Latvia & nearby
Lithuania simplifies withdrawal from private pension funds
Lithuania's pension reform, effective January 1, 2026, makes it easier to exit private pension funds. The changes were passed in summer 2025 by the Social Democratic-led coalition.
Žurnāls Ir · 19 Jun, 02:21
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Nature Conservation Agency Advises Using Only Common Meadow Plants for Midsummer Decorations
The Nature Conservation Agency urges people not to pick protected plants for Midsummer festivities, but instead use common meadow flowers and even invasive species.
TVNET · 18 Jun, 23:20
120 Years of Evolution in Emergency Medical Services: From Horse-Drawn Carriages to Modern Ambulances
Over more than 120 years, Latvia's Emergency Medical Service has undergone incredible changes, starting from the first aid points designed to rescue drowning victims to today's specially equipped vehicles capable of delivering babies or performing resuscitation on a country road.
LSM (rus) · 18 Jun, 23:20
Liepāja Allocates €5.36 Million for Street Infrastructure in 2026
The Liepāja Municipal Administration will invest €5.36 million in street infrastructure this year, carrying out works on 9.24 km of roads to improve traffic comfort, safety, and access to properties.
Jauns.lv · 18 Jun, 22:20
Saeima Ditches EDUS Module After IT Procurement Scandal
Saeima Speaker Daiga Mieriņa announced that the parliament has stopped using the EDUS module following an evaluation of IT procurements, urging other institutions to do the same for security reasons.
Delfi · 18 Jun, 22:20
Friday in Estonia: Clear or Partly Cloudy, +19..+24
Estonia will experience mostly sunny weather on Friday, with only the eastern regions seeing some thicker clouds and brief showers. Nighttime will be cool, while daytime temperatures will reach up to +24°C.
ERR (rus) · 18 Jun, 22:20
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Saeima Rejects EDUS System After IT Procurement Review
Latvia's Saeima has evaluated its IT procurements and decided to abandon the EDUS module managed by SIA "Corporate Solutions", which is under an EPPO investigation for IT fraud. Parliament Speaker Daiga Mieriņa announced this on Thursday.
TVNET · 18 Jun, 22:20
Exhibition “Hybrid War Against Latvia” Opens at the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
A new exhibition on hybrid threats has opened at the Museum of the Occupation, coinciding with the 86th anniversary of the Soviet occupation on June 17, 1940.
LSM (rus) · 18 Jun, 22:20
116 new nurses graduate from RSU
Riga Stradins University graduated 116 new nurses today, who will immediately join the healthcare workforce.
TVNET · 18 Jun, 21:21
SEPLP condemns Minister Valainis' plan to demand explanation from LSM for not attending conference
The Public Electronic Mass Media Council (SEPLP) has condemned Economy Minister Viktors Valainis' intention to request an explanation from Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs (LSM) regarding its Latgale studio's absence at a ministry-organized conference in Krāslava, emphasizing that no minister has the right to dictate journalists' coverage choices.
Delfi · 18 Jun, 20:21
Saeima extends reduced diesel excise duty until end of year
The Saeima has adopted amendments extending the reduced excise tax on diesel until the end of 2026 to mitigate the impact of price increases.
Apollo.lv · 18 Jun, 20:21
In certain cases, heads of institutions may be transferred without open competition
The Saeima has adopted amendments to the State Civil Service Law, allowing in specific cases to transfer officials to head positions without an open competition, to ensure continuity.
Jauns.lv · 18 Jun, 20:20
Prime Minister allowed to appoint State Chancellery director without competition; amendments passed urgently
The Saeima passed amendments to the Civil Service Law in urgent procedure on Thursday, allowing the Prime Minister in certain cases to appoint the State Chancellery director without a competition. The changes are viewed controversially.
LSM · 18 Jun, 20:20
Power Outage in Tartu Caused by Coincidence of Multiple Factors
On the evening of June 9, Tartu and its surroundings experienced a nearly 20-minute blackout, disrupting traffic and leaving the Tartu University Hospital without power. Elering attributed the incident to a combination of planned maintenance, a technical fault, and human error.
ERR (rus) · 18 Jun, 19:20
Developer expects contract for difference support scheme for Estonia's nuclear plant
Estonia's parliament passed the Nuclear Energy and Safety Act, allowing progress on a nuclear power plant. Fermi Energia seeks a state-backed contract-for-difference mechanism for the €4.5 billion project.
ERR News · 18 Jun, 18:22
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Estonian Police Unit Deployed to Latvia-Belarus Border to Assist with Migratory Pressure
Estonia has sent a 12-member police team to Latvia to help secure the Latvia-Belarus border, where around 50 illegal crossings are detected daily. The deployment aims to support Latvian border guards and gain operational experience.
Postimees · 18 Jun, 18:21
Tax and Customs Police Detain Two Persons; Seize Illegal Cigarettes, Cocaine and Ammunition
The Tax and Customs Police have detained two persons on suspicion of illegal tobacco product trafficking, with searches uncovering a large quantity of contraband cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cocaine, and ammunition-like items.
Delfi · 18 Jun, 18:21
Train Schedule Changes on Riga–Daugavpils–Kraslava–Indra Route for Midsummer Holidays
From June 21 to 28, train services on the Riga–Daugavpils–Kraslava–Indra route will be adjusted. On certain days, trains will run only to Kraslava instead of Indra.
Jauns.lv · 18 Jun, 18:20
Latvia bans adults in authority from intimate relationships with 16-18 year olds
On Thursday, June 18, the Saeima adopted amendments to the Child Rights Protection Law, prohibiting adults in a position of authority from having intimate relationships with young people aged 16 to 18.
LSM · 18 Jun, 18:20
Restrictions Placed on Issuance of Residence Permits to Investors from Russia and Belarus
The Saeima adopted amendments to the Immigration Law in the final reading, prohibiting citizens of Russia and Belarus from obtaining temporary residence permits through investments in alternative investment fund managers.
LSM (rus) · 18 Jun, 18:20
Latvia to receive €3.5 billion from EU security fund for defense development
Latvia will sign a loan agreement with the EU on June 20, securing €3.5 billion to strengthen defense and security capabilities. The first installment of €524.7 million is expected within weeks.
TVNET · 18 Jun, 17:21
Võru Mayor Urmas Tali Officially Joins Centre Party
Urmas Tali, elected mayor of Võru at the end of May, officially became a member of the Centre Party in mid-June.
ERR (rus) · 18 Jun, 17:20
State Police Detain Suspect in Jēkabpils, Seek Owners of Stolen Goods
Yesterday, police in Jēkabpils detained a man on suspicion of theft and recovered various items believed to be stolen. Authorities urge victims to come forward.
Jauns.lv · 18 Jun, 16:21
Estonia sends police unit to Latvia–Belarus border
Estonia's Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) has sent a rotating police unit to the Latvia–Belarus border to help Latvian authorities cope with increased migration pressure.
ERR News · 18 Jun, 16:21
Narva Election Commission Refuses to Confirm Jaan Toots as Mayor
The Narva Election Commission has left unexamined Jaan Toots' application to be confirmed as mayor, citing uncertainty over the legitimacy of the city council session where he was elected.
ERR (rus) · 18 Jun, 16:21
Program 'Local Issue': Medicine in Latgale, Fuel Prices, Storm Aftermath
The new episode of 'Local Issue' will cover the medical situation in Latgale, fuel prices, and the aftermath of a storm.
LSM (rus) · 18 Jun, 16:20
Tallinn to test system distinguishing authorized and unknown drones
Tallinn municipality, together with HexTech Solutions, launches a pilot project to integrate drone radars with a flight map, enabling quick identification of legal and unknown drones in the city's airspace.
ERR (rus) · 18 Jun, 15:20
Friday to Bring Warmer Weather in Latvia, Up to +24°C
Friday will be warmer in Latvia, with temperatures reaching +19 to +24°C. Mostly sunny, but isolated showers possible in some regions.
Jauns.lv · 18 Jun, 15:20
Police Search for Missing 12-Year-Old Pavel Jaskovich
State Police are asking for help in locating Pavel Jaskovich, born in 2014.
LSM · 18 Jun, 15:20
Prosecutor: Siliņa's use of VIP lounge did not waste state funds
The Prosecutor General's Office has concluded its review of former Prime Minister Evika Siliņa's VIP lounge expenses at Amsterdam Airport, finding no illegal use of state budget funds.
Delfi · 18 Jun, 14:21
Elderly Sillamäe resident loses €8,600 to phone scammers
A 79-year-old man from Sillamäe handed over €8,600 to a courier after being tricked over the phone by fraudsters.
ERR (rus) · 18 Jun, 13:21
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Electric Trains Given Midsummer-Themed Names
Four electric passenger trains in Latvia have been named 'Paparde', 'Ozols', 'Spāre', and 'Stirna', continuing the initiative to name all 32 trains after forest-related terms.
Apollo.lv · 18 Jun, 11:21
Bear with Four Cubs Spotted in Limbaži Region
A forest ranger filmed four bear cubs and their mother on a forest road in Limbaži on June 16. Authorities urge the public to report bear sightings to improve monitoring efforts.
BNN · 18 Jun, 11:21
Weather Forecast: Umbrella Likely Unnecessary on Midsummer Eve Evening
According to meteorologist Ele Pedassaar, Estonia will experience mostly dry and moderately warm weather on Midsummer Eve evening, with temperatures around 15–16°C. Long-range forecasts indicate normal rainfall in July, but a drier August, while the frequency of extreme weather events increases due to climate change.
ERR (rus) · 18 Jun, 11:21
Lithuania agrees to let China open lower-level diplomatic office
Lithuania has allowed China to establish a charge d’affaires office, a downgraded diplomatic representation, after a dispute sparked by Lithuania allowing Taiwan to open a representative office in Vilnius.
LRT English · 18 Jun, 11:21
Survey: Reinsalu Leads as Estonians' Preferred Prime Minister Candidate
A new survey from the NGO Ühiskonnauuringute Instituut and Norstat shows 27% of voters favor Urmas Reinsalu for prime minister, followed by Mihhail Kõlvart at 24%. The poll was conducted June 8–14 among 1,000 eligible voters.
ERR News · 18 Jun, 11:20