Latvia & nearby

Nausėda suggests Lithuania may lift nuclear weapons ban
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda stated on Friday during a Baltic leaders' meeting in Berlin that his country may abolish the prohibition on deploying nuclear weapons in order to integrate into the Western nuclear deterrence system against Russia.
LSM (rus) · 3 Jul, 22:36
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Riga Municipality Launches Survey on Traffic Changes in Grīziņkalns
Riga municipality invites residents, businesses, and visitors to participate in an anonymous survey until July 24 regarding spring traffic changes in Grīziņkalns, including reduced parking and the closure of Vārnu Street to through traffic.
TVNET · 3 Jul, 22:36
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Vējonis and Vergina to run for Saeima from the 'United List'
The political alliance 'United List' has announced its candidates for the 15th Saeima elections, including former President Raimonds Vējonis and MP Ilze Vergina, who recently left 'New Unity'.
Apollo.lv · 3 Jul, 22:36

Gobzems' List Candidates Mostly Unknown; Program Includes Generous Promises
The party 'Gobzema saraksts' (formerly 'Platforma 21') has submitted 73 candidates across all electoral districts. Apart from the Riga top candidate and Aldis Gobzems, other list leaders are little-known, while the party's program makes generous financial promises.
LSM · 3 Jul, 21:36

LSM.lv airs 'Обсудим вечером' on July 3, 2026
On July 3, 2026, the program 'Обсудим вечером' was broadcast on LSM.lv.
LSM (rus) · 3 Jul, 21:36
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Newcastle disease outbreak detected in backyard farm in Dobele municipality
The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) has confirmed an outbreak of Newcastle disease in Tērvete parish, where 36 chickens will be culled; however, further spread is considered unlikely, so no restriction zones will be imposed.
TVNET · 3 Jul, 20:37

Riga Municipality Surveys Residents on Traffic Changes in Grīziņkalns
The Riga City Council has launched a survey to evaluate traffic changes introduced in the Grīziņkalns neighborhood this spring. Residents are invited to share their feedback until July 24.
Apollo.lv · 3 Jul, 20:37

Liepāja Completes Another Phase of Zirgu Sala Development, Final Stage Begins
In Liepāja, the eastern part of Zirgu Sala has been recultivated and a roller skating track built, while the final phase of restoration with a health trail and improved infrastructure has started.
Jauns.lv · 3 Jul, 20:37

Tallinn City Hall: Ministry of Education Underestimates Shortage of Assistant Teachers in Kindergartens
The Tallinn city government claims that the Ministry of Education's figures on the shortage of assistant teachers in kindergartens are too low. The actual deficit in the capital is around 300 employees.
ERR (rus) · 3 Jul, 20:37

Planned Drone Flights Near Latgale Border
From July 4 to 12, planned low-altitude drone flights will take place in the border areas of Latgale between 10:00 and 20:00, the Air Force announced.
LSM (rus) · 3 Jul, 20:36

Lithuanian president hints at lifting ban on nuclear weapons deployment
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said his country might lift the ban on nuclear weapons deployment to integrate into Western nuclear deterrence against Russia.
LSM · 3 Jul, 20:36
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Polish Border Guards Stop Truck with 54 Illegal Migrants from Latvia
Polish border guards intercepted a truck carrying 54 illegal migrants who will be returned to Latvia, the country from which they had arrived.
TVNET · 3 Jul, 19:37

Teacher assistants in kindergartens must prove Estonian language proficiency
Estonia's Ministry of Education and Science requires 234 teacher assistants in kindergartens to demonstrate their Estonian language skills at the required level by the end of August.
ERR (rus) · 3 Jul, 19:36

Politicians Discuss Increasing State Family Benefit Ahead of Elections
An initiative to increase the state family benefit for the first and second child was proposed at a meeting of the Council on Demographic Affairs.
LSM (rus) · 3 Jul, 19:36

Lithuania's incoming government softens stance on Belarus
The new government program drops a blanket commitment to isolate Belarus, instead linking pressure to its actions, while maintaining a firm line on Russia.
LRT English · 3 Jul, 18:37

Four detained in Latgale drug bust; police seize over 1.2 kg of marijuana and amphetamine
In June, Latgale region police detained four individuals on drug-related charges, seizing 1.2 kg of marijuana, 325 grams of amphetamine, cash, and a gas pistol during separate operations in Augšdaugava county and Daugavpils.
Delfi · 3 Jul, 18:37

Demographic Council Supports Monthly Supplement to Old-Age Pension for Childcare Periods
Latvia's Demographic Affairs Council conceptually endorsed a monthly social benefit to be added to old-age pensions for each month spent in childcare. The council also backed several other measures to support families.
Apollo.lv · 3 Jul, 18:37

Roof collapses at future store in Riga's Zolitūde; no injuries
A roof collapsed at an upcoming store at Anniņmuižas iela 10 in Riga. No injuries were reported, according to the Riga City Council.
LSM · 3 Jul, 18:36

Nine Candidate Lists Submitted for 15th Saeima Elections
By Friday, nine political forces had submitted their candidate lists to the Central Election Commission for the upcoming 15th Saeima elections.
Jauns.lv · 3 Jul, 18:36

United List Submits Candidate Lists for the 15th Saeima Elections
On Friday, July 3, the political alliance 'United List' submitted its candidate lists for all five electoral districts to the Central Election Commission, along with its election platform. The Rīga list is led by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, while other districts are headed by ministers and experienced politicians.
Jauns.lv · 3 Jul, 17:37

Party “We Change the Rules” files candidate list for 15th Saeima elections with Hermanis as PM candidate
The party “We Change the Rules” (MMN) has submitted its candidate list and program to the Central Election Commission for the 15th Saeima elections, scheduled for October 3. Hermanis is the party’s candidate for prime minister.
Delfi · 3 Jul, 17:36

Reinsalu and Madison Extend Suspension of Mandates in Tallinn City Council
The Tallinn City Electoral Commission extended the suspension of mandates for Urmas Reinsalu and Jaak Madison for another three months, until 14 October 2026.
ERR (rus) · 3 Jul, 17:36

Newcastle Disease Outbreak Detected in Backyard Flock in Tērvete Parish
An outbreak of Newcastle disease has been confirmed in a backyard farm with 36 chickens in Tērvete parish, Dobeles municipality.
LSM · 3 Jul, 17:36

Former Saeima deputy and minister Aija Poča passes away
Aija Poča, a former member of the Latvian parliament and State Minister for Revenue, has died at the age of 78.
Apollo.lv · 3 Jul, 16:37

Former Accountant and Director of Rezekne Technical School Accused of Embezzling Tens of Thousands of Euros
The prosecutor's office has sent a criminal case to the Latgale Regional Court against the former accountant and director of Rezekne Technical School, accusing the accountant of embezzling nearly 70,000 euros and the director of dereliction of duty.
LSM (rus) · 3 Jul, 16:36

Detention Center for Foreigners in Rauda to Be Completed by End of Year
Construction of a temporary detention center for foreigners in Rauda, Augšdaugava region, is ongoing. The center, housed in a former school building, is expected to start operations by the end of this year.
LSM · 3 Jul, 16:36
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Coalition Partners Will Not Support Opposition's Bid to Dismiss Riga Mayor Kleinbergs
Riga City Council coalition parties have stated they will not support the opposition's proposal to dismiss Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs. As a result, the opposition will lack the necessary votes at the upcoming council meeting on July 8.
TVNET · 3 Jul, 15:38

Latvia plans pension supplement for child care periods
The Demography Council has conceptually supported introducing a monthly state social benefit supplement to old-age pensions for each month spent caring for a child. Several other family support measures were also backed.
Delfi · 3 Jul, 15:37

Estonia orders heritage protection for historic Burman Villa
Estonian Culture Minister Heidy Purga has signed an order granting cultural-monument status to the Burman Villa in Tallinn's Mustamäe district, a building whose owner sought demolition permission last year.
ERR News · 3 Jul, 15:37

Demography Affairs Council Backs Generous Benefits for Families with Children and Housing Aid
Led by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, the council conceptually supported several family support measures, including parental benefit reform and a subsidy to reduce mortgage principal upon childbirth.
Jauns.lv · 3 Jul, 15:37

Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Expected in Latvia on Saturday
Latvia will experience rain, locally heavy downpours and thunderstorms on Saturday, especially in the western and central regions, with gusty winds along the coast.
Apollo.lv · 3 Jul, 15:37

Former Rēzekne Technical School Employees Accused of Embezzling State Funds
Latvian prosecutors have charged a former bookkeeper and director of Rēzekne Technical School for embezzling nearly €70,000. The case has been sent to court.
LSM · 3 Jul, 15:36

No Bananas Gave Away Jam with Best-Before Date Obscured
Estonian fruit retail chain No Bananas distributed free strawberry jam with its best-before date covered by a promotional sticker, violating food labeling laws. The company said it was unintentional.
ERR News · 3 Jul, 14:37
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JKP Submits Candidate List for Saeima Elections; Changes from Earlier Presentation
The New Conservative Party (JKP) has submitted its candidate list for the upcoming Saeima elections to the Central Election Commission, differing from the version presented in mid-June. Lawyer Mārtiņš Drāke and civil protection expert Mārtiņš Hudolejs are no longer on the list, while prime ministerial candidate Jānis Citskovskis tops the Riga district list.
TVNET · 3 Jul, 14:37

Andri Haran: Employers must lead in bringing young talent to manufacturing
Estonia's technical education is improving and youth interest is rising, but employers need to step up to ensure motivated, trained young people find their place in industry, otherwise Estonia will remain stuck at Europe's middle-income level, writes Andri Haran.
ERR News · 3 Jul, 13:39

Lithuania's new government lineup unveiled: Foreign and defense ministers remain
Lithuanian Prime Minister-designate Mindaugas Šinkevičius has presented the composition of his future government, with Kęstutis Budrys staying as foreign minister and Robertas Kaunas as defense minister.
ERR (rus) · 3 Jul, 13:37