Latvia & nearby

Only One in Three Latvian Youth Works in Summer, Survey Shows
The majority of Latvian youth do not work in summer, while those who do often save for large purchases.
Jauns.lv · 22 Jun, 19:21

Four people drown in last four days, two missing
The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) reports four drownings in the last four days, with two more people still missing and being searched for.
Delfi · 22 Jun, 18:21

One Third of Latvian Drivers Admit to Driving After Drinking Alcohol
A survey reveals that 32% of drivers in Latvia drive after consuming alcohol, and 6% do so exceeding the legal limit of 0.5 promille. Men and older age groups are the most likely to engage in this risky behavior.
Jauns.lv · 22 Jun, 18:21

Four People Drown in Latvia Over Four Days; Fire Service Urges Safe Celebrations
In the past four days, four people have drowned in Latvian waters, and two more are missing. The State Fire and Rescue Service calls on the public to celebrate responsibly near water.
LSM · 22 Jun, 18:20

Weather Forecast for Līgo Day: Sunny and Dry
Līgo Day in Latvia is expected to be mostly sunny with no precipitation, only occasional clouds. Temperatures will range from +18 to +23°C, with light winds.
Jauns.lv · 22 Jun, 15:21

Drone with Warhead Found in Estonia, Likely Ukrainian UAV Off Course
A drone with an approximately 5 kg warhead was found in a field near the Russian border in Estonia. It is believed to be one of the Ukrainian drones that strayed during an attack on Russia on June 3.
Ukrainska Pravda · 22 Jun, 15:21

Salaries Increase for Nine Estonian Ministry Officials, Including One Who Remarked on Tartu Peace Treaty Complexity
Following a structural reform at the Ministry of Education and Research, nine officials received salary increases of up to five percent. Among them is language policy department head Andero Adamson, who earlier commented on the complexity of interpreting the Tartu Peace Treaty.
ERR (rus) · 22 Jun, 15:21

Not All Deployed German Soldiers Will Be Volunteers, Pistorius Says in Lithuania
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Monday near Vilnius that not all soldiers in the brigade being deployed to Lithuania will be volunteers; some may be assigned compulsorily.
LRT English · 22 Jun, 15:20

Estonia's Defence Forces Seek to Maintain Phone Search Powers
The Estonian Defence Forces want to keep the authority to inspect and delete photos from civilians' smartphones under new legal amendments being drafted by the Ministry of Justice to limit data collection scope.
ERR News · 22 Jun, 15:20

Rescue Board struggling with lithium battery fires
Estonia sees nearly 40 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries every year, which are harder to extinguish than conventional blazes.
ERR News · 22 Jun, 14:21

Ukrainian Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Fraud of €140,000
A 25-year-old Ukrainian citizen has been convicted in Estonia for fraud causing over €140,000 in damages. He received a two-year prison sentence and will be deported after serving his term.
ERR (rus) · 22 Jun, 13:20

Inequality in Health Insurance at Daugavpils Dental Clinic
Employees at a municipality-owned dental clinic in Daugavpils report unfair allocation of health insurance policies; the Labor Inspectorate has launched an administrative violation process.
LSM · 22 Jun, 13:20

Estonian Universities Update Study Programs and Change Admission Requirements
Estonian universities are revising their study programs and admission criteria for the next academic year, increasing the share of paid education and introducing new programs, especially at the master's level.
ERR (rus) · 22 Jun, 12:21

Ferry Traffic to Estonian Islands Down This Midsummer Compared to Last Year
Fewer people have traveled to Estonia's islands for Midsummer this year despite extra ferry capacity. Passenger numbers dropped 7% and vehicles 2% compared to the same period last year.
ERR News · 22 Jun, 12:20

Vilnius University slips in QS rankings, still tops in Lithuania
Vilnius University fell to 465th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, a drop of 19 places, but remains the highest-ranked Lithuanian institution.
LRT English · 22 Jun, 11:21

Rail Baltica deep evaluation to be completed by end of July; ministry preparing proposals for project's future
The Ministry of Transport has announced that the in-depth evaluation of Rail Baltica by international consultant will be finished by July 31, after which proposals for the project's further development will be prepared. Cost estimates have significantly exceeded initial projections.
Latvijas Avīze · 22 Jun, 11:21

Estonian officials receive bonuses for prison agreement with Sweden
Estonia's Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs paid one-off bonuses to three officials for their above-required contribution to preparing the prison lease agreement with Sweden.
ERR (rus) · 22 Jun, 11:20

Expert Urges Baltic States to Launch Night Trains Now, Not Wait for Rail Baltica
European rail expert Elmer van Buuren calls on the Baltic states to develop night train services immediately using existing infrastructure, rather than waiting for the completion of Rail Baltica.
Delfi · 22 Jun, 10:22

80% of Latvian drivers do not stop to rest when feeling tired
A recent study reveals that 80% of Latvian drivers continue driving when tired, resorting to short-term fixes like coffee or loud music, rather than stopping to rest, which experts warn can be as dangerous as drunk driving.
Jauns.lv · 22 Jun, 10:20

How to Decorate Your Midsummer Table: Tips from an Interior Expert
Interior designer Darius Rimkus offers simple and natural table decoration ideas for Midsummer celebrations, using meadow flowers, greenery, and natural materials.
Ziemeļlatvija · 22 Jun, 09:21

Estonian Prisons Prepare to Receive Swedish Inmates
Estonia is finalizing preparations to house up to 600 Swedish prisoners starting in August. Recruitment of 300 prison officers is underway at Tartu Prison, with salaries starting at €2,400 per month.
ERR News · 22 Jun, 09:21

Riga’s shelter reality: map exists, but shelters don’t – journalists find
LSM journalists visited a bunker under the Domina shopping center and inspected shelters marked on Riga’s official map, discovering that many assumptions about the city’s shelter system are incorrect.
LSM (rus) · 22 Jun, 09:20

Sunny and warm weather to start Midsummer week
Midsummer week in Latvia will begin with dry and sunny weather, with temperatures reaching +21…+26°C.
TVNET · 22 Jun, 08:21

Estonia considers raising age limit for state-funded IVF treatment
Estonia's Ministry of Social Affairs is discussing raising the age ceiling for publicly funded artificial insemination, currently set at 40. A separate agreed change will remove the marriage requirement for female partners, granting same-sex couples equal access.
ERR News · 22 Jun, 08:21

Mystery Surrounds Russian Deserter's Return: Deportation or Voluntary Departure?
A Russian national, alleged to have deserted the military, has returned to Russia after months in Lithuania, but conflicting accounts obscure whether he was deported or left willingly.
LRT English · 22 Jun, 08:21

Updated Jāņi Weather Forecast: Rain at Night, Sun During the Day
The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre has updated the weather forecast for Jāņi: rain is expected on the night before Monday and on Jāņi night, but days will be mostly dry and warm.
BNN · 22 Jun, 08:21

Free shop opens in Laidi – take what you need, leave what you don't
In the village of Laidi, Kuldīga region, a free shop operates where locals can take and leave clothes, shoes, and household items without charge.
Kurzemnieks · 22 Jun, 08:20

Anniversary of the Battle of Cēsis: Test Your Knowledge with a History Game
Latvia marks the anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Cēsis, where the Northern Latvian Brigade and the Estonian army defeated the Landeswehr and the Iron Division. Residents are invited to test their knowledge through an interactive game on LSM.lv.
LSM · 22 Jun, 08:20

Jaunsaule amateur theatre «Laucis» celebrates 40 years with premiere and festivities
The amateur theatre «Laucis» in Jaunsaule invites the public to its 40th anniversary celebration on June 22 at 7 PM, featuring the premiere of the play «Veltiņas misija» and a festive programme on the banks of the Mēmele River.
Bauskas Dzīve · 22 Jun, 07:22

New procedure cabinet to open at Valka Polyclinic from June 22
Following the closure of the urgent care point, Valka Polyclinic is opening a procedure cabinet offering planned services by appointment only.
Ziemeļlatvija · 22 Jun, 07:20

Invasive plants in Jelgava: situation not critical but awareness needed
Jelgava has fewer invasive plant species than surrounding areas, but residents need to be aware of which plants are dangerous. A successful example from Zebrene parish in Dobele district shows long-term efforts can reduce Sosnovsky's hogweed.
Zemgales Ziņas · 22 Jun, 07:20

Four traffic accidents with injuries in Estonia in 24 hours, 14 drunk drivers detained
Estonia saw four serious traffic accidents in the past day, involving injuries, including one with an e-scooter, while police detained 14 drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
ERR (rus) · 22 Jun, 07:20
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Thunderstorms Hit Latvia on Sunday: Lightning Strikes and Warnings
On Sunday, June 21, several regions of Latvia experienced thunderstorms, with warnings issued by the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre. Photos and videos of lightning strikes were shared on social media.
Apollo.lv · 22 Jun, 06:21

Riga City Council Expands Paid Parking Zones, Considers Tariff Hikes
From April 20, paid parking has been introduced in Grīziņkalns, and the city council is considering further zone expansion, tariff increases, night fees, and discounts for electric cars.
TVNET · 22 Jun, 06:21

Bauskas district youth win 14 medals at Latvian Youth Olympics
Young athletes from Bauskas district earned 3 gold, 7 silver, and 4 bronze medals at the 10th Latvian Youth Olympics in Valmiera, with top performances in athletics, canoe slalom, and table tennis.
Bauskas Dzīve · 22 Jun, 06:20

Latvia Reduces VAT on Basic Food Products from July 1: What It Means for Shoppers
Starting July 1, Latvia implements a one-year pilot project reducing VAT on staple foods like bread, milk, poultry, and eggs from 21% to 12%, potentially saving consumers money, though concerns remain about autumn price hikes from other factors.
Žurnāls Ir · 22 Jun, 06:20