Latvia & nearby
Elering Tests Estonia's Energy System Readiness for Crisis
Estonian system operator Elering conducted technical tests on July 15 to verify the energy system's readiness to operate under partial isolation and its ability to restore power after a major blackout.
ERR (rus) · 16 Jul, 09:36
NATO Air Defence Pledge for Baltics: Promises vs Reality
NATO has not fulfilled its 2023 pledge to maintain rotational air defence deployments in the Baltic states due to a chronic shortage of systems across the alliance, officials and experts say. A new air defence mission format has been approved but faces the same fundamental challenge.
LRT English · 16 Jul, 08:38
New Optio eyeglass store opens in Kuldīga
A new eyeglass store, Optio, has opened at Liepājas iela 14 in Kuldīga, offering glasses and eye exams with an optometrist.
Kurzemnieks · 16 Jul, 08:38
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Universities of Latvia and LBTU Positive on Early Admission; Plan to Continue
The University of Latvia and Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies piloted early admission in select programs this year, both evaluating it positively and planning to continue.
TVNET · 16 Jul, 08:37
State Audit Finds Ogre Municipality Misspent €434,000 and Signs of Fraud in Procurements
The State Audit has revealed that Ogre municipality illegally spent at least €434,000, and procurement processes show indicators of fraud. Auditors urge the municipality to recover the funds, otherwise a loss recovery process may be initiated.
Bauskas Dzīve · 16 Jul, 08:37
Second Architecture, Art and Music Festival Concludes in Dagda
From July 9 to 12, Dagda hosted the second architecture, art and music festival, bringing together artists and culture enthusiasts from Latvia and abroad.
LaKuga · 16 Jul, 08:37
Estonian Ministry of Defense Does Not Support Bill on Conditions for Nuclear Weapons Deployment
Estonia's Ministry of Defense proposes the government reject a bill by MP Varro Vooglaid that would require parliamentary approval for any peacetime deployment of nuclear weapons in the country.
ERR (rus) · 16 Jul, 08:36
State Control Finds Systemic Violations and Fraud Risks in Ogre Region Procurement
The State Control audit revealed significant deficiencies in Ogre region, including signs of fraud risk in municipal procurement and funding allocation to public organizations and foundations.
LSM (rus) · 16 Jul, 08:36
Ērģeme Cemetery Chapel Gets New Roof and Electronic Bell
Valka municipality has started a project to renovate the Ērģeme cemetery chapel, replacing its roof and installing an electronically operated bell.
Ziemeļlatvija · 16 Jul, 07:38
Chance Meeting Leads to Exhibition at Padure Manor
Czech painter Julia Čočola, after a chance meeting with the manor owner, prepared the exhibition "Ember" in four months, dedicated to fire and abstraction.
Kurzemnieks · 16 Jul, 07:37
Thursday to Reach +28°C in Central Kurzeme, Sunny Elsewhere in Latvia
On Thursday, temperatures in central Kurzeme may reach +28°C, while other regions will experience dry and sunny weather with occasional clouds. In Riga, the air will warm up to +25°C.
Apollo.lv · 16 Jul, 07:37
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Bolt: Reaction Tests and License Checks Reduce E-Scooter Demand
E-scooter sharing operator Bolt says mandatory reaction tests and driver's license verification before each ride have decreased demand. The company has adjusted fleet sizes in several Latvian cities.
TVNET · 16 Jul, 07:37
Estonian PM congratulates new Lithuanian head of government, discusses cooperation
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal congratulated Mindaugas Sinkevičius on his appointment as Prime Minister of Lithuania and discussed regional cooperation in a phone call.
ERR (rus) · 16 Jul, 07:36
Former Liepāja Deputy and Surgeon Fined for Hiding Over €400,000 in Income
The State Revenue Service discovered a significant discrepancy between the legal income and actual spending of a former Liepāja city council deputy and surgeon, linked to a possible gambling hobby. She was penalized for tax evasion after digital evidence and bank statements shattered her alibi.
Apollo.lv · 16 Jul, 06:38
New Criminal Sentence Enforcement Law: A Reform Emphasizing Human Rights and Security
The Prison Administration and the State Probation Service view the new Criminal Sentence Enforcement Bill as a significant step toward modern, human-rights-based execution of sentences, strengthening public safety and reducing recidivism.
LV portāls · 16 Jul, 06:38
State Employment Agency Invites Employers to Job Fair in Jelgava
The State Employment Agency (NVA) invites employers to register for a job fair to be held on September 9 in Jelgava.
Zemgales Ziņas · 16 Jul, 06:37
Closer Integration of Critical Infrastructure into National Security System Needed
A survey shows 89% of Latvians consider it important to identify and respond to unauthorized drone activity, especially near borders and critical infrastructure. Bite Latvija calls for closer integration of critical infrastructure into the national security system, emphasizing national roaming and autonomous communication solutions.
Žurnāls Ir · 16 Jul, 06:37
Mostly Dry Weather, but Cyclone and Rain Expected on Weekend
Thursday and Friday will be mostly dry in Latvia, with only isolated light rain, while the weekend will bring a cyclone, cloudier skies, and widespread precipitation.
BNN · 16 Jul, 06:37
State Audit: At least €443,000 misspent in Ogre municipality, fraud risks found
The State Audit of Latvia has completed an audit of Ogre municipality, revealing serious deficiencies in financial management, including at least €443,000 spent improperly and signs of fraud.
Delfi · 16 Jul, 06:36
Thursday brings dry and sunny weather to Latvia; temperatures could reach +28°C
Latvia is experiencing a sunny Thursday morning with no precipitation, and temperatures may climb to +28°C in central Kurzeme.
Bauskas Dzīve · 16 Jul, 06:36
Audit Finds Systematic Deviations and Fraud Risks in Ogre Municipality Procurement
The State Audit Office has identified systematic deviations from management order and signs of fraud risk in public procurement and funding to associations in Ogre municipality.
LSM · 16 Jul, 06:36
Former Taekwondo Star Inese Tarvida Gets Married and Expects Baby
Former Latvian taekwondo athlete Inese Tarvida has announced her pregnancy and marriage to Audris Sarkans. The wedding took place on June 12 this year.
Jauns.lv · 16 Jul, 06:36
Sports, Politics and Children's Literature: Highlights from the Latest 'Ir' Issue
The magazine 'Ir' has published several significant articles, including Ukrainian skeletonist Vladislav Heraskevych's criticism of the IOC decision to allow Russian athletes in the 2028 Olympics, the Istanbul Convention as a pre-election issue, and poet Ivars Šteinbergs' poetry collection sparking debates.
Žurnāls Ir · 16 Jul, 05:38
Discussion on 15th Saeima Election Programs Features Experts and Politicians
On July 15, a live broadcast of "What is happening with the 15th Saeima election programs and candidate lists (II)?" took place, featuring several experts and public figures.
LSM · 16 Jul, 05:38
Major Heat Supply Modernization to Begin in Lauma Neighborhood
Starting July 27, Liepājas enerģija will begin preparatory works for heat pipeline reconstruction in the Lauma district, causing temporary inconveniences including hot water outages in August.
irLiepāja · 16 Jul, 05:38
15th Art Plenary Takes Place in Svitene
From July 13 to 19, Svitene is hosting the 15th Art Plenary with 30 participating artists. The closing events on Sunday, July 19, feature an exhibition, a masterclass, and a concert.
Bauskas Dzīve · 16 Jul, 05:36
Rainwater Harvesting: Simple Steps for Sustainable Gardening
Collecting rainwater is an affordable and eco-friendly practice that can be started with minimal investment. By choosing the right tank and placement, homeowners can gradually improve their system to save on utility bills.
Jauns.lv · 16 Jul, 05:36
Three Old Riga Watch Robbers Plead Guilty, Fourth Still at Large
Three of four armed robbers who attacked a luxury watch store in Old Riga last April have pleaded guilty and will receive prison sentences, while the fourth remains at large. Investigators identified three mistakes that led to their capture.
Žurnāls Ir · 16 Jul, 04:38
Top-Earning State Officials: Bailiff Andrejeva Takes the Lead
For the first time in years, the top spot among Latvia's highest-paid state officials has changed; bailiff Indra Andrejeva now leads with average monthly earnings exceeding €60,000.
Žurnāls Ir · 16 Jul, 02:38
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Ratnieks calls unverified X post subjects 'monkeys', urges deportation
Riga Vice-Mayor Edvards Ratnieks reacted on social media X to an unverified claim of an attack, calling the alleged perpetrators 'monkeys' and demanding their deportation. No details of the incident were confirmed.
TVNET · 16 Jul, 02:37
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Farmers' Night Market in July: Seasonal Abundance and Aromas
In mid-July, the Riga Central Market hosts the Farmers' Night Market, featuring a mix of early summer and early autumn produce, offering visitors a colorful and fragrant experience.
TVNET · 16 Jul, 01:38
Lithuania gets third government in two years – new PM Mindaugas Sinkevičius
Lithuania has started its third government in less than two years. The new Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius (42) took office after parliamentary approval on June 30.
Žurnāls Ir · 16 Jul, 00:38
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Dombrava and Puntulis Demand Audit of All Asylum and Migration Fund Projects
NA ministers ask the Financial Ministry's Audit Authority to expand the audit to cover all Culture Ministry-managed projects of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, after violations were found in one project.
TVNET · 15 Jul, 23:37
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Dangerous Incident in Riga City Center: Shoplifter Wields Knife
On Tuesday, July 14, a dangerous incident occurred in central Riga when a fleeing shoplifter brandished a knife while trying to avoid apprehension. The suspect was detained, and two criminal proceedings have been initiated.
TVNET · 15 Jul, 22:36
Lithuanian Prosecutors Fail to Obtain Key Information from US on Alleged CIA Prison
Lithuania's Prosecutor General's Office announced it has not received significant data from the US and other countries in the long-running investigation into a possible secret CIA prison, which the European Court of Human Rights has ruled existed in Lithuania two decades ago.
Delfi · 15 Jul, 21:37
National Alliance ministers demand audit of all Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund projects
National Alliance politicians Jānis Dombrava and Nauris Puntulis have asked the Financial Ministry's Audit Authority to evaluate all projects managed by the Culture Ministry under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, following violations found in one project.
Jauns.lv · 15 Jul, 21:36