Latvia & nearby
After 100 days, Kulbergs' government faces criticism over budget audit plan
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' government, nearing its natural end after 100 days, faces scrutiny over a proposal to let companies randomly audit ministry budgets, seen as a potential conflict of interest.
Žurnāls Ir · 18 Jun, 02:21
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Latvian dance judge Sergejs Sinkins becomes a star in China after viral video
Sergejs Sinkins, a Latvian international sports dance judge and coach, has gained millions of followers in China after a video went viral on social media.
Apollo.lv · 18 Jun, 01:22
New Rules to Control Spanish Slugs, but No State Funding
Spanish slugs have been found in all regions of Latvia. New regulations require municipalities to limit their spread, but enforcement is difficult and no state funding has been allocated this year.
Žurnāls Ir · 18 Jun, 00:21
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Russian propaganda portrays Baltics as both weak and dangerous
Russian propaganda presents the Baltic states as simultaneously weak, decaying, and a dangerous NATO outpost threatening Russia—a contradiction that is intentional, according to experts in the podcast 'Behind the Curtain'.
Apollo.lv · 18 Jun, 00:21
Car catches fire near Riga Castle due to antifreeze pipe burst
On Wednesday evening, a Peugeot caught fire near Riga Castle; no one was injured. Firefighters determined the cause was a burst antifreeze pipe.
Apollo.lv · 17 Jun, 23:21
Zolitūde Tragedy: Accused to Testify in Court This Autumn
The accused in the Zolitūde shopping centre collapse case will give testimony at Riga Regional Court on September 9, following a Supreme Court ruling that partially overturned the previous verdict.
TVNET · 17 Jun, 23:20
Survey: Positive assessment of President Rinkēvičs' performance rises, but below first-year level
53% of Latvian residents rate the fulfillment of President Edgars Rinkēvičs' promises as good after three years – 4 percentage points up from 2025, but 3.7 points lower than after his first year in office.
LSM · 17 Jun, 23:20
Thursday: variable cloudiness, +18..+23°C
On Thursday, Estonia will experience variable cloudiness with daytime temperatures reaching +18..+23°C, and brief afternoon showers in central and southern Estonia.
ERR (rus) · 17 Jun, 22:21
Economics Ministry to Request Explanation from LSM Latgale Studio for Skipping Conference
Economics Minister Viktors Valainis announced the ministry will ask LSM's Latgale studio for an explanation as to why it did not attend a construction industry conference organized by the ministry in Krāslava.
Delfi · 17 Jun, 21:21
US Vice Admiral: Baltic Sea Security Vital for Europe and the US
Commander of the US 6th Fleet emphasized the strategic importance of the Baltic Sea, stating that exercise Baltops 2026 enhances allied readiness and deterrence.
TVNET · 17 Jun, 21:21
Live Broadcast: President Rinkēvičs Reviews First Three Years in Office
On June 17, a live program featured President Edgars Rinkēvičs in an interview with Jānis Domburs, discussing the achievements and challenges of his first three years and plans for the fourth.
LSM · 17 Jun, 21:20
Estonian parliament increases number of ERR council members
On Wednesday, June 17, the Riigikogu passed amendments to the Estonian National Broadcasting Act, increasing the number of ERR council members by three to promote gender equality and political independence.
ERR (rus) · 17 Jun, 19:21
Peony Collection Blooms at the University of Latvia Botanical Garden
The outdoor exhibitions of the University of Latvia Botanical Garden feature a blooming peony collection of 80 varieties, accompanied by Siberian irises. The garden will remain open during the Midsummer holidays.
Jauns.lv · 17 Jun, 18:20
Lithuanian Man Missing After Heading to Jūrmala by Motorcycle
Lithuanian police and Latvian State Police are seeking public help to find a man who left his home in Ignalina district on June 12, riding a motorcycle towards Jūrmala, Latvia, and has not been seen since.
Delfi · 17 Jun, 18:20
NATO Exercise 'Baltops 26' Underway in Kurzeme; Latvia Marks 30 Years of Participation
The international military exercise 'Baltops 26' is currently taking place in Kurzeme, Latvia, as the largest annual drills in the region. Latvia has been participating since 1996.
LSM · 17 Jun, 18:20
Over 200 LSM employees urge preservation of LTV and LR brands; board speaks of strengthening shared mission
More than 200 Latvian Public Media (LSM) employees call for preserving the historic brands Latvijas Televīzija and Latvijas Radio in public spaces. The board says the new brand will not overshadow their contribution but will reinforce LSM as a unified organization.
LSM (rus) · 17 Jun, 18:20
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President: Human resources needed to strengthen internal services
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs and the Interior Minister discussed internal security priorities, emphasizing the need to reinforce services with human resources and modernize civil defense systems.
Apollo.lv · 17 Jun, 17:21
Forester Captures Video of Four Bear Cubs and Mother in Limbaži Area
Forester Rūdolfs Rubezis encountered and filmed four bear cubs and their mother in Limbaži county, who curiously examined his car before returning to the forest.
Delfi · 17 Jun, 17:20
Polling Stations in Case of Air Raid: CEC Has a Plan
The Central Election Commission (CEC) confirms it has a plan for how to proceed if an air raid warning is issued during the parliamentary elections in October. Details are not disclosed for security reasons, but voting would be suspended and ballot boxes sealed and moved to a safe location.
LSM (rus) · 17 Jun, 17:20
Police to intensify road traffic control during holidays
From June 19 to 25, the State Police will increase traffic surveillance nationwide, focusing on drunk drivers.
LSM (rus) · 17 Jun, 16:21
Forest worker in Limbaži district initially mistakes four bear cubs for wild boars
A Latvian State Forests employee Rūdolfs Rubezis, while performing routine duties, spotted four bear cubs in the forests of Limbaži district, initially thinking they were wild boars. He managed to capture rare footage.
Jauns.lv · 17 Jun, 16:20
Over 200 LSM employees urge to keep LTV and LR brands; board emphasizes unity
More than 200 employees of Latvian Public Broadcasting (LSM) ask the board to preserve the historical brands "Latvijas Televīzija" and "Latvijas Radio" in public spaces, while the board says the new brand will not replace them but will affirm the organization's unity.
LSM · 17 Jun, 16:20
Expert: Estonia has 'overslept the drone revolution'
A new report claims Estonia failed to adapt to the drone revolution in defense, leaving the country unprepared to repel massive drone attacks, with slow progress and inadequate legal frameworks.
ERR (rus) · 17 Jun, 14:21
Riga Digital Agency Director Gulbis Resigns After Disciplinary Case Over Electricity Use
Riga Digital Agency Director Janis Gulbis will leave his post after a disciplinary case was initiated against him for using municipal electricity to charge his personal car. He paid a fine of 170 euros and submitted a resignation.
Delfi · 17 Jun, 14:21
Estonian Competition Authority Warns Fuel Sellers on Public Price Comments
Estonia's Competition Authority has recommended that fuel retailers avoid public statements about fuel prices to prevent harming competition.
ERR News · 17 Jun, 14:20
Central Election Commission Unveils Action Plan for Election Disruptions
The Central Election Commission has prepared proposals to ensure the continuity of elections in emergencies, prioritizing public safety while preserving voters' constitutional rights.
Jauns.lv · 17 Jun, 14:20
Estonian Parliament to Convene for Presidential Election on September 2
Estonia's Riigikogu will hold an extraordinary session on September 2 to elect the next president. Current President Alar Karis has promised to announce by June 25 whether he will run for re-election.
ERR (rus) · 17 Jun, 13:20
LTV and LR Employees Oppose Replacing Historical Brands with 'LSM'
Employees of Latvijas Televīzija and Latvijas Radio have signed an open letter urging the preservation of the historical brands, expressing concerns about their gradual replacement by the new 'LSM' brand.
Delfi · 17 Jun, 13:20
Estonia's parliament to vote for new president on September 2
Estonia's parliament will convene on September 2 for an extraordinary session to elect the next head of state. Candidates are not yet known except Mart Helme from EKRE.
ERR News · 17 Jun, 13:20
Evika Siliņa Elected Head of Saeima European Affairs Committee
Former Prime Minister Evika Siliņa was elected chair of the Saeima European Affairs Committee on Wednesday, June 17, replacing Edmunds Cepurītis, who was recalled from the post.
BNN · 17 Jun, 13:20
Latvia prepares for drone threats during elections: ballot boxes to be sealed, voting halted
The Central Election Commission (CVK) has outlined contingency measures for the Saeima elections in case of drone alerts: ballot boxes will be sealed and moved to a secure location, while voting is suspended until the warning is lifted.
LSM · 17 Jun, 13:20
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Riga Digital Agency Director Arnis Gulbis to Leave Post After Using Municipal Electricity for Personal Car Charging
Arnis Gulbis, director of Riga's Digital Agency, has submitted his resignation and will be dismissed on June 19 after a disciplinary case was launched for using municipal electricity to charge his personal electric car.
TVNET · 17 Jun, 12:21
LPV Turns to KNAB Over Play 'Order No.2' – Calls for Investigation into Possible Election Campaigning
The party 'Latvia First' (LPV) has submitted a complaint to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) regarding the Dailes Theatre play 'Order No.2', alleging that state funds are being used for hidden pre-election campaigning against LPV leader Ainārs Šlesers.
BNN · 17 Jun, 12:20
Look at Candidates' and Parties' 'Credit History', Not Slogans – Lawyer Gunārs Kusinš
Lawyer Gunārs Kusinš urges voters to assess the track record of candidates and parties rather than relying on campaign promises.
LSM (rus) · 17 Jun, 12:20
Melnis: Attack on Baltic States Would Be a Major Russian Strategic Mistake
Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis expressed confidence in Ukraine's ability to reclaim its territory and warned that a Russian attack on the Baltics would open a second front, giving Ukraine new opportunities.
Delfi · 17 Jun, 11:21
Youth Physical Fitness Monitoring in Estonia Postponed Until 2028
Estonia's planned state monitoring of youth physical fitness has been delayed until at least 2028, as legislative changes are needed and the current government cannot implement it.
ERR (rus) · 17 Jun, 11:21