · 21 Jul, 07:37
Kuldīga Resident Calls for Preservation of 1905 Park Memorial Site
Ineta Kursiete, whose ancestors were executed in 1919 at Gotlība homestead, shares her family story and urges not to relocate monuments from the 1905 Park, but to keep them as historical testimony.
Kurzemnieks · 21 Jul, 07:37
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Blood Donation Possible at Three Mobile Units on Tuesday
On Tuesday, July 21, the State Blood Donor Centre (VADC) is holding mobile blood drives in Tukums, Gulbene, and Riga, calling for donors, especially those with O-, A-, and B- blood types.
TVNET · 21 Jul, 07:36
Heaviest Rainfall Recorded in Northern Kurzeme
The highest precipitation in Latvia over the past 24 hours was in northern Kurzeme, with Ventspils reaching 130% of the monthly norm. Thunderstorms are expected on Tuesday.
Bauskas Dzīve · 21 Jul, 06:37
Cloudy and rainy weather to persist in Latvia in coming days
The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre forecasts mostly cloudy skies with rain, heavy showers and thunderstorms in northern areas, and gusty winds on the Kurzeme coast over the next few days.
BNN · 21 Jul, 06:36
Anna Kuļberga, Wife of Latvian PM, Shines in Paris with Outfits by Local Designer
Anna Kuļberga accompanied her husband, Prime Minister Andris Kuļberga, to Paris, where she received compliments from French First Lady Brigitte Macron for her elegant attire designed by Latvian fashion designer Natālija Jansone.
Jauns.lv · 21 Jul, 06:36
Consumer Rights Centre receives 50% more complaints – 4,116 in first half of year
The Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC) received 4,116 complaints in the first six months of this year, a 50% increase compared to the same period last year.
LSM (rus) · 21 Jul, 05:37
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Laima Vaikule: If they gave me a gun, I would stay
In an interview, Latvian singer Laima Vaikule said she would stay and fight if Russia invades the Baltics, and discussed her duality, aggression, and stance on the war in Ukraine.
TVNET · 21 Jul, 05:37
Drunk Driver Without License Caught in Viesturi
On Saturday evening in Viesturi, police stopped a car driven by a man born in 2002 with a blood alcohol level of 2.84 per mille and no driver's license.
Bauskas Dzīve · 21 Jul, 05:36
Two Tragedies at Imanta Station: Residents Call for Fence
Two young men have died on the railway tracks near Imanta station within a month, both apparently ignoring warning signals. Local residents are urging the installation of physical barriers.
TVNET · 21 Jul, 04:37
Valmiera Bus Procurement Dispute Reaches Supreme Court
After Autotransporta direkcija published a photo of new buses, a losing bidder spotted a possible violation of tender terms, sparking litigation that has now reached the Supreme Court.
Apollo.lv · 21 Jul, 04:37
Tuesday: Rain in many places, possible thunderstorms, +13..+18
On July 21, Estonia will see variable cloudiness with precipitation; overnight and daytime rain, with some thunderstorms. Temperatures range from +11 to +21.
ERR (rus) · 21 Jul, 03:38
How Much Does a Day in Jūrmala Cost? Lithuanian Media Investigates
Lithuanian outlet 15min.lt looked into the prices of a day trip to Jūrmala, covering beach rentals, meals, and souvenirs. Some costs were surprisingly low, while others made a dent in the wallet.
Apollo.lv · 21 Jul, 01:37
Heavy Rain Floods DEPO Store in Riga; Video Goes Viral on Social Media
An unusual sight unfolded at a DEPO hardware store on Lubānas Street in Riga, where heavy rainfall caused flooding inside the premises – a video quickly spread on social media.
Jauns.lv · 20 Jul, 23:36
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Survey: 71% of young people in Latvia agree women have to prove their competence more often
A survey conducted by research agency "Norstat" shows that 71% of Latvian youth aged 16-30 agree that women have to prove their competence more often. Women agree significantly more than men – 82% and 43% respectively.
TVNET · 20 Jul, 23:36
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Hungary's OTP Bank to acquire Baltic lender Luminor Bank
Hungarian bank OTP Bank has signed an agreement to acquire Luminor Bank, marking its entry into the Baltic market.
Apollo.lv · 20 Jul, 22:37