Latvia & nearby

Saeima Confirms Temporary Mandate for Roberts Ķipurs
On Thursday, June 18, the Saeima confirmed a temporary deputy mandate for Roberts Ķipurs (National Alliance), who replaces Culture Minister Nauris Puntulis.
LSM · 18 Jun, 11:20

Number of Newborns in Latvia Drops by 4.9% in Four Months
In the first four months of this year, 3,642 newborns were registered in Latvia, which is 186 (or 4.9%) fewer than in the same period of 2025.
LSM (rus) · 18 Jun, 11:20

Defense Ministry Supports Maintaining Pärnu Airport Operations
Estonia's Ministry of Defense backs the preservation of Pärnu Airport, citing national security and defense needs, though currently there are no resources for investment or operational costs.
ERR News · 18 Jun, 10:22

One Third of Drivers Admit to Driving After Drinking
New study shows 32% of drivers admit to drink-driving, and 6% exceed the legal limit of 0.5 promille. CSDD data indicate an increase in alcohol-related accidents.
TVNET · 18 Jun, 10:22

Study: Estonians' Attitudes Toward Family Issues Among Most Conservative in Europe
An international study reveals that despite progressive support measures, Estonian society holds cautious views on divorce in families with young children and maternal employment, placing the country in a conservative group alongside Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovakia.
ERR (rus) · 18 Jun, 10:21

Entrepreneur Lauris Ļubka: Humor and Latgalian Language Go Hand in Hand in Business
Entrepreneur Lauris Ļubka, known for his informal and humorous communication in Latgalian, says he extensively uses the Latgalian language in marketing his woodworking company 'Lūsēni', even though most products are exported.
LSM · 18 Jun, 10:20
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One person killed in road traffic accident in Zemgale
Latvia recorded one fatal and five non-fatal road traffic accidents over the past day, while police detained six drunk drivers.
TVNET · 18 Jun, 09:21

Olga Kambala demands 20,000 euro promissory note from husband Kaspars; couple's conflict escalates
Reality show participants Olga and Kaspars Kambala are in a heated dispute involving a demand for a 20,000 euro promissory note and mutual accusations.
Jauns.lv · 18 Jun, 09:21

Traffic Changes in Tallinn Before St. John's Day on Several Key Sections
Tallinn is introducing traffic changes on several streets before St. John's Day to improve safety and clarity. Special equipment from Finland is being used to reduce noise and disruption.
ERR (rus) · 18 Jun, 09:20

Three Lithuanian Parties to Sign Coalition Agreement
Three Lithuanian political parties are set to sign a coalition agreement on Thursday, forming the country's 21st government, which is expected to be led by Social Democratic Party chairman Mindaugas Sinkevicius.
LRT English · 18 Jun, 09:20

To Prevent Holiday from Ending in Tragedy – Authorities Remind of Safety Measures
State Police will start large-scale raids on Friday, and services urge residents to be careful during Ligo and Jani celebrations.
LSM (rus) · 18 Jun, 09:20

Government Change to Cost Over Half a Million Euros in Severance Pay
The upcoming change of government, with Evika Siliņa (New Unity) replaced by Andris Kulbergs (United List) as Prime Minister, will require at least 509,405 euros in severance and compensation payments.
Bauskas Dzīve · 18 Jun, 08:21

Spring Pollen and Dirt: Tips for Keeping Your Terrace and Yard Clean
Pollen, algae, and road dust quickly dirty terraces and yards in spring. This article offers practical advice for cleaning and maintaining different surfaces to prevent long-term grime.
Ziemeļlatvija · 18 Jun, 08:20

After losing ministerial post, Švinka heads Saeima subcommittee
Atis Švinka, who lost his ministerial position, was elected on Wednesday as head of the Innovation Ecosystem Development Subcommittee of the Sustainable Development Commission.
BNN · 18 Jun, 08:20

Birth Rate Drops, Death Rate Rises: Latvia's Population Declines
In April 2026, Latvia recorded 885 births, 11.7% fewer than a year earlier, while deaths in the first four months reached 9,344, up 3.2%. The provisional population as of May 1 was 1.835 million.
OgreNet · 18 Jun, 08:20

Restored Cross Returns to Preiļi Manor Park
After more than 70 years, a historic cross has been restored and consecrated in Preiļi Manor Park, standing once again opposite the Preiļi chapel.
LaKuga · 18 Jun, 08:20

Renovation in Jelgava Region Social Care Center Highlights Accessibility Issues
Repairs at the Zemgale social care center in the Jelgava region have once again drawn attention to the insufficient accessibility of the environment for people with mobility impairments.
LSM (rus) · 18 Jun, 08:20

Interior Details That Make a Home Brighter and More Spacious
Small interior changes—mirror placement, paint selection, lighting, and furniture—can significantly improve a room's perceived spaciousness and light.
Bauskas Dzīve · 18 Jun, 07:22

Midsummer Celebrations in Smiltene Region: Līgo Market, Concert, and More
On June 20, Smiltene will host a traditional Līgo market and the concert performance “Skroderdienas Silmačos, Skroderdienas Smiltenē”, followed by a summer solstice gathering on June 21. Various events will take place across the region until June 23.
Ziemeļlatvija · 18 Jun, 07:21

Three Workers Fall Through Roof in Sillamäe, Sustaining Injuries
On June 17, three workers at the Sillamäe thermal power plant fell through a roof about 19 meters high and were injured. Multiple authorities are investigating the incident.
ERR (rus) · 18 Jun, 07:21

Weather forecast for Thursday: clouds, sun and moderate west wind
Thursday in Latvia will be partly cloudy with a moderate west wind, temperatures between +16 and +23°C, with sunny and warm weather in Riga.
Apollo.lv · 18 Jun, 07:20

From Kuldīga to England: Violinist Estere Eversone's Musical Journey
Former Kuldīga resident Estere Eversone has been playing the violin for 18 years. Now living in England for nine years, she performs in various ensembles and teaches violin at three schools.
Kurzemnieks · 18 Jun, 07:20

Updated Weather Forecast for Līgo and Jāņi: Sunshine Mixed with Rain
The Latvian Center for Environment, Geology and Meteorology has issued an updated forecast for Midsummer Eve and Midsummer Day, predicting both sunny and rainy weather.
BNN · 18 Jun, 07:20

Jelgava Begins Planting Summer Flowers
This week, Jelgava is replacing spring flowers with summer plants that will decorate the urban environment until autumn frosts.
Zemgales Ziņas · 18 Jun, 06:21

Thursday in Latvia: No Significant Precipitation, Temperatures Up to +23°C
Thursday will be mostly dry in Latvia with temperatures reaching +23°C. Morning sunshine, increasing clouds later, and moderate UV index expected.
Bauskas Dzīve · 18 Jun, 06:20

Pudāns: Training Ukrainian soldiers in Poland also strengthens Latvia's security
Latvian National Armed Forces Commander Kaspars Pudāns, after returning from Poland, emphasizes that Latvia's participation in training Ukrainians contributes to shared security.
Žurnāls Ir · 18 Jun, 05:21

Association 'Drosme Darīt' Challenges Wind Park 'EKO Ziemeļi' Construction Permit in Court
The association 'Drosme Darīt' has filed a court application to annul the Cabinet of Ministers' order approving the construction of the 'EKO Ziemeļi' wind park in Kuldīga region, citing an incomplete environmental impact assessment.
Bauskas Dzīve · 18 Jun, 05:21
Lithuanian Deportation of Russian Deserter Leads to Arrest in Kaliningrad
Lithuanian authorities deported a Russian military deserter to Kaliningrad after he fled the war in Ukraine and requested asylum without a passport, resulting in his arrest by Russian authorities upon return.
Meduza · 18 Jun, 04:21

Potential shelter in Riga city center, but lack of regulation prevents registration
An underground parking lot beneath the 'Valdemāra centrs' office building meets shelter requirements, but the owner cannot register it as a public shelter due to the absence of clear rules.
Delfi · 18 Jun, 04:21
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Driver challenges speeding fine: court to decide between Google Maps and reality
A driver received a 40 euro fine for speeding but claims there was no speed limit sign at the location. The police based their decision on Google Maps images, but now the court must decide whether to trust assumptions from maps or the actual road situation.
Apollo.lv · 18 Jun, 04:20

Civil Servants' Guide: How to Act When a Minister's Claims Lack Basis
TVNET publishes a practical guide for civil servants facing situations where a minister's publicly stated lies threaten to become official documents bearing the civil servant's signature.
TVNET · 18 Jun, 04:20

Smiltēns to Demand Concrete Solutions from Prison Administration After Minor's Death
Following the death of a 17-year-old in Olaine prison hospital, Latvian Justice Minister Edvards Smiltēns will meet with the Prison Administration to discuss mental health care and suicide prevention for minor inmates, expecting specific proposals for improvement.
Jauns.lv · 18 Jun, 03:21

Estonian parliament passes law changing school vaccination procedure
The Estonian parliament approved amendments to the Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control Act, simplifying school vaccinations and reducing bureaucracy.
ERR (rus) · 18 Jun, 03:21

MOT Latvia Celebrates 10 Years of Empowering Teenagers
The youth motivation program MOT Latvia marks its first decade. Three volunteers share why they find it important to visit schools and inspire young people to be brave, care for each other, and say no.
Žurnāls Ir · 18 Jun, 03:21

Routine on the Border: Groups of Strangers and Drone Alerts Become a New Normal
Residents near the Belarus border have long encountered groups of illegal migrants, but they are more annoyed by phone alerts about drone threats. The border village of Silene surprises with well-maintained infrastructure and even an Italian restaurant.
TVNET · 18 Jun, 03:21
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Latvia conducts first nationwide education monitoring for grades 3 and 6
For the first time, Latvia has carried out a monitoring assessment for all 3rd and 6th graders in general education schools, aiming to identify learning difficulties early and provide targeted support.
Apollo.lv · 18 Jun, 02:21