Latvia & nearby

90-year-old woman in Lielvārde tends a vast peony garden
In Lielvārde, 90-year-old Arta Jefimova has been cultivating peonies for many years, creating a large collection that attracts locals during bloom. She generously shares her flowers and often refuses payment.
Apollo.lv · 16 Jun, 22:20

Truck Crashes into House Yard in Ropaži; Owner Avoids Tragedy by a Hair's Breadth
A truck veered off the road and crashed into a house yard in Ropaži, narrowly avoiding tragedy as the homeowner had planned to mow the grass just there moments before but changed her mind.
Jauns.lv · 16 Jun, 22:20

Let's Discuss Tonight 16.06.2026 – New Episode on LSM.lv
A new episode of "Let's Discuss Tonight" was released on 16.06.2026 on the LSM.lv platform.
LSM (rus) · 16 Jun, 21:20
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Kulbergs: Rise in Shadow Economy Shows Wrong Direction
Latvia's shadow economy grew to 21.8% of GDP in 2025, and Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs warns the real situation may be worse, urging measures to make legal employment more attractive.
TVNET · 16 Jun, 20:21

Early Estonian New Potatoes Hit Shelves
Estonian early potatoes have arrived in markets and shops about a week earlier than usual. Despite higher prices compared to imported potatoes, most customers prefer the local produce.
ERR (rus) · 16 Jun, 20:21

New Compensation System for Military Incidents: Insurers and Justice Ministry Seek Solutions
After drone attacks in Latgale, insurers are offering a new policy for legal entities, while the Ministry of Justice is drafting regulations to compensate individuals for damages.
Jauns.lv · 16 Jun, 20:20

Ex-President Vējonis to Work in Minister Tavars' Office
Former President and Minister Raimonds Vējonis will join the office of the Minister for Smart Administration and Regional Development, Edgars Tavars.
LSM · 16 Jun, 20:20

New overpass to Kundziņsala tested for load capacity
A new overpass in Riga, designed to redirect trucks away from the city center and shorten travel time to the port, has undergone load tests before opening. Specialists verified its load-bearing capacity and safety.
LSM (rus) · 16 Jun, 20:20

Latvian Parliament Rushes Amendments to Environmental Impact Assessment Law; Critics Warn of Reduced Public Participation
The Saeima is set to vote on amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment Law that could expedite wind farm construction, but critics argue the process lacks proper evaluation and limits public involvement.
Delfi · 16 Jun, 19:21

Bank of Estonia's forecast met with skepticism and criticism
After several years of economic downturn, Estonia's economy is gradually recovering, but the Bank of Estonia's forecast has been met with skepticism and criticism.
ERR (rus) · 16 Jun, 19:21

Experts warn of inevitable food price hike in stores
Food price increases are inevitable due to rising costs of fertilizers and energy. The European Commission plans to allocate €540 million to farmers, but the sector believes it will not be enough.
Jauns.lv · 16 Jun, 19:20

Melnis: Cooperation with US is decisive factor for Baltic security
Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis and Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava met with the U.S. ambassador, emphasizing that cooperation with the United States is the foundation of regional security.
Jauns.lv · 16 Jun, 18:20

Veterinarians and Farmers Object to Proposed Law Recognizing Animals as Living Beings
Veterinary and agricultural organizations in Latvia urge halting amendments that would recognize animals as living beings with special legal protection instead of property, citing unclear goals and impact on farm animals. The Saeima committee says the changes aim to strengthen understanding of animal value.
LSM · 16 Jun, 18:20

Estonian Ministry Considers Restricting Mass Access to Document Registers
Estonia's Ministry of Justice is weighing the possibility of limiting automated mass queries to public document registers to prevent profiling and uncontrolled reuse of personal data, while maintaining public access.
ERR (rus) · 16 Jun, 17:20

Monitoring results for sixth graders in math and natural sciences lower than expected
According to the Ministry of Education and Science, Latvian students' average knowledge in mathematics and natural sciences declines from grades 3 to 6, while text comprehension improves.
LSM (rus) · 16 Jun, 17:20

Public Initiative Calls for Increase in Care Allowance for People with Severe Disabilities
A public initiative has been launched to raise the care allowance for people with severe disabilities, unchanged since 2009, and link it to the minimum wage.
Apollo.lv · 16 Jun, 16:21

Wednesday to be cloudy and windy in Latvia
Wednesday will be mostly cloudy and windy across Latvia, with rain in many areas, while Kurzeme will become sunnier. Temperatures will range from +15 to +20 degrees Celsius.
Apollo.lv · 16 Jun, 15:20

Estonian farmers to get less EU funding in real terms
Estonian farmers will have less EU funding available in the next budget period starting in 2028 when adjusted for inflation, even though the nominal amount may increase slightly.
ERR News · 16 Jun, 15:20

Preiļi Municipality Allocated 425,809 Euros for Drainage System Reconstruction at Military Base
The Ministry of Defence has allocated 425,809 euros to the Preiļi municipality this year for the reconstruction of a local drainage system and construction supervision at a military base in Preiļi.
LSM (rus) · 16 Jun, 15:20

Riga Central Market Meat Pavilion Banned from Operation; 'Rīgas nami' Denies Neglect
The State Construction Control Bureau (BVKB) has banned the operation of the Meat Pavilion at Riga Central Market as of June 11 due to safety violations. The manager, 'Rīgas nami,' refutes accusations of ignoring the issues.
Delfi · 16 Jun, 14:20

Estonia to shut down state alcohol registry as of November 1
The Estonian parliament has passed amendments abolishing the mandatory registration of alcoholic products from November 2026 to reduce the administrative burden on businesses.
ERR (rus) · 16 Jun, 14:20

€128.8 Million Allocated for Construction of Stradins Hospital A2 Building
The construction of the new A2 building at Paula Stradins Clinical University Hospital will receive €128.8 million in funding from EU funds to modernize infrastructure and improve medical care conditions.
Jauns.lv · 16 Jun, 13:20

Lithuanian Parliament to Consider Ban on Artists Working in Russia, Belarus
Lithuania's parliament will debate a proposal on Tuesday to ban foreign cultural and entertainment figures who have performed in Russia or Belarus since February 24, 2022, from entering the country for up to five years. The draft, previously rejected in April, has been reintroduced largely unchanged.
LRT English · 16 Jun, 12:21

Former President Vējonis Becomes Minister's External Advisor
Ex-President Raimonds Vējonis has been appointed as an external advisor on strategic development and policy issues, serving without salary.
Delfi · 16 Jun, 12:20

Former Mayor of Haapsalu Urmas Sukles Joins Centre Party
Former Haapsalu mayor Urmas Sukles has announced his membership in the Centre Party and his intention to run in the next parliamentary elections on its list.
ERR (rus) · 16 Jun, 11:36

Not Only Cepelins and Basketball: What Do We Know About Lithuanians?
The article analyzes Lithuania's rise as a Baltic leader in development and questions whether we know how the character of our southern neighbors was historically formed.
LSM (rus) · 16 Jun, 11:35

Estonian PM Evasive on Hansa Shipping's Russia Business
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal gave brief answers to questions about Estonian company Hansa Shipping possibly transporting aluminum oxide to Russia, a material key to military industry. He stated that information on criminal proceedings is not public and that Estonia has repeatedly proposed banning the export of aluminum oxide in EU sanctions packages.
ERR (rus) · 16 Jun, 11:21

Lithuanian Police Face Axe-Wielding Man During Domestic Violence Call
In Lithuania, police responding to a domestic violence call encountered an aggressive man armed with an axe. After disarming him, the man continued to resist and injured officers during his arrest.
Jauns.lv · 16 Jun, 11:20

Police in Liepaja find mother's neglect and unsanitary living conditions for child
Last week, the State Police in Liepaja discovered that a mother had left her 10-year-old son unattended for nearly two days while she consumed alcohol at acquaintances' home, and the apartment was found to be dirty and infested with cockroaches.
LSM (rus) · 16 Jun, 11:20

Estonian Internal Security Service: Data retention bill needs revision due to Russian threat
Estonia's Internal Security Service (KaPo) argues that the draft law on electronic communications data retention requires substantial improvements to balance national security and crime investigation effectiveness, particularly in light of the threat posed by Russia.
ERR (rus) · 16 Jun, 09:20

Estonia to Centralize Basic State IT Services Under RIA
The Estonian government has approved a reorganization that will bring centralized state IT services under the management of the State Information System Department (RIA), aiming to improve cybersecurity and achieve financial savings. Over the next few years, RIA will take over the IT Center (RIT) and the State Communications Fund (RIKS).
ERR (rus) · 16 Jun, 08:21

Contract Signed for €9.8 Million Rail Baltic Underpass in Tallinn
A new tunnel will be built to connect Tallinn's Lasnamäe and Ülemiste districts, with the first phase due for completion by October 2027.
ERR News · 16 Jun, 08:20

Raivis Melnis: National Defense Service Model Works but Needs Improvement
Defense Minister Raivis Melnis stated that the National Defense Service (VAD) model is functioning, but improvements are needed to maintain soldier motivation, such as allowing work with new technologies and industry cooperation.
Delfi · 16 Jun, 08:20

British man repeatedly enters yard in Ogre to profess love
On June 7, a British citizen was found again in a private yard on Krasta Street in Ogre, attempting to express affection; the homeowner considered filing a complaint for trespassing and threats but refrained after police intervention.
OgreNet · 16 Jun, 08:20

Experts: Children's English Vocabulary Grows Gradually, Teaching Methods Should Be Age-Appropriate
Specialists have compiled recommendations for expanding children's English vocabulary at different ages, from three years old to adolescence.
Bauskas Dzīve · 16 Jun, 07:22

Beekeepers Welcome First Honey Harvest
After spring work, bees have collected nectar, producing new honey with fresh taste and rich aroma.
Ziemeļlatvija · 16 Jun, 07:21