Latvia & nearby
Amendments to Construction Law May Not Deliver Results Without Sufficient Capacity in Building Authorities
Effective August 1, changes to the Construction Law allow large projects to be advanced in phases, but their success hinges on the ability of building authorities to meet deadlines and ensure consistent decision-making.
Žurnāls Ir · 2 Jul, 06:36
Water Fun in Ogre Region: From SUP Boards to Geodiving
Ogre region offers a wide range of water activities this summer, including a water park, SUP board rentals, geodiving, and boating at various locations.
OgreNet · 2 Jul, 06:36
All Driving Lanes on Zemitāns Bridge to Open; Pedestrians and Cyclists Still Wait
Vehicle traffic on Jorģis Zemitāns Bridge is now allowed in all lanes, but pedestrians and cyclists remain restricted as construction of pavements, cycle paths, and other features continues.
Delfi · 2 Jul, 05:37
Latvia's Constitution Article 2 – Continuation of US Declaration of Independence Ideals
A commentary notes that Article 2 of the Latvian Constitution is rooted in the principles of the US Declaration of Independence on human equality and inalienable rights.
Žurnāls Ir · 2 Jul, 04:38
Põhja-Tallinn and fast-food business dispute over spot on Stroomi Beach
A bureaucratic dispute has arisen between the Põhja-Tallinn district and the fast-food business LIT over a spot on Stroomi Beach. The business had a valid contract until June 30 but the district says renewal without an open competition would be illegal.
ERR (rus) · 2 Jul, 03:38
Anda Finds Peace in Bird Nest Livestreams, Watching Since 2009
Thousands watch Latvian Nature Foundation's bird nesting streams. Anda, one of the most loyal viewers, shares her story that began in 2009.
Apollo.lv · 2 Jul, 02:37
Latvian Saeima Passes Key Decisions Before Midsummer: NATO Appeal, Drone Compensation, Immigration Law Revisions
In its final spring session before Midsummer, the Saeima called on NATO allies to allocate at least 0.25% of GDP to Ukraine, amended the law to compensate damages from military incidents, while the president returned the Immigration Law for reconsideration. Additionally, the appointment procedure for the State Chancellery director was urgently changed.
Žurnāls Ir · 2 Jul, 01:37
Hacker Attack on Latvian State Forests Did Not Affect Election System; New Challenge: Air Raid Alerts
A cyberattack on Latvian State Forests before Midsummer did not impact the election system, CERT.LV confirms. Meanwhile, the Central Election Commission is addressing the possibility of air raid alerts on election day.
Žurnāls Ir · 2 Jul, 00:37
Anda Has Been Watching Bird Nest Cams for 17 Years: 'I Cry Every Time I See Familiar Birds Return'
Since 2009, Anda has been one of the most dedicated viewers of the Latvian Nature Fund's bird nest live streams, joyfully welcoming returning birds each spring and following their lives.
TVNET · 2 Jul, 00:37
Latvian Parliament Adopts New Criminal Sentence Enforcement Law in First Reading; Replaces Last Soviet-Era Code
On June 18, the Saeima passed in first reading a new Criminal Sentence Enforcement Law, replacing the 1971 Latvian Penal Enforcement Code. The new law, effective January 1, 2027, aims to modernize enforcement in line with human rights, emphasizing rehabilitation and public safety.
LV portāls · 2 Jul, 00:36
Valmiera Municipality Plants Eight Oak Trees on Its Fifth Anniversary
Valmiera Municipality celebrates its fifth birthday by planting oak trees in Valmiera and seven administrative units. The oak symbolizes strength and Latvian identity and appears on the municipality’s coat of arms.
Jauns.lv · 1 Jul, 23:36
Thursday to See Temperatures Up to 24°C in Estonia
Thursday in Estonia will bring variable cloudiness, with rain and possible thunderstorms overnight, and daytime temperatures up to 24°C, cooler on the coast.
ERR (rus) · 1 Jul, 22:38
Collision Between Car and Moped in Teika; Teenager Injured
On Wednesday afternoon, a collision between a car and a moped occurred in Teika, Rīga, leaving the underage moped driver injured.
Apollo.lv · 1 Jul, 22:37
Accident on Salu Bridge in Riga
A car accident occurred on Salu Bridge in Riga on Wednesday evening, captured by an eyewitness. Police are investigating.
Apollo.lv · 1 Jul, 21:36
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Economist: Initial Negative Effect of Reduced VAT Could Be Compensated Within a Year
The reduced VAT on bread, milk, poultry meat, and eggs will result in approximately €30 million in lost revenue for the state budget, but an economist predicts that this effect could be fully compensated within a year as consumers spend the saved money on other goods.
TVNET · 1 Jul, 20:37
Illegal Dumping and Logging Discovered in Lake Šēnheida Protected Zone; Administrative Process Initiated
The State Environmental Service (VVD) has found unauthorized disposal of construction waste and tree felling in the buffer zone of Lake Šēnheida, launching an administrative violation procedure.
Delfi · 1 Jul, 20:37
Pillak: Reform Party would strongly support Madise as presidential candidate
Reform Party parliamentary group leader Ünne Pillak says that the name of Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise has come up in internal discussions as a possible presidential candidate, and she would enjoy broad support within the party.
ERR (rus) · 1 Jul, 20:36
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New Unity Unveils Candidate Leaders for 15th Saeima Elections; Ašeradens as PM Candidate
The political alliance 'New Unity' (JV) on Wednesday announced its candidate list leaders for all five electoral districts for the 15th Saeima elections, as well as its prime ministerial candidate Arvils Ašeradens, while outlining security and economic priorities.
TVNET · 1 Jul, 18:37
JV announces its Saeima election candidate list leaders
The New Unity (JV) alliance on Wednesday unveiled the leaders of its candidate lists for the upcoming 15th Saeima elections, scheduled for early October. The prime ministerial candidate is former Finance Minister Arvils Ašeradens.
Apollo.lv · 1 Jul, 18:37
In Estonian Universities, Most Popular Specialties Promise Well-Paid Jobs
Estonian universities see highest demand for programs that offer good career prospects and salaries, especially in medicine and natural sciences.
ERR (rus) · 1 Jul, 18:37
Latvian and Estonian Presidents Meet on Ruhnu Island; Rinkēvičs Highlights Historic Visit
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs began his three-day state visit to Estonia on Wednesday by arriving by boat on Ruhnu Island, where he was greeted by Estonian President Alar Karis. Rinkēvičs noted that it was an honor to be the first Latvian president to visit the island.
LSM · 1 Jul, 18:36
Court Rejects MEP's Challenge Over Campaign Expenses
The Tallinn Administrative Court has dismissed Jaak Madison's appeal against an order to repay €14,900 in campaign expenses, ruling that the costs were election advertising and funded by prohibited donations.
ERR News · 1 Jul, 17:37
MFA: Russia's Decision to Close Railway Border Points Not Officially Received
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to officially receive Russia's notification about closing several railway border crossing points, but the impact on Latvia is assessed as minimal.
Apollo.lv · 1 Jul, 17:37
Narva Authorities Remind Landowners to Combat Hogweed
The Narva City Government's Department of Urban Economy reminds residents that now is the best time to destroy hogweed before its seeds ripen, emphasizing it is the landowner's responsibility.
ERR (rus) · 1 Jul, 17:37
LSM Board and Employees Seek Compromise on Historic Brands
On July 1, the board and employees of Latvian Public Media (LSM) met to discuss the future of the Latvijas Radio and Latvijas Televīzija brands after employees published an open letter calling for their preservation alongside the LSM brand.
LSM · 1 Jul, 17:36
Estonian National Opera Announces Tender for Annex Spatial Concept
The Estonian National Opera “Estonia” has launched a tender for the spatial program and volume planning parameters of its future annex. Three scenarios will be evaluated to improve the hall’s acoustics and technical capabilities.
ERR (rus) · 1 Jul, 16:37
Cyberattack on LVM: Attacker Leaks 44 GB of Data, Potential Volume Higher
A cyberattack on Latvia's state forest company LVM has resulted in the leak of 44 GB of data, but the actual volume may be larger, according to Cert.lv.
LSM (rus) · 1 Jul, 16:36
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New residential complex with 183 apartments planned on Duntes Street in Riga
Architecture firm SEP is designing the "Terra Dunte" residential complex on Duntes Street in Riga, featuring 183 apartments, mostly two- and three-room units. The complex will achieve A+ energy efficiency class, with floor-to-ceiling windows and 2.7-meter ceiling heights.
TVNET · 1 Jul, 15:37
Latvia Becomes One of Europe's Drone Centers, New Study Finds
A new mapping of the Baltic defense innovation ecosystem shows that Latvia stands out in drones, autonomous systems, and connectivity technologies, becoming a significant drone center in Europe.
BNN · 1 Jul, 15:36
Rītabuļļi Shooting Case Transferred to Military Police; Investigation to Determine if Bullet Came from Service Weapon
A woman who was wounded by a bullet in Rītabuļļi in March has had her case transferred to the Military Police to investigate whether the shot was fired from a National Armed Forces service weapon.
Jauns.lv · 1 Jul, 15:36
Lithuania to Raise Minimum Wage to €1,245 Before Tax Next Year
The Lithuanian government has approved an 8% increase in the monthly minimum wage to €1,245 before tax, affecting approximately 145,000 workers.
LRT English · 1 Jul, 15:36
Social Democrats Consider Ülle Madise as Compromise Presidential Candidate
Estonia's Social Democratic Party (SDP) is considering Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise as a potential compromise candidate for president, hoping she can secure support from both the coalition and part of the opposition.
ERR (rus) · 1 Jul, 14:36
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Pasažieru vilciens Plans to Lease Estonian Diesel Trains for Daugavpils Route
Latvian state railway company Pasažieru vilciens (PV) is considering leasing modern Stadler Flirt diesel trains from Estonia's Elron to improve service to Daugavpils. After a successful test run, the company will hold a procurement to secure the trains for this busy line.
TVNET · 1 Jul, 14:36
Estonian electric car-sharing company Elmo Rent declared bankrupt, investigation pending
The court has declared the short-term car rental and teledriving company Elmo Rent bankrupt. The company will undergo a public investigation by the Insolvency Service, and it has a substantial tax debt of nearly €448,000.
ERR News · 1 Jul, 14:36
Antonov confesses to embezzling €509 million and reveals assassination attempts
Vladimir Antonov, former owner of Snoras bank, testified at Vilnius Regional Court on Tuesday, admitting to embezzling €509 million and revealing multiple assassination attempts against him.
Delfi · 1 Jul, 13:38
Lithuania's first offshore wind farm not viable without state funding, minister says
Lithuania's Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas stated that the country's first commercial offshore wind farm, Curonian Nord, cannot be implemented under current market conditions without state support, urging Ignitis Group to immediately publish its cost-benefit analysis.
LRT English · 1 Jul, 13:37