Latvia & nearby

Fog expected in many parts of Latvia on Saturday, light rain possible in places
On Saturday, 31 October, skies over Latvia will be mostly cloudy, with fog forming in many places in the morning. Forecasters say brief rain is possible in Kurzeme, Zemgale and Riga.
Latvijas Avīze · 31 Oct, 09:09

Bear spotted crossing Ozolu road in Bebri parish
A video shows a bear running across a gravel road in Bebri parish, Latvia. The animal was seen by the husband of local resident Ilona Dunkule.
Staburags · 31 Oct, 09:08

Aizkraukle Invites Public Nominations for “Event of the Year” Ahead of 60th Anniversary
Aizkraukle Municipality in Latvia is asking institutions, businesses, organisations and residents to nominate the most significant events of 2026 by 27 November. Previously, the organisers chose the events themselves.
Staburags · 31 Oct, 08:11
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Harijs Rokpelnis, not re-elected to the Saeima, plans a short break and a private-sector job
Harijs Rokpelnis of the Union of Greens and Farmers failed to win a seat in the 15th Saeima. He plans a short break and will most likely look for work in the private sector.
TVNET · 31 Oct, 08:10

Lithuanian schools face a dilemma: embrace Halloween or stick to local traditions?
Schools in Lithuania are handling Halloween differently: some rename and adapt it, while others take pupils to tend graves instead. The Education Ministry does not ban celebrations but reminds schools to prioritise Lithuanian traditions.
LRT English · 31 Oct, 08:10

Ogre Municipality Registers 9 Births and 12 Deaths in One Week
The Civil Registry Office of Ogre Municipality in Latvia registered nine newborns between 22 and 28 October. Over the same period, 12 residents of the municipality died.
OgreNet · 31 Oct, 08:10

Bauska hosts fourth stage of children's swimming series "Olympic Spirit"
The fourth stage of the Latvian Swimming Federation's children's series "Olympic Spirit" took place in Bauska's pool on 24 October, with 202 participants. Young swimmers from the Bauska area won gold, silver and bronze medals.
Bauskas Dzīve · 31 Oct, 08:08

Petrol gets cheaper, diesel more expensive in Baltic capitals
Last working week, 95-grade petrol prices fell in Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn, while diesel prices rose. Fuel was most expensive in Vilnius on Friday, and diesel was cheapest in Riga.
Bauskas Dzīve · 31 Oct, 07:11

Smiltene hosts Inspiration Day for local entrepreneurs
At the Smiltene municipality's annual Inspiration Day, held at Smiltene Technical School, 70 entrepreneurs and other interested people gathered. Representatives of companies founded in 2025 were also honoured.
Ziemeļlatvija · 31 Oct, 07:09

Architect Brigita Bula urges rethinking whether new buildings are needed before construction
Latvian architect Brigita Bula is using her "Build–Don't Build" initiative to prompt debate on whether problems should be solved with new construction or by using existing buildings and infrastructure. The initiative aims to produce a practical handbook on sustainable building.
Delfi · 31 Oct, 06:12

Cloudy Saturday ahead in Latvia, with light rain possible in places
On Saturday, 31 October, skies in Latvia will be mostly cloudy, and light rain is possible in parts of Kurzeme and Zemgale. Temperatures will rise to +7..+11 degrees.
Bauskas Dzīve · 31 Oct, 06:09

Military exercises to take place in eastern Latvian border area from 2 to 10 November
Latvia's National Armed Forces, together with the State Border Guard and State Police, will hold exercises in the Alūksne, Balvi and Ludza municipalities from 2 to 10 November. Residents may see soldiers and military vehicles moving through the area.
NRA · 31 Oct, 05:12

Former Daugavpils Mayor Rihards Eigims Sentenced for Bribery
Rihards Eigims, the former mayor of Daugavpils in Latvia, has been sentenced to one and a half years in prison for bribery. The news has prompted a look back at his political career.
TVNET · 31 Oct, 05:11

Pastor Kalniņš: Severance Payments and Pay Gaps Fuel a Sense of Unfairness
Pastor Krists Kalniņš said on the TV24 programme “Preses klubs” that dismissal is especially painful when it feels unfair, a feeling worsened by disproportionate pay in Latvia. He compared an ordinary employee's position with the compensation and benefits received by members of parliament.
Latvijas Avīze · 31 Oct, 02:11

Ogre Municipality Revamps Youth of the Year Award, Adds €100 Cash Prizes
Ogre Municipality in Latvia has drafted new binding regulations for its Youth of the Year Award. Two of the winners will also receive a €100 cash prize.
Jauns.lv · 31 Oct, 00:10

Forecasters: Rain Expected Across Latvia on Friday Evening, Fewer Showers on Saturday
Rain is expected across most of Latvia on Friday evening, heavy in places. On Saturday, precipitation will be limited to a few areas, forecasters say.
NRA · 31 Oct, 00:10
From 1 November, parcels from non-EU countries will carry a two-euro handling fee
From 1 November, a two-euro handling fee will apply to every item line in shipments from outside the European Union. It adds to the three-euro customs duty introduced on 1 July, the State Revenue Service says.
LV portāls · 31 Oct, 00:09

New Overpass From Tvaika Street to Kundziņsala Opens in Riga
Construction of the 863.5-metre overpass linking Tvaika Street with Kundziņsala in Riga is complete, and it opens to traffic on 1 November. It will let freight traffic bypass the city centre.
NRA · 30 Oct, 23:09

Woman raises safety concerns over Latvian Halloween treats map
A woman has voiced concerns on Facebook about the website saldumukarte.lv, where residents mark addresses at which children can collect sweets on 31 October. She says nobody verifies who an address belongs to.
Latvijas Avīze · 30 Oct, 22:09

Light rain possible in places across Estonia on Saturday, highs of +7 to +10
Estonia's weather forecast for Saturday calls for cloudy skies with some clear spells and light rain in places. Daytime temperatures will be +7 to +10 degrees.
ERR (rus) · 30 Oct, 22:09

Border Guard Chief: Firearms Would Make It Easier to Catch Saboteurs at Belarus Border
Guntis Pujāts, head of Latvia's State Border Guard, says expanded firearm rights would help stop saboteurs and also protect the guards themselves. A Saeima committee has already backed the legislative amendments.
NRA · 30 Oct, 22:09

Lithuania and Estonia deny receiving US request to tone down Russia rhetoric
Lithuanian and Estonian officials say the US has not asked them to soften statements about the Russian threat. Reuters had earlier reported, citing sources, that the Pentagon made such a request to several NATO members.
Delfi · 30 Oct, 20:10
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Former transport minister's adviser Podniece joins Kulbergs' office
Alise Podniece, previously an adviser on strategic communications to Latvia's former transport minister Atis Švinka, has joined the office of Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs. The prime minister's office confirmed this.
Apollo.lv · 30 Oct, 19:11

Estonian Foreign Minister: US Did Not Urge Softer Tone on Russia
Estonia's foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, told public broadcaster ERR that Washington has not officially asked Tallinn to change its rhetoric on the Russian threat. He said the claims come from anonymous sources.
Pravda — ziņas · 30 Oct, 19:10

Luminor Economist Strautiņš's Remarks on Latvian Identity Spark Sharp Public Reaction
Remarks by Luminor bank economist Pēteris Strautiņš at the "RĪGA 2050" conference on immigration and Latvian identity have drawn criticism on social media. Among those displeased is Liāna Langa, a defender of Latvian identity.
Latvijas Avīze · 30 Oct, 18:10

Over 100 graves damaged at Kihelkonna cemetery on Saaremaa by boys aged 8 and 10
More than a hundred graves were damaged at a cemetery in Kihelkonna, on Estonia's island of Saaremaa, over the past weekend. Local outlet Saarte Hääl reports the vandals were two boys aged 8 and 10.
ERR (rus) · 30 Oct, 18:10

Largest NATO emerging technology exhibition so far opens in Ādaži, with AI on the battlefield in focus
A NATO emerging technology exhibition is under way in Ādaži, Latvia, with three times as many Latvian and allied companies as before. Its main theme is the use of artificial intelligence on the battlefield.
LSM · 30 Oct, 17:11

Kulbergs Informally Asked Dombrovskis About Brussels' View on Rail Baltica
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs met informally in Riga with EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis and asked about Brussels' position on the Rail Baltica railway project. The meeting was described by the premier's communications adviser, Elīna Šverna.
Apollo.lv · 30 Oct, 17:09

Latvian government honours film producer Andrejs Ēķis and agronomist Edgars Ružs
At its 20 October meeting, Latvia's Cabinet of Ministers awarded a Certificate of Recognition to film producer Andrejs Ēķis and the Cabinet Prize to Edgars Ružs, founder of the farmers' cooperative LATRAPS.
Latvijas Avīze · 30 Oct, 17:09

Kundziņsala overpass opens in Riga, linking Sarkandaugava with the port area
Riga has completed the 863.5-metre Kundziņsala overpass, connecting Tvaika Street in Sarkandaugava with the Freeport of Riga's industrial area. It is meant to divert part of freight traffic away from the city centre and residential neighbourhoods.
Diena · 30 Oct, 16:11

Danish Minister of Defence: Estonia lost 9.5 million euros of Danish money in Datasel deals
Danish Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus has confirmed that 9.5 million euros Denmark gave Estonia to buy artillery shells for Ukraine went to the company Datasel, which never delivered the ammunition. Estonia has promised to repay the money to Denmark.
Postimees · 30 Oct, 16:09

New 82 Million Euro Overpass on Kundzinsala to Open in Riga on 1 November
Construction of an 863-metre overpass on Kundzinsala in Riga has been completed. It will open to traffic on Sunday, 1 November.
LSM (rus) · 30 Oct, 16:09

Social emergency service in Estonia's Tartu County used more than 30 times in its first year
A pilot social emergency service in Tartu County, Estonia, has been used more than 30 times since it launched a little over a year ago. Its organisers hope a similar service could eventually operate nationwide.
ERR (rus) · 30 Oct, 16:09

MEP Marina Kaljurand Will Not Run in Estonian Parliamentary Election
Estonia's Social Democratic Party says MEP Marina Kaljurand will not stand in next spring's Riigikogu election. Foreign Ministry Secretary General Jonatan Vseviov will head the party's list in Harju and Rapla counties instead.
ERR News · 30 Oct, 15:11

Constitutional Court opens case on maximum heat purchase price
Latvia's Constitutional Court has opened a case on an Energy Law provision and a regulator's decision capping the price at which independent producers can sell heat to the heating system operator. The application was filed by heat producer SIA Gren Rīga.
NRA · 30 Oct, 15:09

Riga completes €82 million Kundziņsala overpass
An 863-metre overpass on Kundziņsala island in Riga, Latvia, has been completed. It will open to traffic on Sunday, 1 November.
LSM · 30 Oct, 15:09