Latvia & nearby (63)

Malpils hunters explain which forest signs may point to a bear nearby

The Malpils hunters' association has urged people in forests to watch for bear tracks and especially fresh droppings. Such signs suggest the animal may be close.

Latvijas Avīze · 15 Oct, 15:58

Daugavpils Jewish Community Ensembles „Mazl Tov” and „Aviva” Mark 20th Anniversary

A concert at the Unity House in Daugavpils on 11 October marked 20 years of the Jewish community's vocal ensemble „Mazl Tov” and dance group „Aviva”. The programme combined music, songs and dance.

Latgales Laiks · 15 Oct, 15:57

Kulbergs: Latvia to keep demanding extra seven billion euros for eastern flank in EU budget talks

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said in Brussels that Latvia will keep pressing in EU long-term budget talks for an additional seven billion euros to strengthen the eastern flank.

Apollo.lv · 15 Oct, 15:57

Kulbergs: Latvia Still Relies on US Support

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said in Brussels ahead of a European Council meeting that ties with the US are strong and that Latvia still relies on them. His remarks follow reports that Washington pressed Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries.

NRA · 15 Oct, 15:56

Latvian farmers watch EU budget talks that will shape their support

Farmers in Latvia are following negotiations on the European Union's next multi-year budget, which will determine support for the sector. Many say they would give up farming without EU direct payments.

Stars (Madona) · 15 Oct, 14:57

Lithuania's finance minister warns Orlen windfall tax could strain ties with Poland

Lithuanian Finance Minister Taurimas Valys says a windfall profits tax on Orlen Lietuva, the refinery owned by Poland's Orlen, would carry high diplomatic risks for little revenue. The government has not made a decision.

LRT English · 15 Oct, 14:57

Smiltene Library to Host Educational Film Session for Children with the Animated Characters Lupatiņi

On 14 November at 10:00, the children's department of Smiltene Library in Latvia will host a free educational film session for children aged two and up. The session is offered by the animation studio Atom Art.

Ziemeļlatvija · 15 Oct, 13:57

Sworn lawyer charged with fraud over 2.7 tonnes of asbestos slate

Prosecutors have sent a criminal case against a sworn advocate to the Zemgale District Court, accusing him of obtaining free disposal of asbestos slate by deceit. Prosecutors say the Dobele municipality suffered a loss of 1,197 euros.

Apollo.lv · 15 Oct, 13:56

Grey Hare Named Pelēcis Garausis Settles in Līgatne Nature Trails

A grey hare named Pelēcis Garausis, previously cared for at a wildlife rescue centre, has been given a permanent home at the Līgatne Nature Trails in Gauja National Park, Latvia. A fox named Lakija also arrived there this autumn.

Bauskas Dzīve · 15 Oct, 13:56

National Guard members to improve drone piloting skills in Valmiera

On 15 and 16 October, the National Guard will hold drone piloting training near the Kaugurmuiža military base in Valmiera, Latvia. No munitions of any kind will be used.

Auseklis (Limbaži) · 15 Oct, 13:55

State Language Day: Latvian Language Quirks Highlighted

Latvia marks State Language Day on 15 October, referring to 1998, when the constitution gave Latvian its status as the state language. For the occasion, the newspaper Latvijas Avīze compiled 10 features of the language.

Latvijas Avīze · 15 Oct, 13:55

Saeima backs keeping Latvijas Radio and LTV names; LSM chief warns of consequences

Latvia's parliament approved in first reading amendments requiring the public media to keep the names "Latvijas Radio" and "Latvijas Televīzija". Latvian Public Media board chair Baiba Zūzena says the changes effectively halt the creation of a unified public broadcaster.

Delfi · 15 Oct, 12:57

Saeima approves voluntary contributions to count 1991–1995 study and care periods toward pensions

Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, passed in the final reading amendments to the law on state social insurance. They allow voluntary contributions to count certain study, child-rearing and caregiving periods from 1991 to 1995 toward pension service record. Contributions can be made from 1 October 2027.

NRA · 15 Oct, 12:57

Estonia Still Maintains Russian Gas Pipeline to Kaliningrad and Weighs Shutting It

A pipeline section on Estonian territory still allows Russia to supply gas to its Kaliningrad region. The Estonian government wants to end the transit, but this requires an agreement with Latvia.

BNN · 15 Oct, 12:56

Internal Security Bureau seeks charges against three Zemgale police officers and a private individual over concealed road accident

Latvia's Internal Security Bureau has finished investigating three criminal cases involving Zemgale regional State Police officers and a private individual. The cases have been sent to prosecutors to launch criminal proceedings.

Bauskas Dzīve · 15 Oct, 12:56

Seasonal speed limit changes take effect in Latvia

From today, the maximum permitted speed on Latvian roads is 90 km/h. The only exception is a section of the Vidzeme highway, where drivers may go up to 100 km/h in very good conditions.

TVNET · 15 Oct, 11:58

Estonian President Madise Raises Pay for Some Advisers Compared With Karis's Team

Some advisers to Estonian President Alar Karis's successor, Yllä Madise, earn more than their predecessors did under Karis. The president's office says several staff now work heavier, full-time workloads.

ERR (rus) · 15 Oct, 11:56

Riga city council official proposes moving national football stadium from Lucavsala to Skanste

Edgars Bergholcs, chair of the Riga City Council's Urban Development Committee, urges a rethink of football infrastructure plans and a move of the national stadium from Lucavsala to Skanste, next to Xiaomi Arena. The city architect and a council department back the idea.

BNN · 15 Oct, 11:55

Zemgale news portal publishes list of deaths up to 14 October

The regional portal zz.lv published on 15 October a roundup of people who have died up to 14 October, with funeral times and cemeteries. It also names five residents of Jelgava municipality.

Zemgales Ziņas · 15 Oct, 10:58

Saules Street Junction With P9 Road in Ragana to Close Temporarily for Asphalting

Because of asphalting work in Ragana, the Saules Street connection to the P9 regional road will be closed briefly on 15 and 16 October. Drivers are directed to detours via Dārza and Gavēņu streets.

Auseklis (Limbaži) · 15 Oct, 10:57

Lithuanian trade unions oppose president's plan to limit migrant workers' permits

Eight Lithuanian trade union organisations have urged politicians to reject President Gitanas Nausėda's proposed restrictions on foreign workers. They say the measures would make workers more dependent on their employers.

LRT English · 15 Oct, 10:57

Riga Heating Company Warns Tariff Could Rise by 20–30%

Riga's district heating supplier “Rīgas siltums” warns that rising energy prices could push the heating tariff up by as much as 20–30%. It is not yet known whether the tariff will actually be raised.

Jauns.lv · 15 Oct, 10:57

Estonian Minister Proposes Enlarging Health Insurance Fund Supervisory Board

Estonian Minister of Social Affairs Karmen Joller has proposed increasing the number of members on the Estonian Health Insurance Fund's supervisory board to strengthen its scientific and expert capacity. The amendment has been tabled in a bill now before parliament.

ERR (rus) · 15 Oct, 10:56

Rīgas siltums: Heating Tariff May Rise by 20–30% This Season

Rīgas siltums, the company supplying heat in Riga, warns that rising energy prices may push up the heating tariff this season, though it forecasts an increase of no more than 20–30%. A Saeima committee discussed the issue yesterday.

NRA · 15 Oct, 10:55

Lithuanian PM urges faster defence procurement as spending lags behind budget

Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has asked the Defence Ministry to speed up procurement, as only about half of this year's €4.8 billion defence budget has been spent. A deputy defence minister says spending is nonetheless moving faster than a year ago.

LRT English · 15 Oct, 09:57

Scarred Trees Found in Forest Turn Out to Be Traces of Historic Resin Tapping

A woman asked on Facebook why dozens of pine trunks in a forest bore a strange needle-like pattern. Commenters explained that these are marks left by past resin tapping.

Latvijas Avīze · 15 Oct, 09:57

Tallinn French Lyceum closes sports hall over severe roof leak

The Tallinn French Lyceum in Estonia's capital has shut its sports hall for several days because the roof is leaking worse than ever. A blocked rainwater drainage system is the likely cause.

ERR News · 15 Oct, 09:55

Person wanted by police detained at airport while trying to leave Latvia

The State Border Guard detained a person wanted by police at an airport on Wednesday as they tried to leave Latvia. The agency informed the news agency LETA.

Apollo.lv · 15 Oct, 08:58

Cloudy but Dry Weather Expected in Latvia on Thursday

Latvian forecasters say 15 October will bring plenty of cloud but no significant precipitation. Air temperatures will reach +9 to +14 degrees Celsius.

OgreNet · 15 Oct, 08:57

Estonian food bank receives 43,776 cans of wild boar meat from the state

The Estonian state this week handed 43,776 cans of wild boar meat to the Tallinn Food Bank for distribution to people in need. The meat comes from boar culled to contain African swine fever.

ERR News · 15 Oct, 08:56

Latvia Marks State Language Day with a School Experiment and a Discussion

Latvia marks State Language Day on 15 October, dedicated to Latvian as the country's sole official language. The Latvian Language Agency is inviting people to join events, including an experiment in 54 educational institutions.

Ziemeļlatvija · 15 Oct, 08:56

Tallinn's Flora U19 Drawn Against London's Chelsea in UEFA Youth League

The under-19 team of Estonian club Flora Tallinn won 4-1 away against Faroese champions Tórshavn in the UEFA Youth League. Next they will face England's Chelsea.

ERR (rus) · 15 Oct, 07:56

Rinkevics on State Language Day: Latvian is the foundation of the Latvian state

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said in a State Language Day address, marked in Latvia on 15 October, that the Latvian language is the foundation of the state. He urged people to appreciate Latvian authors and protect the language.

Bauskas Dzīve · 15 Oct, 07:55

Jelgava to hold public discussion meeting on territorial plan on 19 October

Jelgava municipality will hold a public meeting on the first draft of its new territorial plan on 19 October. Residents have so far submitted ten proposals.

Zemgales Ziņas · 15 Oct, 07:55