Latvia & nearby (6)

Riga City Court to resume trial of Latvian Music Academy lecturer Māris Kupčs on 12 November

The Riga City Court will continue hearing, behind closed doors, the criminal case against Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music lecturer Māris Kupčs, who is charged with rape and sexual violence against students.

TVNET · 8 Nov, 22:11

Kuldīga Old Town Streets and Two Historic Bridges Under Reconstruction

Sections of several streets in the oldest part of Kuldīga, Latvia, are being rebuilt, and two historic bridges over the Alekšupīte stream are being restored. An archaeologist monitors the work, and completion is now expected in the first quarters of next year.

LSM (rus) · 8 Nov, 21:11

Roslikov, who fled to Belarus, tries to sell property in Riga

Aleksejs Roslikov, leader of the party "Stabilitātei!" who is charged with incitement of national and ethnic hatred and has gone to Belarus, has begun disposing of property in Latvia. He is offering part of a Riga terraced house for 280,000 euros.

Jauns.lv · 8 Nov, 21:11

First conviction takes effect in Valka municipality EU funds fraud case

The first conviction has taken effect in the case over fraudulently obtained EU funds in Latvia's Valka municipality: the owner of a cider maker admitted aiding fraud. The part of the case against municipal officials has not yet been sent to court.

Apollo.lv · 8 Nov, 21:11

Five newly elected Saeima deputies face criminal charges that could complicate security clearance

Five newly elected members of Latvia's Saeima face criminal charges that could complicate obtaining a state secrets clearance. None plan to seek one, the TV programme "Nekā personīga" reported.

Apollo.lv · 8 Nov, 20:12

Five Latvian MPs Facing Criminal Charges Say They Will Avoid Committees Requiring Security Clearance

Five members of Latvia's newly elected 15th Saeima who face criminal charges do not plan to sit on committees requiring state secret clearance, TV3's "Nekā personīga" reported. The parliament's committees have not yet been formed.

Delfi · 8 Nov, 20:11

Kariņš: Andrejsala developers asked the state to invest in infrastructure

Former Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš said on a TV3 podcast that a representative of the Andrejsala developers once asked the state to invest in the area. He warned that infrastructure for the Riga Waterfront project could end up funded by the state and the municipality.

BNN · 8 Nov, 20:11

Pumpkin and Potato Fritters With Seeds: A Recipe for Autumn

The Latvian daily Latvijas Avīze has published a recipe for pumpkin and potato fritters. They are fried in butter and served with Greek yogurt and herbs.

Latvijas Avīze · 8 Nov, 20:10

Kariņš says Andrejsala developers sought state funding and he threw them out of a meeting room

Former Latvian Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš said on a TV3 podcast that Andrejsala developers' representatives demanded state investment in the area and that he ordered them out of the meeting room. He argues the key question about the Riga Waterfront project is who will pay for its development.

Apollo.lv · 8 Nov, 18:11

Kulbergs to ask coalition partners to name three desired changes

Prime minister candidate Andris Kulbergs will meet potential coalition partners on Monday and ask each to name three key changes. His agenda also covers economic growth, budget savings and the structure of government.

TVNET · 8 Nov, 18:11

Grain Transit Protest Organisers Consider Blocking Railway Tracks in Latvia

Gundars Kalve, organiser of the "No Blood Grain" protest, does not rule out blocking railways if Latvia does not halt Russian grain transit. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs promises a bill but says the solution must be reached with the EU.

Jauns.lv · 8 Nov, 17:12

Kariņš: Tightening the Budget Too Hard Could Stifle Latvia's Economic Growth

Former prime minister and New Unity party leader Krišjānis Kariņš says that when a government "tightens the belt" during a period of growth, it can cause problems. He pointed to investment figures and expected GDP growth.

Latvijas Avīze · 8 Nov, 17:10

Estonia's EKRE adopts 2027 election platform promising cheaper energy and food

Estonia's Conservative People's Party (EKRE) adopted its platform for the March 2027 parliamentary election in Tartu on Sunday. It promises lower taxes, cheaper energy and food, and a halt to Rail Baltica construction.

ERR News · 8 Nov, 16:12

Kariņš: Tightening the Belt Too Hard During Growth Could Harm the Economy

Former Latvian prime minister and New Unity party leader Krišjānis Kariņš warned on a TV3 programme that overly strict government austerity could stifle economic growth. He also pointed to record foreign investment.

Delfi · 8 Nov, 16:11

Saulkrasti Beekeeper Wins Second Place at London Honey Competition

Valdis Janovs, a beekeeper from Saulkrasti municipality in Latvia, took second place in the liquid honey category at the UK's 95th National Honey Show in London. Latvian beekeepers won nine awards and commendations in total.

Jauns.lv · 8 Nov, 15:11

Cloudy Monday Expected in Latvia With Light Rain in Places

Monday's forecast for Latvia is mostly cloudy weather with light rain in some areas. Daytime temperatures will reach +4 to +9 degrees, and up to +7 in Riga.

TVNET · 8 Nov, 15:10

Pakistani man found dead in Tallinn apartment, eight illegal migrants detained with him

A 21-year-old man from Pakistan was confirmed dead in an apartment in Tallinn, Estonia, on Saturday. Police found eight more illegal migrants at the same address who said they had arrived from Latvia.

ERR News · 8 Nov, 14:12

Debate Over Whether Latvia Can Ban Russian Grain Transit on Its Own

After a protest in Jēkabpils where Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs tied a ban to EU-level action, social media is debating whether Latvia can impose one itself. A former MEP's aide and an EU court judge point to member states' rights.

Delfi · 8 Nov, 14:11

Prime Minister Addressing Jēkabpils Protest With Child in His Arms Sparks Social Media Debate

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs addressed a protest against Russian grain transit in Jēkabpils on Saturday while holding a child. Social media opinion is split, with some criticising the move as using the child and others defending him.

Jauns.lv · 8 Nov, 13:12

Opponents of Russian grain transit do not rule out blocking Latvian railway

Gundars Kalve, initiator of the "No to Blood Grain!" protest, says rail tracks could be blocked if Russian grain transit through Latvia is not halted. Organisers will meet on 10 November to decide their next steps.

Apollo.lv · 8 Nov, 13:11

New Estonian dialect lesson rules raise questions among teachers and students

Estonia's Ministry of Education has drafted legislation that would let students replace the second foreign language with a regional variety of Estonian. The student councils' union, school leaders and the Language Council have raised concerns about workload, funding and further education.

ERR News · 8 Nov, 13:11

State to take over Juniper Reserve in Kuldīga municipality free of charge

A draft government order proposes that the Latvian state take over, without compensation, the Juniper Reserve of more than 60 hectares at Gudenieki in Kuldīga municipality. The site lies in a Natura 2000 nature reserve and would be managed by the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development.

BNN · 8 Nov, 13:11

Rinkēvičs tries his hand at baking sklandrausis in Kuldīga

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs tried baking sklandrausis, a traditional Kurzeme dish, at a technical school in Kuldīga. He also visited the Kuldīga social services centre "Tilts".

NRA · 8 Nov, 13:10

Afghanistan, Pakistan and Somalia Top the List of Asylum Seekers in Latvia This Year

From January to September, Latvia received 1,210 first-time international protection applications from third-country nationals. Citizens of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Somalia submitted the most.

Apollo.lv · 8 Nov, 12:12

Lithuania's Defence Minister on German Brigade and Hybrid War Threat on NATO's Eastern Flank

In a Politico Berlin Playbook podcast, Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas discusses the risk of invasion and the stationing of Germany's Panzerbrigade 45 in Lithuania. Nearly 5,000 German soldiers are to be permanently based there by 2027.

Politico Europe · 8 Nov, 12:12

Car and tram collide on Ropažu Street in Riga; rescuers free injured person from vehicle

A passenger car and a route 1 tram collided on Saturday on Ropažu Street in Riga, injuring one person. Rescuers freed the casualty using hydraulic tools; over the past 24 hours the fire and rescue service received 52 calls.

Latvijas Avīze · 8 Nov, 12:12

Afghans, Pakistanis and Somalis lead asylum applications in Latvia

Latvia received 1,210 first-time international protection applications from third-country nationals between January and September, most of them from men. Afghan citizens filed the largest number.

Jauns.lv · 8 Nov, 12:11

Autumn recipes: baked cabbage in sauce and sauerkraut soup

The Saturday supplement of the Latvian newspaper Diena has published two autumn cabbage recipes: baked cabbage in a cheese and cream sauce, and sauerkraut soup with fried sausages.

Diena · 8 Nov, 12:11

Little Olivia still needs €35,000 for treatment

Three-year-old Olivia Ruseckа has received €220,000 in donations for treatment of a rare genetic disease, but drug costs turned out higher and €35,000 is still needed. The charity Ziedot.lv is urging the public to donate.

BNN · 8 Nov, 12:10

Police in Riga search for missing boy Nauris Kvēpiņš, born in 2013

The Riga North Directorate of the State Police is looking for Nauris Kvēpiņš, born in 2013, who left his home on Brīvības gatve in Riga on 7 November and has not returned. Police ask anyone who knows where he is to come forward.

Delfi · 8 Nov, 11:13

Can a Teacher Take Leave During the School Year? Labour Inspectorate Explains

Parents at Alūksne Ernst Glück State Gymnasium objected after a teacher went on leave shortly before the autumn school break. The State Labour Inspectorate says the law does not forbid teachers from doing so.

LSM (rus) · 8 Nov, 11:12

Table used for Tartu Peace Treaty talks goes on display at Estonia's Foreign Ministry

The table at which Estonia and Soviet Russia negotiated the Tartu Peace Treaty in 1919–1920 is temporarily displayed at the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tallinn. It was moved there while the Tartu City Museum is being renovated.

ERR News · 8 Nov, 11:12

Police in Latvia Catch 21 Drunk Drivers and One Under Drugs in a Single Day

Latvia's State Police report that 21 drivers were stopped for drink-driving and one for driving under the influence of drugs over the past 24 hours. In 15 of the alcohol cases, the level was high enough to bring criminal liability.

Apollo.lv · 8 Nov, 11:11

Tram collides with car in Riga, rescuers free injured person

On Saturday in Riga, a route 1 tram collided with a passenger car on Ropažu Street, and one person was injured. The State Fire and Rescue Service also reported several other incidents over the past day.

Jauns.lv · 8 Nov, 11:11