Latvia & nearby
District heating prices rise across Estonia this autumn, most sharply in Narva
District heating prices in Estonia are going up nationwide this autumn, from about 1% in Tartu to over 30% in Narva. The differences stem largely from gas costs and from whether producers get to use shale oil.
ERR News · 20 Oct, 08:31
Jelgava's Jānis Folkmanis qualifies for Latvian Open Championship in powerlifting
Jānis Folkmanis of the Jelgava powerlifting club "Apolons" won the veterans' category at the Kurzeme powerlifting championship and secured a place at the Latvian Open Championship. His three-lift total was 637.5 kilograms.
Zemgales Ziņas · 20 Oct, 08:31
40th Season of the “Optimists” Running Series Wraps Up in Valka
The closing event of the 40th season of the “Optimists” running series, aimed at families, took place at the Valka Municipality Cultural Centre. An attendee's opinion piece also encourages more physical activity and mentions local walking and hiking options.
Ziemeļlatvija · 20 Oct, 08:31
Zemgale to build a database of historic tree avenues
The Zemgale Planning Region, together with partners in Latvia and Lithuania, has launched the “ProtectTrees4Nature” project to improve the protection of old trees, avenues and parks. A digital map of tree avenues and educational events are planned in the region.
Bauskas Dzīve · 20 Oct, 07:34
How the 15th Saeima Can Leave the Istanbul Convention Alone, and Whether a Consultative Referendum Is Needed
Latvia's new parliament has several ways to set aside the Istanbul Convention question, though it could also be raised again. Constitutional law expert Edgars Pastars says putting it to a popular vote would require amending the Satversme.
LSM (rus) · 20 Oct, 07:33
/nginx/o/2025/10/18/17218363t1h0641.jpg)
Northeastern Latvia to see the sunniest weather on Tuesday
On Tuesday, clouds will partly cover the skies over Latvia. Forecasters expect the sunniest weather in the country's northeastern districts.
Apollo.lv · 20 Oct, 07:33
/nginx/o/2025/11/10/17270493t1hd06b.jpg)
Government to consider introducing defence service in the Border Guard
Latvia's government will decide today, in principle, on introducing part of the national defence service system in the State Border Guard. No further details have been made available yet.
TVNET · 20 Oct, 07:32
Alcohol consumption in Latvia keeps falling after sales-hour restrictions
A year after Latvia introduced limits on alcohol sales hours, beer consumption has dropped 6% and other alcoholic drinks 5%. A Health Ministry official says habits are starting to change, but slowly.
Diena · 20 Oct, 07:32
Heating switched on in Riga, but about 300 buildings still have radiator problems
Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks, a Riga property manager, connected most of its buildings to heating between 12 and 14 October, yet about 300 buildings needed help in one or more rooms. The most common cause is uncoordinated repairs made over the summer.
Delfi · 20 Oct, 07:32
Maintenance Guarantee Fund director explains how Latvia acts when a parent stops paying child support
The news site NRA.lv has published an interview by journalist Kristīne Kravcova with Edgars Līcītis, director of the Maintenance Guarantee Fund administration. It covers how the state secures child support and collects debts from parents who do not pay.
NRA · 20 Oct, 07:32
Riga to flush main water pipeline for three days, causing possible disruptions
From 20 to 23 October, Riga's main water pipeline will be flushed from the Langstiņi turn-off to the Zaķumuiža water treatment plant. Some districts may see cloudy water and brief supply interruptions.
Latvijas Avīze · 20 Oct, 07:31
Estonian PM: No Simple Fix for Russian Media Influence in Ida-Viru County
Estonian MP Aleksei Yevgrafov asked Prime Minister Kristen Michal how to make Estonian and local outlets the main news source in Ida-Viru County. Michal conceded there is no easy solution and urged local politicians to spread verified information.
ERR (rus) · 20 Oct, 07:31
Sick pay: employer pays first nine days, then state agency takes over
A reader named Ilze, off work after hand surgery, feared she would get sick pay only at the end of her leave. Latvia's State Social Insurance Agency (VSAA) explained how sick pay and sickness benefit are paid.
Latvijas Avīze · 20 Oct, 06:33
Wind Energy Association Condemns Ignoring of Nature Protection Requirements at Liepāja Wind Farm
The Latvian Wind Energy Association (VEA) condemns the disregard of Nature Conservation Agency requirements, after bat deaths, including protected species, were reported at the Liepāja wind farm. It backs tougher fines, stronger oversight and an expiry period for environmental impact assessments.
Žurnāls Ir · 20 Oct, 06:32
Traffic arrangements changed on several streets in Jelgava
Jelgava's municipal agency "Pilsētsaimniecība" has introduced stopping and parking restrictions on Sarmas, Pērnavas and Puķu streets.
Zemgales Ziņas · 20 Oct, 06:32
Iecava kindergarten «Cālītis» marks its 50th anniversary
The «Cālītis» preschool in Iecava, Bauskas municipality, celebrated 50 years of operation with children's events and a formal gathering on 16 October. Staff received municipal and ministry awards.
Bauskas Dzīve · 20 Oct, 06:32
Work begins on a conservation plan for the Randu pļavas nature reserve
On 7 October in Salacgrīva, Latvia's Nature Conservation Agency began drawing up a protection plan for the Randu pļavas nature reserve for 2028–2040. The first meeting brought together experts, municipal representatives and owners of neighbouring properties.
Auseklis (Limbaži) · 20 Oct, 05:34
Riga Medical Clinic Disputes Tax Authority Over Nutritionist's Employment Status
A medical institution in Riga has clashed with the State Revenue Service over whether its nutritionist is self-employed or a salaried employee. The clinic blames the discrepancy in its report on an error by an outsourced accountant.
TVNET · 20 Oct, 05:34
Person Injured in Barn Fire in Jelgava Municipality
A fire broke out in a barn in the Līvbērze parish of Jelgava Municipality on Monday evening, and one person was injured. The blaze was contained about half an hour after the call was received.
Zemgales Ziņas · 20 Oct, 05:33
Latgalian Singer-Songwriter Vinsents Kūkuojs on Songs, Poetry and Building Stoves
In an interview with the portal LaKuga, Latgalian singer-songwriter Vinsents Kūkuojs says he has built about 600 stoves, hearths and fireplaces. He also talks about music, his father's poetry, ceramics and painting.
LaKuga · 20 Oct, 05:31
Opposition Councillor Must Offer Solutions, Not Just Criticism, Says Limbaži Politician Beļaunieks
Māris Beļaunieks of the Latvian Regions Alliance gained a seat on the Limbaži municipal council in June, when party colleague Dāvis Melnalksnis temporarily gave up his mandate. The local newspaper Auseklis outlines his long career in municipal work.
Auseklis (Limbaži) · 20 Oct, 04:34
Limbazi Basketball Team Leads Riga Kadeti After First Quarter
BC Olympic Centre Limbazi played its second game in the Latvian Ramirent National Basketball League away to Riga Kadeti. After a low-scoring start, the visitors took the lead and were ahead 25–14 at the end of the first quarter.
Auseklis (Limbaži) · 20 Oct, 03:34
Greens and Farmers Union Proposes Adding Forest Workers' Day to Latvia's Observances
The Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), a Latvian coalition party, wants to add Forest Workers' Day to the country's list of observances. It plans to take the bill to the Saeima once its coalition partners have reviewed it.
Jauns.lv · 20 Oct, 02:34
/nginx/o/2026/10/15/17974852t1h3278.jpg)
Fact-check: claim of 49,000 migrants arriving in Latvia examined
A claim circulating on social media says 49,000 migrants came to Latvia in the first eight months of this year. The "Faktomāts" fact-checking project is examining what the migration authority actually counts and whether its data shows how many people arrived.
Apollo.lv · 20 Oct, 02:33
Estonia Tops OECD Tax Competitiveness Ranking for 13th Year Running
The US think tank Tax Foundation has ranked Estonia first among OECD members in its annual International Tax Competitiveness Index for the 13th consecutive year. Latvia is noted for an efficient system of taxing labour income, while France ranks last.
Estonian World · 20 Oct, 01:31
Latvia and Lithuania agree to jointly push for an ambitious EU budget for 2028–2034
Foreign ministry officials from Latvia and Lithuania agreed at a meeting in Lithuania to keep working together on the 2028–2034 EU budget, with sufficient funding for security and Rail Baltica. They also discussed support for Ukraine, sanctions on Russia and pressure on Belarus.
NRA · 20 Oct, 00:33
Latvian soldiers' base monthly pay to rise by 190 euros next year
The base monthly salary of Latvian soldiers will increase by 190 euros next year. Lawmaker Andris Sprūds said on TV24 that a soldier starting service currently receives about 1,400 euros a month.
Latvijas Avīze · 20 Oct, 00:31
Tartu begins setting up winter shelters for hedgehogs
In the Estonian city of Tartu, special winter shelters for hedgehogs are being set up in various places, as suitable refuges made of branches and leaves are becoming scarcer. Kindergarten children helped build one in Toomemägi park.
ERR (rus) · 19 Oct, 23:35
Lithuanian PM: Drone That Exploded in Pasvalys District Was Ukrainian
Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius said the drone that exploded on Sunday in the Pasvalys district was a Ukrainian FPV drone carrying explosives, which entered Lithuania from Poland. Ukraine has apologised for the incident.
NRA · 19 Oct, 23:32
Lithuanian Foreign Minister: Starlink Arson Attempt in Vilnius Is Part of Russian Hybrid Campaign
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said on Monday that an attempt to set fire to Starlink satellite internet equipment in Vilnius is part of Russian operations against European countries. He met members of the German Bundestag's ruling coalition and also discussed defence cooperation.
Jauns.lv · 19 Oct, 23:31
Estonia to see daytime highs of up to 11 degrees on Tuesday
Tuesday in Estonia is forecast to be dry, with sunshine by day and temperatures of 7–11 degrees above zero. Fog is possible in places overnight, and roads may be slippery early in the morning.
ERR (rus) · 19 Oct, 22:33
Lawyer Criticises Prosecutor's Office for Highlighting Profession in Press Release Headline
Sworn advocate Andris Tauriņš argues that Latvia's prosecution service unjustifiably stressed the defendant's profession when announcing a criminal case over fraudulently disposing of asbestos slate. He says the profession has no legal relevance in the case.
Delfi · 19 Oct, 22:33
Former Jelgava Prison to Open Its Doors to Visitors for Ten Days
From 30 October to 8 November, the former prison at Palīdzības iela 3 in Jelgava will host a daytime educational programme and an evening horror trail. Tickets are sold through Biļešu paradīze.
NRA · 19 Oct, 22:32
/nginx/o/2026/10/19/17983345t1h5612.jpg)
Lawmakers' expense compensation system to be replaced with a simpler arrangement
Latvia's coalition partners have agreed to change the system of compensation for members of parliament and drop the requirement to submit receipts. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List) told reporters after a coalition meeting.
TVNET · 19 Oct, 22:32
LSM.lv publishes the 19 October episode of the programme «Обсудим вечером»
The latest episode of the Russian-language programme «Обсудим вечером» appeared on the LSM.lv platform on 19 October. The source does not say which topics were covered.
LSM (rus) · 19 Oct, 21:33
Photographer's post about a language dispute with a client sparks online debate
Latvian photographer Krista Vutkeviča described on social media an exchange with a client who wrote in Russian and reacted angrily to a request to use Latvian. The post prompted a debate on how far a service provider should adapt to a client's language.
Latvijas Avīze · 19 Oct, 21:31