Latvia & nearby

Lithuanians withdraw €3 billion from pension funds, 3% of GDP
Over 500,000 Lithuanian residents have withdrawn more than €3 billion from second-tier pension funds since the government opened a two-year exit window, equivalent to about 3% of the country's GDP.
LRT English · 17 Jun, 11:21

Ministry of Culture proposes amendments to public event safety law due to emergency alerts
The Ministry of Culture has prepared amendments to the Law on Safety of Public Entertainment and Festive Events, requiring organizers to not start or to interrupt an event upon receiving an early warning, and specifying cases where full ticket refund is not mandatory.
LSM (rus) · 17 Jun, 11:20

Lithuania's Incoming PM Questions Belarus Sanctions, Says Civil Unions Not a Priority
Mindaugas Sinkevičius, the incoming Lithuanian prime minister, questioned the effectiveness of sanctions against Belarus, indicated a pragmatic approach to China, and stated that civil unions are not at the top of his agenda.
LRT English · 17 Jun, 10:22

Estonian border guards fine fishermen for placing gear in restricted zone
On June 16, the radar of the Mustvee border post detected a violation on Lake Teploe: fishermen had placed their fishing equipment dozens of meters inside the border regime zone. The boat driver was fined €200.
ERR (rus) · 17 Jun, 10:21

KNAB Head Denies Information Leak from Bureau, Citing Visibility of Investigative Actions
KNAB chief Jēkabs Straume has denied any information leak from the bureau regarding criminal proceedings, stating that such actions are difficult to conceal when they occur in state institutions. His comments follow Prosecutor General Armīns Meisters’ earlier suspicions of a possible leak.
Delfi · 17 Jun, 10:21

Līvāni launches centenary celebrations with diverse events
Līvāni, which gained city status on June 7, 1926, has begun its centenary celebrations. The first cycle included concerts, sports, a baby festival, rhododendron planting, and a discussion on legacy.
Jauns.lv · 17 Jun, 10:20

Two New Books Published on Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival
The State Education Development Agency, in cooperation with partners, has released two books dedicated to the history and personalities of the Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival.
Ziemeļlatvija · 17 Jun, 09:22

Weekend temperatures to reach +27°C; cooler, rainy weather expected for Midsummer
Latvia will experience a warm weekend with temperatures up to +27°C on Saturday, followed by thunderstorms on Sunday. For Jāņi (Midsummer), the weather is expected to turn cooler and possibly rainy.
Bauskas Dzīve · 17 Jun, 09:22

Early Potatoes in Estonia Harvested Unusually Early This Year
The first local potatoes have appeared in Estonian stores about a week earlier than usual, attributed to favorable weather and careful farming practices.
ERR (rus) · 17 Jun, 09:21

Person rescued from lake on raft in Ludza district; electric wire fire in Aizkraukle district
On Tuesday evening, firefighters in Ludza district rescued a person who had been blown onto a lake about 40 meters from shore on a raft. Separately, in Aizkraukle district, a burning electric wire on a building facade led to the evacuation of six people.
Delfi · 17 Jun, 09:21

Education conference in Valmiera to address generational differences and modern school challenges
On August 25, a free education conference "Child Who [Does Not] Fit School?!" will be held in Valmiera, focusing on generational clashes, digital impact, and educator well-being.
Valmieras Ziņas · 17 Jun, 09:20

Lithuania has a new prime minister – what do we know about him
Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, has become prime minister following a coalition agreement. His career includes local government, a brief ministerial stint, legal troubles, and a comeback.
LRT English · 17 Jun, 08:22

Weather to Change Rapidly: What to Expect Before Līgo
Wednesday and Thursday will be mostly cloudy with rain in eastern Latvia, but the weekend will bring more sunshine and temperatures up to +27°C due to an anticyclone. Līgo night will see variable weather with rain clouds and gusty winds.
BNN · 17 Jun, 08:21

International Public Knitting Day celebrated in Kuldīga park
Members of the knitting group 'Čaupe' gathered in Kuldīga's park on Saturday morning to mark International Public Knitting Day, knitting and chatting on blankets for the 15th year.
Kurzemnieks · 17 Jun, 08:21

Folklore group “Zeiļa” releases debut album for 25th anniversary
The folklore group “Zeiļa” from Ūzulainieši parish, Rēzekne district, has released its first studio album, celebrating 25 years of existence.
LaKuga · 17 Jun, 08:21
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Police in Liepāja Find 10-Year-Old Boy in Neglect, Unsanitary Conditions
A 41-year-old mother in Liepāja left her 10-year-old son unsupervised and without food while she partied for two days. Police discovered unsanitary conditions in the apartment.
Apollo.lv · 17 Jun, 08:21

Youth Bicycle Orientation Adventure in Mazzalves Parish
The bicycle orientation event in Mazzalves Parish organized by the association "Ērberģietes" saw teams of youth searching for checkpoints with QR codes, discovering local sights, followed by relaxation and a disco.
Staburags · 17 Jun, 08:20

The Onset of Soviet Occupation in Latvia on June 17, 1940
On June 17, 1940, the full-scale entry of the Red Army into Latvia began, starting a long Soviet occupation. Soviet propaganda falsely portrayed this as "fraternal assistance" leading to a "socialist revolution".
LSM · 17 Jun, 08:20

Oleg Kudrin: A Common Tragedy – Stages of Soviet Occupation of Latvia and Ukrainian Lands in 1939–1940
The author examines the Soviet occupation of Latvia and Ukrainian territories, emphasizing that June 17, 1940, the start of the full-scale Red Army entry, was falsely portrayed as fraternal assistance leading to a socialist revolution.
LSM (rus) · 17 Jun, 08:20

Over 700 Alumni Gather for Historic Reunion in Smiltene
On Saturday, June 13, Smiltene Secondary School and former general education schools of the town held their first joint reunion, attracting over 700 alumni. The event featured the opening of an outdoor fitness area and the planting of an oak tree.
Ziemeļlatvija · 17 Jun, 07:21

Amendments to the Law: No Full Ticket Refund for Events Interrupted by Safety Warnings in Certain Cases
The Ministry of Culture has prepared amendments requiring event organizers to stop an event upon receiving an early warning notification, and in some cases, they will not have to refund the full ticket price.
Bauskas Dzīve · 17 Jun, 07:20

Attempts to Curb Children's Social Media Use: A Storm That Cannot Be Stopped?
Several countries, including the UK, are introducing or considering bans on social media for children, but experts point to implementation challenges and the need for parental role modeling.
Staburags · 17 Jun, 07:20

Doctor Pēteris Apinis Defends €3.68 Million Sterilization Equipment Purchase
Pēteris Apinis argues that the procurement of sterilization equipment investigated by the KNAB was a rational investment, not waste, and calls for greater public understanding of sterilization's role in modern medicine.
Delfi · 17 Jun, 06:21

First Mobile Shelter Installed in Tallinn: How It Works and What Latvia Thinks
Tallinn has installed its first mobile reinforced concrete shelter to protect against explosions and shrapnel. It is modular and movable, similar to those used in Ukraine.
TVNET · 17 Jun, 06:21

Wednesday to Bring Stronger Winds and Occasional Rain
Latvia will experience mostly cloudy weather with light rain and increasing winds on Wednesday. Temperatures will reach up to +20°C.
Bauskas Dzīve · 17 Jun, 06:21

Why June 17, 1940 Became the Day of Latvia's Occupation?
The article explains that the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states was driven by the international situation: the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, the Winter War, and Germany's attack on France, which diverted Western attention.
Delfi · 17 Jun, 05:22

Summer weather forecast: when to take your vacation in Latvia?
This week remains rainy, but for Midsummer (Jāņi) drier and warmer weather is expected. July and August may be warmer than average, but precipitation will be uneven.
Jauns.lv · 17 Jun, 05:20

First Mobile Shelter Installed in Tallinn; Latvia's Similar Solution Questioned
Estonia's capital Tallinn has installed its first mobile concrete shelter designed to protect against explosions and shrapnel. The article questions whether Latvia could implement a similar solution.
Apollo.lv · 17 Jun, 04:21
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Fashion Show in Church Sparks Outrage in Estonia; Organizers Deny Mockery
A provocative fashion show held at St. John's Church in Estonia has caused strong reactions on social media. Organizers say the church was informed and that art does not necessarily imply disrespect.
TVNET · 17 Jun, 03:21

Residents Concerned About Uncertainty Due to Estlink 3 Construction
Elering continues preparations for Estlink 3 and a fourth interconnection with Latvia, but residents are worried about a decade of limbo.
ERR (rus) · 17 Jun, 02:22

Kulbergs unaware that 'Ievas siers' producer convicted of EU fraud
PM Andris Kulbergs learned on a TV show that cheese producer whose product he jokingly called his 'first bribe' has been convicted of EU fund fraud and stripped of a state award. He said he would take note.
Delfi · 17 Jun, 01:21

Prime Minister suspends large state ICT procurements for a month; companies under European Prosecutor's investigation involved
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has suspended large state information and communication technology (ICT) procurements for 30 days after discovering that companies linked to a European Public Prosecutor's Office investigation into alleged fraud of over 1.5 million euros are involved.
LSM · 17 Jun, 01:21

90-year-old Lielvārde resident grows a sea of peonies and generously shares them
Artas Jefimovas, a 90-year-old Lielvārde resident, has been growing peonies for a long time and refuses to accept money for them, delighting locals with her flowers.
LSM · 16 Jun, 23:22

Pakri Lighthouse Reopens After Renovation
Built in 1889, the Pakri lighthouse has been renovated and is now open to visitors again. The renovation lasted from July last year until June 16 this year.
ERR (rus) · 16 Jun, 23:22

Companies Under EPPO Investigation Appear in Kulberg's Frozen ICT Procurements
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs reveals that the 30-day halted state ICT procurements include companies involved in a European Prosecutor's Office criminal case for alleged fraud.
Delfi · 16 Jun, 23:20

Wednesday: Variable cloudiness, rain in places, +13..+18
On Wednesday, Estonia will experience variable cloudiness and rain in places. Daytime temperatures will reach +13 to +18 degrees.
ERR (rus) · 16 Jun, 22:21