Latvia & nearby

Kulbergs: Bureaucracy and Micromanagement Are the Biggest Obstacles to Government Work
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs stated in an interview that bureaucracy and micromanagement hinder the government's work. He pledged to reform IT procurement, accelerate civil defence, and change the approach to the Rail Baltica project.
Bauskas Dzīve · 6 Jul, 05:36

Aleksandr Artamonov, Who Spent Decades in Prison: "It Makes No Difference if I Die Inside or Outside"
An Estonian court is considering the conditional early release of 74-year-old Aleksandr Artamonov, who has been imprisoned for over 20 years for five murders. The convict himself agrees that staying in prison is better, citing his cancer diagnosis and lack of family or sufficient means on the outside.
Jauns.lv · 6 Jul, 05:36

“Latvijas sabiedriskais autobuss” cancels 46 routes towards Ādaži due to driver shortage
On Friday and Saturday, “Latvijas sabiedriskais autobuss” cancelled 46 routes in the Ādaži direction citing a lack of drivers. The Transport Minister has demanded an explanation from the ATD.
Delfi · 6 Jul, 04:38

Lawyer Asks Supreme Court for Early Release of Dikaev
The lawyer of Haron Dikaev, sentenced to 12 years for leading a criminal group, has filed a cassation appeal with the State Court, seeking to overturn the appeal court's refusal of early release.
ERR (rus) · 6 Jul, 04:37
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Cohesion Fund Helps Modernize Railway Infrastructure in Latvia
With EU Cohesion Fund support, Latvia continues modernizing railway platforms to make trains more accessible and convenient. The project is set to complete 48 stations and stops by 2029.
TVNET · 6 Jul, 04:37

32 patients relocated after water leak at Stradiņš hospital due to heavy rain
Heavy rain during the night of July 5-6 caused a water leak in Building 32 of Paula Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, damaging infrastructure and forcing the relocation of 32 patients.
LSM · 6 Jul, 04:36

President Karis and Minister Kallas Honor Outstanding School Graduates at Rose Garden Reception
Estonian President Alar Karis and Minister of Education Kristina Kallas welcomed nearly 1,000 exceptional graduates to the Rose Garden in Kadriorg on Saturday, celebrating their achievements and future plans.
ERR News · 6 Jul, 03:38

Monday: Brief Rain and Thunderstorms, Occasional Sunshine
Monday will bring short rain showers, local thunderstorms, and occasional sunshine across Latvia, with temperatures reaching up to +21°C.
Valmieras Ziņas · 6 Jul, 03:37

Man sentenced to 13 years for brutal murder of wife in Pärnumaa may be paroled
Harju County Court will consider early release for 38-year-old Egert Dulints, sentenced in 2018 to 13 years in prison for the brutal murder of his wife.
ERR (rus) · 6 Jul, 03:37

Police Seek Help Finding Missing Teenager
Latvian State Police are searching for 14-year-old Anda Elizabete Kāpiņa, who left her home in Dobeles municipality on July 3 evening and has not returned. She may be in Kuldīga or Auce.
Delfi · 6 Jul, 02:37

Father's Custody Battle: Do Institutions Listen to the Child?
A man is fighting in court for custody of his daughter, claiming institutions ignore the child's fear of her mother. He questions whether mothers have priority and urges listening to the child.
Delfi · 6 Jul, 00:37

Rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds expected in Estonia on Monday
Estonia will see rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds on Monday, with overnight lows of 11-16°C and daytime highs up to 20°C.
ERR (rus) · 6 Jul, 00:37

Tragedy in Liepāja: 550 kg Safe Door Crushes Worker, Court Rules on Guilt
A worker died in Liepāja when a 550 kg safe door fell during dismantling. The employer tried to blame the victim, claiming he acted arbitrarily and was under alcohol influence.
Apollo.lv · 6 Jul, 00:36

For Third Straight Year, More Foster Families Lost Status Than Gained in Latvia
In 2025, 40 families received foster family status while 63 had it terminated, continuing a three-year trend of decline in the number of foster families in Latvia.
Apollo.lv · 5 Jul, 23:37

Latvian parties intensify battle for voters' attention on social media ahead of Saeima elections
With the Saeima elections months away, 13 parties are using AI, short videos, and emotional messaging to attract voters, but experts urge the electorate to critically assess promises.
Delfi · 5 Jul, 23:37

Court Upholds Fine for Man Who Called Police 'Putin's Lackeys'
Harju County Court upheld a €480 fine for a 57-year-old man convicted of insulting police officers, including calling them 'Putin's lackeys' and 'KGB investigators'.
ERR (rus) · 5 Jul, 23:37

Russia Accuses Latvia of Provocation Over Drone Factory Plans Near Border
Russia's Foreign Ministry claims Latvia's plan to build a drone factory near the Russian border together with Ukraine is a provocation. Latvia's Prime Minister Kulbergs stated the factory is part of a defense cooperation agreement with Ukraine and aims to boost economic activity in the border region.
Jauns.lv · 5 Jul, 22:37

New hotel formats and property changes – how Riga's hospitality market is evolving
Riga's hotel industry is adapting to competition from short-term rentals by introducing new formats like aparthotels for longer stays. At the same time, there is active property sales and operator changes in the market.
Delfi · 5 Jul, 22:37

About 300 Women Attend Crisis Survival Camp in Estonia
Over the weekend, Estonia's women's voluntary defense organization Naiskodukaitse held a training camp where about 300 women without prior military training learned practical skills for emergency situations.
ERR (rus) · 5 Jul, 22:36

Former MEP Tunne Kelam and his wife injured in car accident in Viimsi
On Sunday, former Estonian and European Parliament member Tunne Kelam and his wife were involved in a car accident in Viimsi parish, requiring rescuers to cut the vehicle to free them.
ERR (rus) · 5 Jul, 21:36

Fewer Lists Submitted for 15th Saeima Elections Than in Previous Elections
On Sunday, July 5, the submission of candidate lists for the 15th Saeima elections ends. Fourteen lists have been submitted, fewer than four years ago, and the total number of candidates is also lower.
LSM (rus) · 5 Jul, 21:36
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Ziedot.lv calls for donations for 15-year-old Emīls from Saulkrasti to preserve mobility
The charity organization Ziedot.lv is asking for donations to purchase a verticalizer for 15-year-old Emīls, who due to a progressive disease needs this device to maintain the ability to stand and ease his daily life.
Apollo.lv · 5 Jul, 20:36

Warmer Weather Expected This Weekend
After a windy and rainy week, Latvia will see warmer temperatures over the weekend.
Delfi · 5 Jul, 19:37

US Nearly Fully Withdraws Troops from Estonia Amid Review of European Presence
The United States has largely pulled its troops out of Estonia after the Pentagon paused rotations and began a global force posture review. Estonian officials say the move is temporary and linked to a broader reassessment of US military presence in Europe.
ERR (rus) · 5 Jul, 19:37

Estonia's Supreme Court Clarifies When Asylum Seekers Can Be Detained
Estonia's Supreme Court upheld the detention of a Russian asylum seeker but clarified that detention is only lawful when necessary for establishing facts requiring personal involvement, not due to administrative delays.
ERR (rus) · 5 Jul, 18:36

New 883-meter roller skating track opened in Liepaja's Horse Island
In Liepaja, the recultivation of the eastern part of Horse Island has been completed, along with a new 883-meter roller skating track, expanding active recreation options.
Jauns.lv · 5 Jul, 18:36
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Latvia's foster family numbers continue to decline – third consecutive year with more terminations than new grants
In 2025, 40 families received foster family status while 63 had it terminated, continuing a negative trend. Total foster families decreased to 654, and the share of children placed in institutions is rising.
TVNET · 5 Jul, 16:37

Creative Garden by the Sea: The Rubenis Family in Mērsrags
Ojārs and Vija Rubenis have a coastal garden in Mērsrags where everything blooms later—lilacs still flower in late June—showing how the seaside climate changes both plants and people.
LSM (rus) · 5 Jul, 16:36

Narva Centre Party Faction Asks Mayor to Resolve Kreenholm Viaduct Issue
The Centre Party faction in the Narva City Council has sent an official request to Mayor Katri Raik demanding clarification on actions taken regarding a man who has been frightening passersby on the Kreenholm viaduct for a prolonged period. Deputies note the situation causes serious concern among residents.
ERR (rus) · 5 Jul, 15:37

Border Guards Detain Three Human Smugglers Near Daugavpils
Latvian State Border Guard apprehended three Moldovan nationals for illegally transporting people across the Latvia-Belarus border. Warning shots were fired during the arrests.
Delfi · 5 Jul, 15:36
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Braže in US discusses strategic partnership and NATO summit preparations
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže met with US Senator, National Guard commander, and the Latvian diaspora, focusing on Baltic security, the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, and support for Ukraine.
TVNET · 5 Jul, 14:37

Piltene to Celebrate City Festival with "Pērkons" Concert and Luminous Art Exhibition
From July 18 to 25, Piltene will host its city festival featuring a run, creative workshops, a market, a concert by legendary Latvian rock band "Pērkons", a dance party with "Hono", and an international luminous art exhibition "Peace".
Jauns.lv · 5 Jul, 14:37
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Yellow thunderstorm warning issued for parts of Latvia
A yellow weather warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms is in effect in parts of Latvia on Sunday.
TVNET · 5 Jul, 13:36
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Severe thunderstorm warning issued for central and eastern Latvia
The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms affecting central and eastern parts of the country from Sunday afternoon until evening.
Apollo.lv · 5 Jul, 13:36

To Latvia: Sonya from Donetsk has changed six countries and two continents
A schoolgirl from Donetsk, after a long journey through six countries and two continents, has ended up in Latvia. She now lives in Jurmala, studies in Riga, and dreams of one day returning to her native Donetsk.
LSM (rus) · 5 Jul, 13:36

Sonya from Donetsk: A Journey Through Six Countries to Home in Jurmala
A war refugee from Donetsk, now in Latvia, studies in Riga and dreams of returning to her hometown.
LSM · 5 Jul, 13:36