Latvia & nearby
Preparations Begin for 15th Saeima Elections: Key Players and Intrigues
The 15th Saeima elections will take place in autumn 2026. This article covers the main political forces, election procedures, and possible coalition scenarios.
Apollo.lv · 1 Jul, 02:38
Notifications on Disability Status Expiry and Assessment Process to Be Sent Starting 2026
Starting July 1, 2026, the State Medical Commission for Health and Work Capability Examination will send notifications about the expiry of disability status and the progress of assessments to prevent gaps in status.
LV portāls · 1 Jul, 01:37
Wind Power Plant Operation Rules Must Be Developed by End of Year
Amendments to the Electricity Market Law, effective June 27, require the Cabinet of Ministers to adopt clear regulations for wind turbine operation – including noise and shadow flicker limits – and decommissioning rules for all power generation and storage facilities by the end of 2026.
LV portāls · 1 Jul, 00:36
Ratnieks Suggests Possible Cause of Ulmaņa Gatve Fire; Drone Flights Banned
A large warehouse fire in Riga's Kārļa Ulmaņa gatve led to the evacuation of nearly 400 people. Riga City Council deputy chairman Edvards Ratnieks suggests the fire may have been caused by careless use of autogenous welding, though official conclusions are pending.
Jauns.lv · 30 Jun, 23:37
Drone Flight Ban Imposed Over Fire Site on Kārļa Ulmaņa Street
Latvian State Police have restricted drone flights above the fire site on Kārļa Ulmaņa Street to avoid interfering with rescue operations. The blaze engulfed a 3,500-square-meter warehouse, forcing the evacuation of nearly 400 people.
TVNET · 30 Jun, 23:37
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Tragedy in Jēkabpils: 18-Year-Old Woman Found Dead After Swimming
An 18-year-old woman went swimming at Radžu Reservoir in Jēkabpils on Monday evening and disappeared. She was found dead on Tuesday morning after an overnight search.
Apollo.lv · 30 Jun, 21:37
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18-Year-Old Woman Drowns at Jēkabpils Beach
On Monday evening, an 18-year-old woman went swimming at Radžu Reservoir in Jēkabpils and disappeared. Her body was found the next morning.
TVNET · 30 Jun, 21:37
Mere Culture Center to cover ceiling mural as many feel unease and even fear
The Mere Culture Center in Tallinn, formerly the Russian Culture Center, will cover a ceiling mural depicting Soviet soldiers and Stalinist symbols to attract more tenants. Historians acknowledge the artistic value but understand the decision.
ERR (rus) · 30 Jun, 21:36
Major Fire in Riga's Ulmaņa Gatve Contained, Hundreds Evacuated
Firefighters managed to contain a large warehouse fire in Riga on Tuesday evening, evacuating nearly 400 people from the building and surrounding area. No injuries were reported.
Jauns.lv · 30 Jun, 21:36
Bank of Estonia: Businesses Reduce Borrowing, Residents More Active in Auto Leasing
In May, Estonian companies obtained long-term loans and leasing worth €414 million – €61 million less than a year ago, while residents took out auto leasing of €27 million – up 38%. Housing loans also increased.
ERR (rus) · 30 Jun, 20:36
Latvia introduces document checks for all visitors to Russian embassy
Foreign Minister Baiba Braže announced that as of Wednesday, the State Police will check documents of all visitors to the Russian embassy in Riga. This step is a response to Russia's practice of checking documents of visitors to foreign embassies in Moscow.
Pravda — ziņas · 30 Jun, 20:36
LTV1 Discontinues 'Night News', Content Moves to Digital Platforms
Tonight marks the last broadcast of 'Nakts ziņas' on LTV1, as LSM shifts its content strategy toward digital platforms.
Delfi · 30 Jun, 19:38
Kohtla-Järve lacks stable majority after mayor ouster
Kohtla-Järve city council chairman Sergey Lopin says that after the dismissal of Mayor Max Kaur and the election of Evelin Danilov, there is no clear coalition or stable majority in the city.
ERR (rus) · 30 Jun, 19:36
Mindaugas Sinkevičius Becomes Prime Minister of Lithuania
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda appointed Social Democrat leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius as prime minister on Tuesday, tasking him with forming a new government within 15 days.
Jauns.lv · 30 Jun, 19:36
From July 1, Police to Check Documents at Russian Embassy in Riga
Starting Wednesday, July 1, the State Police will begin checking documents of all visitors to the Russian Embassy in Riga. Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, who was acting as Defense Minister, announced this at a government meeting on Tuesday.
LSM (rus) · 30 Jun, 19:36
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Kulbergs: Current State Enterprise Board Model Exhausted, Calls for Review
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs criticizes the current governance model of state-owned enterprises, stating that it leads to scandals and poor management, and calls for a broader discussion on changes.
TVNET · 30 Jun, 18:37
Illegal Cigarette Production Stopped in Jelgava; Value in Millions
The State Police in Jelgava have shut down an organized group involved in selling untaxed cigarettes. Firearms and production equipment were also seized.
LSM · 30 Jun, 18:36
All Lanes on Jorģis Zemitāns Bridge in Riga to Open Thursday
Starting Thursday, all traffic lanes on Jorģis Zemitāns Bridge in Riga will be available, including two lanes in each direction and a public transport lane. Pedestrian and bicycle access remains restricted.
TVNET · 30 Jun, 17:37
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LPV Announces Candidate Leaders for Saeima Elections
The party "Latvija pirmajā vietā" (LPV) has submitted its candidate list for the 15th Saeima elections, naming five regional leaders.
Apollo.lv · 30 Jun, 17:37
Seven Charged in Lithuanian Military Bribery Probe Over Alleged Draft Evasion Scheme
Lithuanian prosecutors have charged two soldiers and five civilians with bribery and influence peddling in a scheme that allegedly allowed over 200 conscripts to avoid mandatory military service. The investigation began after staff at a military conscription centre reported suspected corruption.
LRT English · 30 Jun, 17:36
Game 'Puddle' Helps Understand Discrimination with EU Funding Support
A game created with European Social Fund Plus support helps people step into the shoes of persons with disabilities. The project aims to reduce discrimination and foster an inclusive society.
Apollo.lv · 30 Jun, 16:37
Major Fire Breaks Out on K. Ulmaņa Gatve in Riga
A significant fire, possibly in a warehouse, erupted on K. Ulmaņa Gatve in Riga on Tuesday, June 30th. Firefighters are on site, and residents are advised to take precautions.
Delfi · 30 Jun, 16:36
Fire at warehouse in Riga produces thick black smoke
A fire broke out in a warehouse building in Riga on Tuesday, producing thick black smoke visible across the city, according to the State Fire and Rescue Service.
LSM · 30 Jun, 16:36
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Rinkēvičs Proclaims Amendments to the State Civil Service Law
President Edgars Rinkēvičs has proclaimed the amendments to the State Civil Service Law adopted by the Saeima, which in certain cases allow appointment of the head of an institution without an open competition and allow the Prime Minister to appoint the head of the State Chancellery without competition.
Apollo.lv · 30 Jun, 15:37
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs to make three-day state visit to Estonia
From July 1 to 3, at the invitation of Estonian President Alar Karis, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs will visit Estonia to strengthen alliance ties and expand cooperation in security, economy, and education.
ERR (rus) · 30 Jun, 15:37
Estonian Retail Chains See Negligible Growth in Turnover in 2025
Major Estonian grocery retailers reported minimal revenue growth in 2025, except Grossi which saw a 14% increase. Many chains experienced profit declines due to weak consumer demand and VAT hikes.
ERR News · 30 Jun, 15:36
Court Rejects Valagin's Representative's Request to Participate in Bunkus Murder Case
The Riga Regional Court has rejected a request from the representative of the late Genadijs Valagins, relative of Klims Valagins, to join the case in order to seek Valagin's rehabilitation. The court also granted a challenge against prosecutor Kuzma filed by defender Vietniece.
Delfi · 30 Jun, 15:36
ECHR Discontinues Case on Smoking Ban in Estonian Prisons – Ban Remains
The European Court of Human Rights has discontinued proceedings concerning the smoking ban in Estonian prisons after losing contact with the applicants, leaving the ban in force.
ERR (rus) · 30 Jun, 14:36
Government Extends Validity of 'Honorable Family' Certificate
From January 1, 2027, families will be able to use the 'Honorable Family' certificate until the youngest child turns 18 or 24 if the child is studying or serving in the military.
LSM (rus) · 30 Jun, 14:36
New Rector of Tallinn Health Care College: Modern Students Are Very Inquisitive
Ulvi Kärgmaa, the new rector of Tallinn Health Care College, highlights the curiosity of today's students and the shift toward patient-centered nursing, while addressing workforce challenges and the role of technology.
ERR (rus) · 30 Jun, 13:37
Estonia's retail turnover heads down again after short revival
Estonian retail trade sales volume fell by 1% in May compared to a year earlier, ending a period of growth seen since the start of the year.
ERR News · 30 Jun, 13:37
From Odesa to Latvia: Former Doctor Becomes a Tour Guide
Inna from Odesa moved to Latvia hoping to work as a doctor, but due to bureaucracy she changed her career and became a tour guide, combining work with her passion for history.
LSM (rus) · 30 Jun, 13:36
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Criminal Case Dropped in Latgale Toddler Freezing Death – Mother Dies
The Latgale District Court has terminated the criminal case regarding the death of a two-year-old boy after the accused mother passed away. She had been sentenced to prison for unintentional manslaughter and cruelty.
Apollo.lv · 30 Jun, 12:38
Criminal Case Over Toddler Andrey's Death Closed – Mother Passed Away
Latgale District Court has reported that the criminal case regarding the death of two-year-old Andrey has been terminated because the accused mother has died.
Delfi · 30 Jun, 12:37
Two 3-Year-Old Girls Leave Kindergarten Territory in Bauska
On Monday, two three-year-old girls opened the gate and left the territory of the Bauska kindergarten "Pasaulīte", but a passerby noticed them and alerted the authorities. The municipality is implementing additional safety measures.
BNN · 30 Jun, 12:36
Criminal Case into Death of Toddler Andrey near Rēzekne Closed – Mother Dies
The criminal case into the death of a two-year-old boy from hypothermia in February 2025 has been terminated, as the mother accused in his death has died.
LSM (rus) · 30 Jun, 12:36