Latvia & nearby
High Connection Costs Keep Households Off Public Water and Sewerage in Estonia
About 15% of Estonia's population lacks access to public water supply and sewerage networks, mainly due to high connection costs that can exceed €20,000 per property.
ERR News · 29 Jun, 11:36
Local government: Legal uncertainty over development fee threatening new housing
Jõelähtme Rural Municipality warns that without a legal basis for a social infrastructure development fee, residential construction in Estonia's main economic regions could grind to a halt.
ERR News · 29 Jun, 10:38
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Remote Qualified e-Signature to Be Introduced for eID Card Users
Starting December 2026, over 346,000 eID cards will lose the ability to create qualified electronic signatures, prompting the development of a remote e-signature solution to ensure continued usability.
TVNET · 29 Jun, 10:38
SAB: Large-Scale Russian Attack on Baltics Unlikely in Short Term, but Hybrid Threats Possible
Latvia's Constitution Protection Bureau (SAB) assesses that a large-scale conventional Russian attack on the Baltic states is currently very unlikely, though hybrid attacks and provocations could occur in the short term to pressure NATO into reducing support for Ukraine.
BNN · 29 Jun, 10:37
Saarde Parish changes stance, Kikepera rewetting works can resume
Saarde Parish has reversed its earlier halt of peatland restoration works in Kikepera, concluding they are not construction. The Estonian Nature Fund can resume in August, but delays risk losing €600,000 in EU funding.
ERR (rus) · 29 Jun, 10:37
Heatwave in Latvia to Subside in Second Half of Week; Cooler Weekend Ahead
Weather forecasters predict that the heatwave in Latvia will begin to ease from the middle of the week, with cooler temperatures expected for the weekend.
LSM (rus) · 29 Jun, 10:36
Motorcyclist Injured After Collision with Wild Animal on Smiltene–Valka Road
In Valka municipality, a motorcyclist hit a wild animal that ran onto the road and was taken to hospital. Police have initiated administrative proceedings.
Ziemeļlatvija · 29 Jun, 09:38
Bauska Youth Implement Erasmus+ Project 'ReCharge' Linking Nature and Mental Health
The association 'Odikozāra' has launched the youth participation project 'ReCharge', aimed at using natural resources to improve mental health.
Bauskas Dzīve · 29 Jun, 09:37
New Remote e-Signature Solution for eID Card Users
Latvia is developing a remote qualified electronic signature to ensure eID cardholders can continue signing documents after certification expiry affecting about 346,000 cards.
Delfi · 29 Jun, 09:37
Ogre Municipality Council Debates Renaming of Kancersili and Reorganization of Municipal Enterprises
The Ogre Municipality council discussed renaming the village Kancersili to Muižkalni due to negative associations with cancer, and a reorganization plan for municipal companies to improve efficiency.
OgreNet · 29 Jun, 09:37
Estonian parties consider backing nonpartisan presidential candidate
Estonian parliamentary parties will discuss a joint presidential candidate this week, with some suggesting an apolitical figure like Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise could be a consensus choice.
ERR News · 29 Jun, 09:37
Microalgae Helps Combat Oxygen Deficiency in Fish Ponds
Fish farmer Raivis Apsītis has developed an innovative method using Chlorella microalgae to improve water quality in ponds, turning pollution into a resource.
Kurzemnieks · 29 Jun, 08:38
Estonian Beaches Lag Behind EU in Water Quality Rankings
A European Environment Agency report finds that while 85% of EU swimming sites have excellent water quality, Estonia ranks among the lowest. Estonian officials note that only three of 65 monitored sites were rated poor, and sampling frequency affects results.
ERR News · 29 Jun, 08:38
Baltic International Airshow 2026 Dazzles at Spilve Airport
The fifth edition of the Baltic International Airshow in Riga featured an impressive lineup of military and civilian aircraft, including debut performances and night shows.
TVNET · 29 Jun, 08:38
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Cert.lv: Hacker behind LVM attack sought attention, not profit
Baiba Kaškina, head of the cyber incident response institution Cert.lv, stated that the hacker who attacked AS "Latvijas valsts meži" (LVM) was more interested in drawing attention than financial gain. LVM has backup copies and is able to restore systems.
Apollo.lv · 29 Jun, 08:37
Cemetery Festival Season: From Ancient Beliefs to Modern Traditions
In Latvia, cemetery festivals blend ancient pagan customs with Christian traditions. The article covers historical development, contemporary practices, superstitions, and provides a schedule for the Ogre region.
OgreNet · 29 Jun, 08:37
Cert.lv: Hacker behind LVM cyberattack wanted attention, not money
Cert.lv director Baiba Kaškina stated that the hacker who attacked Latvijas valsts meži was motivated by attention-seeking rather than financial gain.
LSM (rus) · 29 Jun, 08:36
Friends from Denmark Visit Valka-Lugaži Congregation
On Sunday, June 28, a joint service was held at Valka-Lugaži Evangelical Lutheran Church, attended by longtime friends from the Lindholm Lutheran Congregation in Denmark. After the service, the guests also visited the Kārķi and Vijciems congregations, reaffirming a 26-year bond.
Ziemeļlatvija · 29 Jun, 08:36
Old shelter demolished, new one not built: Variņi residents still waiting for bus stop shelters
Two bus stops in Variņi parish lack shelters—one was demolished six years ago during road reconstruction and never replaced, while the other never had one.
Ziemeļlatvija · 29 Jun, 07:37
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State Security Service warns: more young people in Europe attract law enforcement attention due to radicalization
The State Security Service (VDD) reports that children and young people are increasingly being noticed for offenses related to radicalization and violence, a global trend.
TVNET · 29 Jun, 07:36
Bauska Municipality Emphasizes Clear Communication in Crisis Preparedness
The Bauska municipality is developing response algorithms and energy reserves, highlighting communication and plain language as key to crisis preparedness.
Bauskas Dzīve · 29 Jun, 07:36
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Monday to Bring Intense Heat Across Latvia
Latvia will experience strong heat on Monday, June 29, with temperatures reaching up to +32°C, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Apollo.lv · 29 Jun, 07:36
Additional Train Trips to Jūrmala Added Due to Heatwave
AS “Pasažieru vilciens” (brand “Vivi”) is adding five extra train trips to Dubulti and back today because of the forecasted hot weather, offering more frequent service and passenger support.
Jauns.lv · 29 Jun, 07:36
15th Saeima Elections: Main Intrigues and Participants
The 15th Saeima elections will be held on October 3, 2026. Key intrigues involve the possible coalition, the future of the 'Latvija pirmajā vietā' party, and the choice of leader for 'Jaunā Vienotība'.
TVNET · 29 Jun, 06:37
10th Retrobest festival held in Otepää
The nostalgic Retrobest festival celebrated its 10th edition in Otepää last Friday and Saturday, featuring international and local artists. Attendees also embraced the retro spirit with colorful 80s and 90s-inspired outfits.
ERR (rus) · 29 Jun, 05:37
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Riga City Council's approval drops: more negative than positive ratings
According to a SKDS survey, Riga residents' satisfaction with the city council decreased in May, with 46% giving a negative rating and 43% a positive one.
Apollo.lv · 29 Jun, 05:37
Traffic Organization Changed in Several Locations in Jelgava
New road signs and adjusted traffic flow have been introduced in three Jelgava streets to improve safety.
Zemgales Ziņas · 29 Jun, 05:36
RSU Researchers to Visit Zemgale and Vidzeme This Summer to Continue Century-Old Anthropological Study
This summer, researchers from Rīga Stradiņš University will continue the Latvian population anthropological project initiated by Professor Jēkabs Prīmanis nearly a century ago. The expedition, running from late June to August, will cover nine locations in Zemgale and Vidzeme, aiming to involve around 2,000 participants.
Delfi · 29 Jun, 04:38
Heat to gradually subside next week in Latvia
According to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, the heat will gradually recede next week, with more frequent rains in the second half of the week.
LSM (rus) · 29 Jun, 04:37
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Most Active Saeima Speakers and Legislative Initiative Submitters
Data on Saeima deputies' activity shows that Artūrs Butāns has spoken most frequently, while the "United List" faction has submitted the most legislative initiatives.
Apollo.lv · 29 Jun, 04:37
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ALTUM helps large family buy a home in the countryside
Digna Krilova from Rugāji, unable to get a bank loan, purchased a country house with ALTUM support and encourages other families to use this opportunity.
TVNET · 29 Jun, 04:36
Madliena family doctor Dita Graudone awarded best young rural physician in Latvia
Dita Graudone, who continues her mother Gaida Bērziņa's legacy in Madliena, has been recognized as the best young rural family doctor in Latvia. In an interview, she discusses her path to medicine, daily challenges, and the realities of rural practice.
OgreNet · 29 Jun, 03:38
Heatwave to retreat, rain and cooler weather expected later this week
After a hot start to the week with temperatures up to +32°C, Tuesday and Wednesday will remain warm, but from Thursday onwards rain and cooler air will arrive, with daytime highs not exceeding +24°C, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Bauskas Dzīve · 29 Jun, 03:37
Project to strengthen infection surveillance concludes at Eastern Hospital
A three-year EU-funded project at Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital has ended, enhancing the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory's capacity to detect and monitor disease outbreaks through improved equipment and data analysis.
Delfi · 29 Jun, 03:37
Social enterprise helps people with mental disabilities enter the job market
The social enterprise "Ligero" mentors people with mental disabilities to work in shops. Demand is high, with a queue not only from Riga but also from Mālpils and Sigulda.
Delfi · 29 Jun, 02:37
Valmiera to Celebrate 743rd Birthday with Four-Day Festival
From July 23 to 26, Valmiera will host a large-scale celebration for its 743rd anniversary, featuring concerts, dance performances, sports, and family activities.
Jauns.lv · 29 Jun, 02:37