Latvia & nearby
International dog show in Tallinn brings together 232 breeds
An international dog show is under way in Tallinn, Estonia's capital, with nearly 1,500 animals from across Europe. A total of 232 breeds are registered, and the event runs until Sunday, October 18.
ERR (rus) · 18 Oct, 01:34
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Ieva Ozola of Bauska Turns Label Reading Into Butter Caramel
Ieva Ozola from Bauska, Latvia, read the packaging on sweets she was buying for her children and disliked what she found. She began experimenting in her kitchen, and "Sviesta karamele" (Butter Caramel) was the result.
TVNET · 18 Oct, 01:32
Aviation union warns of new court cases against airBaltic over pay and layoffs
The Latvian Aviation Trade Union already has six lawsuits, and its disputes with airline airBaltic over pay and dismissals could lead to more. Union president Dace Kavasa says litigation is not a goal in itself but is sometimes the only way to defend employees.
Latvijas Avīze · 18 Oct, 00:31
Estonia's Ida-Viru County trains technical crew for future IDA Hub film projects
The newly opened IDA Hub film complex in Jõhvi will need not only creative staff but also technical specialists. A training programme for film industry jobs is already running in the region.
ERR (rus) · 17 Oct, 23:33
Kudors: Russia Tried to Influence Latvia's Saeima Election
In a commentary after Latvia's parliamentary election, political analyst Andis Kudors writes that Russian attempts at influence were evident during the campaign, even though it passed relatively calmly. He contrasts the vote with Russia's State Duma election, where he says there is no real choice.
Delfi · 17 Oct, 23:33
Latvia plans to call up National Guard members for mobilisation exercises
Latvia's Ministry of Defence has drafted amendments to regulations that would allow National Guard members to be called up for mobilisation exercises. Employers would have to release them from work and keep their jobs open.
NRA · 17 Oct, 23:33
Another 37 Cabinet of Ministers Certificates of Appreciation Planned
Latvia plans to award Cabinet of Ministers Certificates of Appreciation to a further 37 individuals, institutions and organisations. This is shown by information on the legal acts draft portal.
Apollo.lv · 17 Oct, 23:33
Justice Ministry proposes making 8 July Penitentiary System Employees' Day
Latvia's Ministry of Justice has submitted a bill to the government that would add 8 July to the calendar of official holidays and commemorative days as Penitentiary System Employees' Day. The Prison Administration already marks the date, but it is not set in law.
Jauns.lv · 17 Oct, 23:32
Estonia Expected to See Night Temperatures Fall to Minus One Degree on Sunday
In Estonia, a Baltic state, the night into Sunday, 18 October, will be cloudy with rain in places and possible fog. Air temperatures will range from -1 to +6 degrees.
ERR (rus) · 17 Oct, 22:33
Opinion: Latvia Should Close the Russian Embassy in Riga
In an opinion piece on the Delfi portal, Juris Alberts Ulmanis calls for Latvia to fully sever diplomatic relations with Russia and close its embassy in Riga. He argues that keeping it open is unjustified while Russia continues its war in Ukraine.
Delfi · 17 Oct, 22:32
What Women Expect From a Man on a First Date: Ten Personal Views
Latvijas Avīze has published ten women's answers on how a man should behave for them to be open to intimacy on a first date. Confidence, humor, politeness and naturalness come up in the replies.
Latvijas Avīze · 17 Oct, 22:32
Salaspils Culture House Reconstruction Wins Latvian Architecture Award 2026 Grand Prix
The reconstruction of a culture house in Salaspils has received the Grand Prix, the top prize of the Latvian Architecture Year Award 2026. The Latvian Association of Architects announced the winner.
Apollo.lv · 17 Oct, 21:32
Publicist Lato Lapsa Asks Police to Review Latvian Citizenship Granted to Scientist Born in India
Publicist Lato Lapsa has filed a complaint with the State Police over the Saeima's 15 October vote to grant Latvian citizenship to India-born scientist Divya Kannan Vishwanath. He argues that publicly available information about her education and publications warrants a check.
Latvijas Avīze · 17 Oct, 21:31
Social media debate over apartment prices in Riga and Dubai
A Latvian user named Dace claimed on the social network Threads that apartments in Dubai can be cheaper than in Riga, sparking a wide discussion. Commenters argued over prices, climate and living conditions.
Jauns.lv · 17 Oct, 19:32
Augšdaugava municipality plans €80,719 upgrade of Subate open-air stage grounds
The Augšdaugava municipality plans to spend €80,719 on improving the grounds of the Subate open-air stage. The news agency LETA reported this, citing the local authority.
TVNET · 17 Oct, 19:32
Experts: Hiding Workplace Accidents Can Lead to Tragedy
Occupational safety experts said on a Latvian Radio programme that concealing workplace accidents can lead to tragedies. They noted that society's attitude toward safety rules at work needs to change.
LSM (rus) · 17 Oct, 19:32
Corridor set for four-lane Tallinn–Narva highway between Haljala and Kukruse
A corridor for the future road has been defined for the 67-kilometre section of Estonia's Tallinn–Narva highway between Haljala and Kukruse, and the plan is open to public consultation. No construction dates are set, but detailed designs are due by 2029.
ERR (rus) · 17 Oct, 19:31
Home Café Days in Latvia draw 84,041 visitors this year
The Home Café Days event, held from 4 July to 13 September, saw visitor numbers rise 3.6% from last year. A total of 568 home cafés welcomed guests across Latvia.
NRA · 17 Oct, 19:31
Seven schools in Bauska municipality have fewer pupils than the state requires
This school year, seven educational institutions in Bauska municipality have fewer pupils than the state has set. The municipality co-funds salaries in only two of them.
LSM (rus) · 17 Oct, 18:32
Voter in Kaunata Precinct Says Her Empty Envelope Is Missing From Election Results
A voter named Madara in Kaunata parish, Rēzekne municipality, says she cast an empty envelope in the 15th Saeima election, but it does not appear in the precinct results. The Central Election Commission sees no violation at the precinct.
Latvijas Avīze · 17 Oct, 18:31
Estonian PM Michal: economy growing twice as fast as EU average
Estonian Prime Minister and Reform Party leader Kristen Michal said the country's economy is growing twice as fast as the EU average. The Reform Party launched its campaign for the March 2027 parliamentary election in Tartu.
ERR (rus) · 17 Oct, 18:31
Riga extends night shelter hours and adds more places
Since 1 October, Riga's night shelters have been open from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., with more places available. The city will also step up checks of sites unfit for living.
LSM (rus) · 17 Oct, 17:34
Economist Ošlejs and musician Kivičs clash during live TV debate
During a live post-election discussion on NRA, economist Jānis Ošlejs and musician Andris Kivičs argued sharply over how to assess Latvia's situation. Kivičs accused the economist of twisting his words and demanded a public apology.
Latvijas Avīze · 17 Oct, 17:33
Public bomb shelter in Tallinn hidden behind woodland mural
A street-level civil defense shelter has been unveiled in downtown Tallinn, Estonia's capital, in Tiigiveski Park next to Kalev Sports Hall, covered in a mural of local wildlife. It can protect about 20 people from blast waves and shrapnel, but not from a direct missile hit.
ERR News · 17 Oct, 17:32
Estonian court rules to release criminal group leader Amid Magerramov on parole
The Harju County Court in Estonia has ordered the parole of Amid Magerramov, who was sentenced for a drug offence and for leading a criminal organisation. He will spend the first six months under electronic monitoring.
ERR (rus) · 17 Oct, 17:32
Brief Rain Expected Overnight in Parts of Latvia, Fog in the East
The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre forecasts drizzle and short-lived rain in places overnight, mainly in central Latvia. Early next week the weather should turn drier and sunnier.
NRA · 17 Oct, 17:31
Nearly a third of teachers in Estonian schools switching language of instruction lack qualifications
In Estonian schools moving to Estonian-language teaching, almost a third of teachers lack the required qualifications. Heavy workloads and limited pay make it harder to recruit and keep staff.
ERR News · 17 Oct, 16:33
Estonia to switch to winter time next week
Estonia will set its clocks back one hour on the night of 24–25 October, moving to winter time. The EU has still not agreed on abolishing seasonal clock changes.
ERR (rus) · 17 Oct, 16:32
Kurzeme District Court to continue trial of pro-Kremlin activist Alekseyev on 14 December
The Kurzeme District Court in Latvia will resume the criminal trial of pro-Kremlin activist Yuri Alekseyev and two non-citizens on 14 December. The charges concern actions directed against Latvian sovereignty.
Apollo.lv · 17 Oct, 16:32
Pensioners Living Abroad Must Confirm Latvian Pension Payments by 15 December
Latvia's State Social Insurance Agency (VSAA) reminds Latvian pension recipients living abroad to submit a request by 15 December to continue payments in 2027. Otherwise, payments may be suspended from 1 January.
Jauns.lv · 17 Oct, 16:31
Unpaid Wages and Holiday Pay: What to Do When an Employer Stops Responding
A dismissed employee in Latvia has received neither her final salary nor payment for unused annual leave, and her employer ignores calls and emails. The State Labour Inspectorate explains how workers can defend their rights.
Latvijas Avīze · 17 Oct, 15:33
A dwarf rabbit is not as easy a pet as it seems
Latvian Television's programme "Ķepa uz sirds" warns that decorative, or dwarf, rabbits need special care throughout their lives. The animal can even disappoint its new owner.
LSM (rus) · 17 Oct, 15:32
Hunters in Latgale come across eight migrants in forest during drive hunt
On the opening day of the drive-hunting season in Latvia's Krāslava municipality, hunters found eight irregular migrants who had crossed from Belarus. The hunt was halted and the group was handed to border guards.
NRA · 17 Oct, 15:32
Rain and Fog Expected in Places Overnight
Latvia's Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre forecasts brief rain and drizzle in places overnight, mainly in central regions. The headline also points to fog forming.
TVNET · 17 Oct, 15:32
Crashed truck being unloaded on Riga bypass; 140 road accidents recorded in a day
On Friday, unloading of a crashed truck is under way on the Baltezers–Saulkalne section (A4) of the Riga bypass. Over the previous 24 hours Latvia recorded 140 road accidents, with one person killed.
Jauns.lv · 17 Oct, 15:32
Untouched Cultural Layer Found on Riga's Dome Square Reveals Everyday Life of Past Residents
Heating main reconstruction on Dome Square in Old Riga has uncovered a small untouched section of cultural layer. Objects found there offer a glimpse into the daily life of Riga's residents in the late Middle Ages and early modern period.
LSM (rus) · 17 Oct, 14:32