Latvia & nearby

Marijuana Plantation Discovered in Private House in Jelgava Region
In May, police in Jelgava region found a marijuana plantation in a private home, seizing 10 seedlings, dried cannabis, and growing equipment. A man has been arrested.
LSM (rus) · 12 Jun, 19:09

Foreign Tourists Becoming More Cautious About Latvia; Kurzeme Calls for Strengthening Country's Image
After years of growth, tourist numbers in Latvia are declining again at the start of this year, with security risks cited as a main reason. The Kurzeme region urges efforts to improve the country's image.
LSM · 12 Jun, 19:09

Lithuania and Cyprus sign migrant relocation deal under EU solidarity scheme
Lithuania and Cyprus have signed a memorandum of understanding to relocate 58 migrants from Cyprus to Lithuania, with Lithuania covering the remaining obligations through a financial contribution of 1.14 million euros.
LRT English · 12 Jun, 19:08
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Lithuanian President Nausėda Signs Controversial Amendments to Public Broadcaster Law
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has signed contentious amendments to the law on public broadcaster LRT, expanding board powers and introducing new dismissal rules, despite calls from the journalists' association to veto.
TVNET · 12 Jun, 19:08
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Ventspils Apartment Resident Captures Thief; Police Remind to Lock Doors
A woman in Ventspils returned from her garden to find a burglar in her apartment, who had entered through an unlocked door. Bystanders helped detain the suspect, who has prior convictions for similar crimes.
TVNET · 12 Jun, 18:07

Polish and Latvian citizens detained for transporting nine illegal migrants in Latgale
The State Border Guard, in cooperation with the State Police, detained citizens of Poland and Latvia in Augšdaugava and Krāslava counties for transporting nine illegal migrants.
LSM (rus) · 12 Jun, 18:07

Tartu hazardous waste incineration plant expands capacity tenfold
The Epler & Lorenz hazardous waste incineration plant in Tartu has been expanded to process up to 20,000 tons per year, addressing a national shortfall in disposal capacity.
ERR News · 12 Jun, 18:06

Lithuanian President Signs Overhaul of LRT Governance
President Gitanas Nausėda has signed amendments reforming the governance of Lithuania's public broadcaster LRT, introducing a new board and expanding the council. The changes have sparked controversy, with journalists' associations and international organizations urging their withdrawal.
LRT English · 12 Jun, 18:06

Lithuania and Cyprus sign memorandum on relocation of 58 migrants under EU solidarity mechanism
Lithuania and Cyprus have signed a memorandum providing for the relocation of 58 migrants from Cyprus to Lithuania and fulfillment of remaining obligations through financial contributions.
LSM · 12 Jun, 18:06

18 Cattle Die in Pärnu County BRSV Outbreak
An outbreak of bovine respiratory syncytial virus on a farm in Pärnu County has resulted in the deaths of 18 adult cattle, confirmed by laboratory tests.
ERR News · 12 Jun, 17:05
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Ministry of Justice under Smiltēns sets three priority directions
The Ministry of Justice, led by Edvards Smiltēns, plans to focus on compensation for drone incidents, strengthening the judicial system, and supporting Ukraine.
TVNET · 12 Jun, 17:05

Coalition deal nears completion in Lithuania, but Prime Minister’s future remains unclear
Lithuania's prospective ruling coalition partners aim to finalize their agreement on Friday, but key questions about ministerial posts and the prime minister's future remain unresolved.
LRT English · 12 Jun, 17:05

Conference: KiVa Program Reduces Bullying in Latvian Schools
After three years of implementation, the KiVa anti-bullying program has led to fewer victims and less severe incidents in Latvian schools.
LSM · 12 Jun, 17:03

Estonia and Sovereign Military Order of Malta Sign Healthcare and Aid Cooperation Deal
Estonia and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta have signed an agreement to advance the order's healthcare and humanitarian activities in Estonia and support for Ukraine.
ERR News · 12 Jun, 17:03

Spanish Companies Demand €14 Million from Latvia Over Termination of Rail Baltica Section Design
A consortium of two Spanish companies has filed a claim in international arbitration, demanding over €14 million in compensation for the termination of a contract to design the main Rail Baltica route through Riga.
LSM (rus) · 12 Jun, 17:03

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Meets Belarusian Opposition, Reaffirms Support
Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys met with Belarusian democratic opposition representatives in Vilnius, reaffirming the country's commitment to supporting their cause.
LRT English · 12 Jun, 16:01
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Myths about electricity lead to overpayment: Ignitis expert debunks misconceptions
Latvian residents often overpay for electricity due to false beliefs. Ignitis expert Ināra Rubene explains common myths and urges consumers to evaluate total monthly costs.
TVNET · 12 Jun, 16:01

Two killed in Rapla County road traffic accident
A collision between a truck and a passenger car in Kehtna, Rapla County on Friday afternoon left two people dead and one hospitalized.
ERR News · 12 Jun, 16:00

Eesti 200 refuses to back down on means-tested benefits, coalition tensions rise
A dispute has erupted in Estonia's coalition government over family benefits reform, with Eesti 200 insisting on means-testing to save €100 million annually, while the Reform Party appears to waver.
ERR News · 12 Jun, 15:00

Nature Conservation Agency urges reporting of bear sightings
As brown bears become more common in Latvia, the Nature Conservation Agency encourages the public to report bear sightings on the 'Dabas dati' portal.
LSM · 12 Jun, 14:59

New kindergarten enrollment rules still leave some families waiting
Despite a new law requiring local governments to provide kindergarten placements before a parent returns to work, some Estonian families have still been left waiting.
ERR News · 12 Jun, 14:58

Petition in Vilnius calls for fewer marathons due to traffic disruptions
A Vilnius resident has launched a petition urging the city to reduce the number of events that cause traffic closures, particularly running races.
LRT English · 12 Jun, 13:57

Chairperson of Augstsprieguma tīkls council Olga Bogdanova to step down
Olga Bogdanova, chairperson of the council of Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST), will leave her position, serving until August 24 and continuing her career in another role.
LSM (rus) · 12 Jun, 13:56

Lithuanian Market “Braļukas” Returns to Āgenskalns Market with Rich Program
On June 13–14, the Lithuanian market “Braļukas” will take place at Āgenskalns Market in Riga, featuring concerts, tastings, and crafts. Entry is free.
TVNET · 12 Jun, 12:55

Lithuania reports rise in probes into aiding foreign states against country
Lithuania's Prosecutor General's Office annual report shows a sharp increase in pre-trial investigations for aiding foreign states against Lithuania – seven launched in 2024, compared to one in 2021.
LRT English · 12 Jun, 12:55

Estonian Business and Innovation Agency seeks partner for €4.6 million self-service platform
EIS has launched a public procurement to develop a digital self-service environment for entrepreneurs. The framework agreement is worth up to €4.6 million over three years.
ERR News · 12 Jun, 12:55

Administrative Building on Smilšu Street in Riga Goes to Auction
The State Real Estate Agency (VNĪ) is auctioning a property at 7 Smilšu Street in Riga, including land and an administrative building that currently houses the Education Quality State Service, several apartments, and the company SIA "Warmut".
TVNET · 12 Jun, 12:54

Defendant in February accident at Apshupe crossroads denies lacking driver's license
The truck driver found guilty of a serious accident at the Apshupe crossroads denies that he lacked a driver's license. The accident occurred in February when he was driving a Volvo FH tractor with a semi-trailer on an icy road, causing a collision with a bus, whose driver later had a leg amputated.
LSM (rus) · 12 Jun, 12:54

Lithuanian Appeal Court to Rule in September on Partisan Monument Vandalism Case
Lithuania's Court of Appeal has reviewed an appeal by one of three foreigners convicted of vandalizing a monument to partisan leader Adolfas Ramanauskas-Vanagas; a ruling is expected in mid-September.
LRT English · 12 Jun, 11:53

Estonians marry less and divorce more often in 2025
According to Statistics Estonia, 5,998 marriages were registered in 2025, 363 fewer than in 2024, while divorce numbers rose, particularly in Ida-Viru County.
ERR News · 12 Jun, 11:52

Rain and thunderstorms expected in Latvia in coming days
According to weather forecasters, Latvia will experience rain clouds, occasional heavy downpours and thunder, and cool air every day until the middle of next week.
LSM (rus) · 12 Jun, 10:51

NGOs Call for Review of Migrant Pushbacks at Belarus Border
Human rights organizations from Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland urge their governments to review migrant pushback practices following the entry into force of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact.
LRT English · 12 Jun, 10:51

Social Media Bots, Trolls, and Fake Pages: Digital Weapons in the Fight for Voters
The Latvian Radio News Service is investigating how social media bots, trolls, and fake pages are used abroad to influence voters.
LSM · 12 Jun, 10:51

Firefighters Receive 26 Calls Over Wind Damage in Latvia
The State Fire and Rescue Service in Latvia responded to 26 incidents caused by strong winds, all involving fallen or broken trees.
LSM (rus) · 12 Jun, 10:50
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Latvia's Ministry Allocates 500,000 Euros for Mass Sports Events in 2026
The Ministry of Education and Science will support 16 mass sports events with 500,000 euros, doubling the funding compared to the previous year.
TVNET · 12 Jun, 09:51

KiVa Anti-Bullying Program Conference Takes Place in Riga
On Friday, the KiVa anti-bullying program conference is being held in Riga, featuring lecturers from Finland, Norway, the UK, and the Czech Republic to share experience and knowledge.
LSM · 12 Jun, 09:51