Latvia & nearby
Concert season drives up accommodation prices in Liepaja
Accommodation prices in Liepaja have quadrupled in summer compared to winter due to concerts, with tourists expressing shock and businesses citing market forces.
LSM (rus) · 20 Jul, 22:36
Prosecutor's Office Demands Cancellation of Government Decisions on Wood Industry Support; Case May Reach Constitutional Court
The Prosecutor General's Office has submitted a protest to the government, arguing that support for the wood industry was granted illegally based on false information. If the government rejects the protest, the matter could be taken to the Constitutional Court.
Delfi · 20 Jul, 21:37
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Mayor of Jēkabpils Accused of Illegal Possession of Pneumatic Weapon
Aivars Ragainis, the mayor of Jēkabpils, has been charged with possessing a high-energy pneumatic weapon without a permit. The weapon was discovered during a search of his home as part of a criminal investigation into alleged corruption in the construction of the city's flood protection dam.
TVNET · 20 Jul, 21:36
Prosecutor's Office Demands Cancellation of Government Decisions Supporting Wood Industry
The General Prosecutor's Office has sent a protest to the government, stating that the Cabinet of Ministers' actions to change the wood pricing procedure at AS “Latvijas Valsts meži” were unlawful.
LSM · 20 Jul, 21:36
Police seek help finding missing minor Jelizaveta in Riga
State Police are searching for Jelizaveta Dudnika, who went missing from her home in Purvciems, Riga, on July 19. She was last seen at a playground near Dzelzavas street market.
Delfi · 20 Jul, 20:37
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Longtime Āraišu Lake Castle Researcher Zigrīda Apala Passes Away
Archaeologist Zigrīda Apala, known for her work at the Āraišu Lake Castle and Cēsis Castle, has died at age 87. She co-founded the international experimental archaeology association EXARC.
Apollo.lv · 20 Jul, 20:37
Jēkabpils Mayor Ragainis Charged with Unlicensed Storage of Pneumatic Weapon
Raivis Ragainis, the mayor of Jēkabpils and member of the Latvian Green Party, has been charged with storing a high-energy pneumatic weapon without a required permit. He claims it was a misunderstanding.
LSM · 20 Jul, 20:36
E-cigarette traders: Restrictions on legal products will boost black market
Estonia proposes new regulations on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, including a closed list of ingredients and fines for distance selling, but industry warns this could drive legal products into the illegal market.
ERR (rus) · 20 Jul, 20:36
Police Search for Missing 12-Year-Old Girl in Riga
The State Police are asking for help in locating Jeļizaveta Dudņika, born in 2013, who left her home in the Purvciems neighborhood on Sunday, July 19, and has not returned.
Jauns.lv · 20 Jul, 20:36
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Government Action Plan Reduced to 150 Tasks
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs announced that the government's action plan has been cut from 215 to 150 tasks, with 61 classified as priorities. Approval is expected on Tuesday.
Apollo.lv · 20 Jul, 19:37
Construction of Tallinn film town expected to begin this winter
Tallinnfilm CEO Joonas Tartu announced that active construction of the Tallinn film town could start this winter and be completed in two years.
ERR (rus) · 20 Jul, 19:37
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Tram lines flooded on Latgales Street; Routes 7 and 14 suspended
In Riga, flooding on Latgales Street near the "Mazā Kalna iela" stop has forced the suspension of trams on routes 7 and 14 in both directions.
TVNET · 20 Jul, 19:37
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Mārtiņš Ķeņģis leaves acting chairman role at EDzL; Dāvis Blaus appointed
Mārtiņš Ķeņģis has stepped down as acting chairman of the board of SIA "Eiropas dzelzceļa līnijas" (EDzL), the company responsible for Rail Baltica in Latvia, as he takes a new role elsewhere. Project manager Dāvis Blaus has been appointed as a board member to ensure continuity until a permanent leader is chosen.
Apollo.lv · 20 Jul, 18:37
Tram and Car Collide in Daugavpils: One Injured
On Monday afternoon, a tram and a Toyota car collided on 18 November Street in Daugavpils, injuring one person. The injured individual declined hospitalization.
Latvijas Avīze · 20 Jul, 18:37
Estonia Faces Fine for Refusing to Join Second Phase of Emissions Trading System
The European Commission has launched an infringement procedure against Estonia and five other EU countries for failing to implement the second phase of the Emissions Trading System (ETS2), covering transport and district heating, which could lead to financial penalties.
ERR (rus) · 20 Jul, 18:37
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Latvian Students Win Four Medals at International Chemistry Olympiad
Young chemists from Riga State Gymnasium No.1 and RTU Engineering High School brought home one silver and three bronze medals from this year's international competition, which featured 363 participants from 92 countries.
TVNET · 20 Jul, 18:37
KNAB Launches Investigation into Possible Misconduct by Ogre Municipality Officials
The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) is evaluating information from the State Audit Office regarding potential unlawful actions by Ogre municipality officials, involving at least €434,000 in non-compliant spending and fraud risks in procurement.
Delfi · 20 Jul, 18:36
Parties spent almost 900,000 euros on pre-election campaigning
Since the start of the pre-election campaign period, political parties have declared campaign expenses of nearly 900,000 euros.
LSM (rus) · 20 Jul, 18:36
Latvian Parties Spend Nearly €900,000 in First Month of Election Campaign
From June 6 to July 19, political parties signed contracts for limited election campaign expenses totaling €899,636, according to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau.
Delfi · 20 Jul, 17:37
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Lithuanian Defense Minister: Russia, Unable to Win in Ukraine, Looks for New Targets in Baltics and Poland
Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas stated that Russia, failing to achieve victory in Ukraine, is now focusing on potential military successes in the Baltic states and Poland.
TVNET · 20 Jul, 17:37
Nearly €900,000 spent on pre-election campaigns; LPV, NA, and AS lead in spending
According to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB), Latvian political parties have spent almost €900,000 on pre-election advertising since June 6. The top spenders are Latvia First, the National Alliance, and the United List.
Jauns.lv · 20 Jul, 17:36
Lasnamäe Resident Hands Over €30,000 in Cash to Scammers
A woman living in Tallinn's Lasnamäe district fell victim to fraud, losing €30,000 in cash to scammers posing as medical company and police officials.
ERR (rus) · 20 Jul, 17:36
Prosecutor's Office Extends Deadline in High-Profile Isamaa Case
Estonia's Prosecutor's Office has delayed a decision on suspicions against the Isamaa party due to the complexity of the case, now aiming for the end of summer to avoid overlapping with election campaigns.
ERR News · 20 Jul, 16:37
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Lipšāns transitions from external advisor to staff legal consultant in Kulberg's office
Mārtiņš Lipšāns has been moved from the Prime Minister's external advisory role to a staff legal consultant position, continuing to oversee Rail Baltica matters.
Apollo.lv · 20 Jul, 16:37
Lithuanian Defense Minister: After failures in Ukraine, Russia seeks new targets in the Baltics
Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas warns that Russia, unable to achieve success in Ukraine, is shifting its focus to the Baltic states and Poland, with daily intelligence analysis to counter hybrid attacks.
Jauns.lv · 20 Jul, 16:37
Police: Small Chance Missing Diver Will Be Washed Ashore
Despite days of searching, the diver who went missing off the coast of Roja on July 12 has not been found. Police say due to his heavy equipment, the likelihood of him being washed ashore is minimal.
Delfi · 20 Jul, 16:36
NGO Representatives to Lose Compensation for Work in Government Cooperation Council
The State Chancellery, following the Prime Minister's order, has drafted amendments to abolish compensation for NGO representatives participating in the Memorandum Council meetings and working groups, aiming to save budget funds.
Delfi · 20 Jul, 15:37
Estonia's Interior Minister: No plans to close border with Russia for now, but readiness is there
Estonia's Interior Minister Igor Taro stated that there is currently no reason to close the border with Russia, but if a direct threat arises, it will be closed immediately.
Ukrainska Pravda · 20 Jul, 15:36
Procurement Monitoring Bureau cancels results of two Song and Dance Festival concert concept competitions
The Procurement Monitoring Bureau has partially upheld complaints about two concept competitions for concerts at the Song and Dance Festival, canceling the results due to insufficiently justified scores.
Jauns.lv · 20 Jul, 15:36
Seven-year-old Lithuanian becomes European chess champion – twice in one tournament
Nikolas Bausys, a seven-year-old from Lithuania, won both the European rapid and blitz chess championships in Poland, scoring outstanding results.
LRT English · 20 Jul, 14:37
Estonian Ministry Proposes Stricter Rules to Curb Youth Access to Tobacco Products
Estonia's Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs has drafted a bill to limit minors' access to tobacco products, including restricting flavorings, raising fines, and cracking down on imports from abroad.
ERR News · 20 Jul, 14:36
Estonian winter barley harvest starts with strong yields
Estonian farmers have begun harvesting winter barley, with yields above average, but the harvest faces challenges from uneven ripening and lodging caused by storms.
ERR News · 20 Jul, 13:37
Commemorative Plaque for Baltic Way Unveiled in Paris
A plaque commemorating the 1989 Baltic Way human chain was unveiled last week on Île aux Cygnes in Paris. The ceremony was attended by Baltic and French officials, who highlighted the importance of unity and peaceful resistance.
LRT English · 20 Jul, 13:37
To the Olympics without state funding? Government evades answer
Latvian athletes are prohibited from using state funding for competitions involving athletes from Russia and Belarus, but the government avoids clarifying whether this means they must self-fund their participation in the Olympic Games.
LSM (rus) · 20 Jul, 13:36
Lithuania sees no major disruption from EU's Entry/Exit System, despite problems elsewhere
Lithuania reports that the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is operating without significant disruption, unlike several other EU countries where long queues and technical issues have been observed.
LRT English · 20 Jul, 12:38
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Tavars: Merging Ministries into a Single Economy Ministry Not Possible at This Time
Minister of Smart Administration and Regional Development Edgars Tavars says there are currently no viable options for merging several ministries into one Ministry of Economy, as it would disrupt and paralyze their work.
TVNET · 20 Jul, 12:37