Latvia & nearby
Presidents of Lithuania and Latvia oppose reinstating border controls between countries
The presidents of Lithuania and Latvia have spoken against restoring border checks between their nations, despite rising illegal migration from Belarus.
LSM (rus) · 15 Jul, 21:36
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1277 Young People to Start National Defense Service in Latvia; First Time Includes Military Police
On Thursday, July 17, 1277 young people will begin their national defense service, with most serving for 11 months. For the first time, conscripts will also serve in the Military Police and at the 'Mežaine' base.
Apollo.lv · 15 Jul, 21:36
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Rinkēvičs Warns of Possible Russian Provocations in Baltic Region During Visit to Lithuania
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, citing intelligence from Baltic states and NATO, has warned of Russian sabotage and hybrid attacks, urging preparedness as Russia may test NATO's Article 5.
Apollo.lv · 15 Jul, 20:37
Swedish Kingdom Day to be Held at Narva Castle on July 25
The Narva Museum invites to the traditional Swedish Kingdom Day on July 25, featuring historical workshops, family programs, curator tours, and city walks highlighting the Swedish heritage.
ERR (rus) · 15 Jul, 19:37
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Vapiano restaurant in Latvia closes its doors
On Wednesday, July 15, the only Vapiano restaurant in Latvia, located in the Origo shopping center, operated its last day. The Italian dining chain is no longer present in the country.
Apollo.lv · 15 Jul, 18:37
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Archaeologists discover papal bull and medieval road in downtown Tallinn
A 14th-century papal bull (lead seal) and remains of a medieval road have been unearthed in central Tallinn during excavations behind the Eesti Projekt building on Rävala Boulevard. It is the first archaeological find of a papal bull in Estonia.
Postimees · 15 Jul, 18:37
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Main Facade and Platform Works Completed at Rail Baltica Riga Central Station
The southern part of Riga Central Station has seen the completion of key facade and platform construction, with full finishing expected by the end of 2026.
TVNET · 15 Jul, 18:37
Over 8,000 applications received in a week for eight Latvian universities
Since the start of joint admissions for undergraduate studies at eight Latvian universities, 8,139 applications have been received, with 6,104 confirmed. The University of Latvia leads in applications.
Jauns.lv · 15 Jul, 18:36
Latvia Investigates Belarusian Border Guards’ Role in Illegal Migration
The Latvian Prosecutor General’s Office on Wednesday, July 15, launched a criminal investigation into the actions of Belarusian border service officials regarding the organization of illegal migration into Latvia. The proceedings are currently based on the fact, not against specific individuals.
LSM (rus) · 15 Jul, 18:36
Long-awaited Bārbeles road reconstruction delayed due to worse bridge condition and bitumen price hike
The reconstruction of the Bārbele–Ozolaine road in Bauska municipality, which started this spring after decades of delays, is now facing setbacks because the bridge is in poorer condition than expected and builders are requesting compensation for rising bitumen costs.
LSM · 15 Jul, 18:36
Estonian Reform Party MPs Propose Budget Cuts Exceeding €100 Million
MPs Mart Vyrklaev and Aivar Sõerd suggest cutting state spending by postponing the Siuru cultural center, reducing funding for wealthiest municipalities, and raising doctor visit fees.
ERR (rus) · 15 Jul, 18:36
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Restaurant 'Vapiano' ceases operations in Latvia
The only Vapiano restaurant in Latvia, located in the Origo shopping center, has closed, marking the chain's complete withdrawal from the country.
TVNET · 15 Jul, 17:37
Saeima commission backs eastern territories development fund; Finance Ministry opposes
The Saeima's State Administration and Local Government Commission has supported a bill to create a special fund for Latvia's eastern border region development, but the Finance Ministry is against it. The fund would require approximately 50 million euros annually.
LSM (rus) · 15 Jul, 17:36
Record-Breaking Real Estate Deal in Tallinn: Apartment Sold for €4 Million
The most expensive apartment in Estonian history has been sold in Tallinn for €4 million. The 340-square-meter property in the "Volta Skai" complex features a 300-square-meter terrace with a panoramic view of the Old Town and the bay.
Jauns.lv · 15 Jul, 16:37
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National Alliance urges merging three ministries into one Ministry of National Economy before elections
The National Alliance (NA) has called on the ruling coalition to decide before the next Saeima elections to merge the Ministry of Climate and Energy (KEM), the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM), and the Ministry of Economics (EM) into a single Ministry of National Economy.
TVNET · 15 Jul, 16:37
Number of Short-Term Foreign Workers in Estonia Declines; Majority Work in Agriculture
This year, 2,396 short-term foreign workers have arrived in Estonia, significantly fewer than in previous years. Most are employed in agriculture, primarily from Ukraine, Moldova, and Uzbekistan.
BNN · 15 Jul, 16:37
Radio 3 to Broadcast on Former LR4 Frequency after All Media Latvia Wins NEPLP Competition
The National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP) has selected All Media Latvia as the winner of a competition for broadcasting rights on the 107.7 MHz frequency in Riga, formerly used by Latvian Radio 4, with its Radio 3 program.
LSM (rus) · 15 Jul, 16:37
Tartu Mayor Klaas Rejects Some Party Colleagues' Proposals for Budget Savings
Tartu Mayor Urmas Klaas (Reform Party) has rejected several proposals from fellow party members Aivar Sõerd and Mart Võrklaev to balance the state budget, but supported cutting state operational costs and bureaucracy.
ERR (rus) · 15 Jul, 16:37
Estonian dairy prices continue downward trend in Q2 2026
Milk and butter prices fell in Estonia during the second quarter of 2026, while beef prices stabilized and egg prices rose, according to METK data.
ERR News · 15 Jul, 16:36
Tense Atmosphere in Nīcgale as Wind Farm Discussions Continue
A second meeting in Nīcgale, Augšdaugava municipality, about the planned wind farm by company "Vindr" saw locals remaining skeptical and oppositional towards dozens of turbines.
LSM · 15 Jul, 16:36
Grüne Fee CEO: EU plastics rules could cut fruit and vegetable choice
An EU ban on individually plastic-wrapped vegetables may lead to many types of fruit and vegetables disappearing from supermarket shelves in Estonia, an industry leader has said.
ERR News · 15 Jul, 15:37
“Summer Horizon”: Old Town sinking, new trolleybuses, and Rose Days
The upcoming episode of “Summer Horizon” on ETV+ will cover Tallinn’s Old Town subsidence, new battery-powered trolleybuses, a concrete yacht, and the Rose Days at the Botanical Garden.
ERR (rus) · 15 Jul, 15:36
On July 17, 1,277 Young People to Begin National Defense Service; Majority Volunteers
On July 17, 1,277 young people will start national defense service in Latvia, with the majority having volunteered. They will serve in various National Armed Forces units across the country.
Delfi · 15 Jul, 15:36
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Millions Needed to Maintain Ports in 'Survival Mode', Minister Says
Transport Minister Rihards Kozlovskis stated that millions of euros are required to maintain port infrastructure in survival mode, while the Finance Ministry is not yet considering new subsidies.
TVNET · 15 Jul, 14:36
Latvia and Lithuania Agree to Hold Joint Military Exercises
The presidents of Latvia and Lithuania announced on Wednesday plans to conduct joint military exercises at the Sēlija training area, highlighting their strategic partnership.
Jauns.lv · 15 Jul, 14:36
Seven-person group suspected of thefts in Vidzeme; police seek additional victims
State Police in Vidzeme has uncovered a group of seven individuals who allegedly committed multiple thefts in rural properties this spring. The items stolen included diesel fuel and garden equipment, later sold through pawnshops and social media. The group includes two minors.
Delfi · 15 Jul, 14:36
Time Capsule Ceremony Marks New Lung Health and Infectious Diseases Building at Riga Eastern Hospital
A ceremony to seal a time capsule was held at Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital on Wednesday for its upcoming Lung Health and Infectious Diseases building, which is scheduled for completion in 2028.
LSM · 15 Jul, 14:36
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Sports Organizations Urge Latvian Parliament to Speed Up State Sports Fund Law
The Latvian Olympic Committee, together with 35 sports federations, has called on lawmakers to expedite the State Sports Fund law, expressing concerns that the bill has been removed from a committee's agenda.
TVNET · 15 Jul, 13:36
Latvian Parliament to Re-Evaluate Studies with 'Most Interesting Titles'
Kaspars Melnis, head of the Saeima Expenditure Commission, wants to revive debate on studies with the 'most interesting titles', while the FLPP program supported 56 projects with 16.8 million euros in 2025.
Delfi · 15 Jul, 13:36
Driver with approximately 4‰ alcohol level detained in central Riga
A driver under the influence of alcohol (approximately 4‰) caused a crash in central Riga on Kalna Street, hitting two parked cars, then continued to Lāčplēša Street, where a Volvo driver stopped him and called the police.
TVNET · 15 Jul, 12:37
Professor Egils Vītols, Renowned Neurologist, Passes Away
Professor Egils Vītols, a leading figure in Latvian neurology and former head of the Neurology Department at Riga Stradiņš University, has died.
Delfi · 15 Jul, 12:37
US 'close' to resuming weapons deliveries, says Estonian ambassador
Estonian Ambassador to the US Kristjan Prikk has said the United States is close to resuming weapons deliveries that were suspended in April after attacks on Iran. He noted encouraging news and said deliveries may resume soon.
ERR News · 15 Jul, 12:36
By End of July, Riga to Implement New Pedestrian Crossings and Traffic Solutions
By July 31, Riga will gradually introduce traffic management solutions and new pedestrian crossings to enhance safety, as announced by the Riga City Council's External Communications Department.
LSM (rus) · 15 Jul, 12:36
Woman to Stand Trial for Murder Committed Under Influence of Alcohol in Ogre
Prosecutors have sent to court a criminal case against a woman who killed a person with a knife in Ogre in November 2025 while intoxicated.
Delfi · 15 Jul, 11:37
Poll: SDE's rating surge stalls
The latest weekly poll shows that the Social Democratic Party's recent rise in support has come to a halt, while Isamaa and the Centre Party have gained ground.
ERR News · 15 Jul, 11:36
Swedish HANZA to Acquire Fortaco Plant in Estonia, Poland and Finland
Swedish industrial group HANZA is buying Fortaco's steel processing and assembly units in three countries, including a major plant in Narva, Estonia.
ERR (rus) · 15 Jul, 11:36