Latvia & nearby
Braže urges EU ministers to ban Russian grain imports and transit
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže again called on the EU's Foreign Affairs Council to ban Russian grain imports and transit across the bloc. She also briefed colleagues on provocations on the Latvia-Belarus border and urged more support for Ukraine.
Delfi · 12 Oct, 21:58
Little-known group «Black Rusy» claims responsibility for migrant incident on Latvia–Belarus border
A group calling itself «Black Rusy» has claimed responsibility for an incident on the Latvian-Belarusian border in early October. Analysts believe it is a front created by Belarusian and Russian security services for hybrid operations.
LSM (rus) · 12 Oct, 21:57
Latvia's State Security Service opens criminal case over anonymous sabotage threats against Belarus's neighbours
Latvia's State Security Service has launched a criminal case after an anonymous video promised acts of sabotage against Belarus's neighbours, including Latvia. NATO expert Janis Sarts calls the border incidents an information operation run by intelligence services.
Latvijas Avīze · 12 Oct, 21:56
Advisers to Estonian President Jüri Madise Describe Their New Roles
Estonia's new president, Jülle Madise, took office on Monday, and two of her advisers, Vladimir Svet and Harris Puusepp, explained their duties. Both said the job offer came as a surprise.
ERR (rus) · 12 Oct, 21:56
Warm autumn spell in Latvia to continue, forecasters say
Forecasters expect less precipitation than usual for autumn in Latvia this week and next, with daytime highs of +8 to +13 degrees. On some afternoons temperatures may reach +16.
NRA · 12 Oct, 21:56
Badger-and-hedgehog fight boosts interest in Aizpute as locals make souvenirs
After a story about a fight between a badger and a hedgehog drew wide attention, interest in the Latvian town of Aizpute has grown. Both the local municipality and residents have noticed.
TVNET · 12 Oct, 20:57
Appeal court upholds prison term for businessman Trubko over bribe offered to Riga councillor
The Riga Regional Court on Monday left unchanged the verdict sentencing businessman Igors Trubko to four and a half years in prison for offering a 2.1 million euro bribe to a Riga City Council faction leader. Trubko denies guilt and intends to appeal.
NRA · 12 Oct, 20:57
LSM.lv publishes the 12 October episode of «Обсудим вечером»
A new episode of the Russian-language programme «Обсудим вечером» appeared on the LSM.lv platform on 12 October 2026.
LSM (rus) · 12 Oct, 20:56
Braže tells EU ministers about armed groups, a cut fence and stolen cameras on Latvia's border
At a European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže briefed colleagues on incidents on the Latvia–Belarus border and called for an EU-wide ban on Russian grain. She also urged more support for Ukraine before winter.
Jauns.lv · 12 Oct, 19:58
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State Police seek charges against 16 people, including businessman Laizāns, in illegal cigarette case
At the end of September, Latvia's State Police sent prosecutors a case on large-scale illegal cigarette production and sales. It covers 16 people, among them Rēzekne businessman Elmārs Laizāns, whom police consider the possible leader of the group.
TVNET · 12 Oct, 19:58
Aviation Trade Union Proposes Alternatives to Collective Layoffs at airBaltic
The Latvian Aviation Trade Union has submitted proposals concerning the airline airBaltic's planned collective dismissal of employees. They call for part-time work and for rehiring staff later.
Apollo.lv · 12 Oct, 19:58
Farm in Tirza parish grows about 600 pumpkins on 0.2 hectares
The "Jaunbaloži" farm in Tirza parish, Latvia, grew roughly 600 pumpkins this year on a small plot, the largest weighing 32 kilograms. Buyers have come from as far as Madona and Ape.
Delfi · 12 Oct, 18:58
Ülle Madise sworn in as President of Estonia before parliament
Ülle Madise took the oath of office as President of the Republic of Estonia at a sitting of the Riigikogu, the Estonian parliament, and then addressed lawmakers.
Postimees · 12 Oct, 18:58
Shoppers on social media say “Maigums” chocolate marshmallow tastes different
On the social platform Threads, shoppers are voicing disappointment with the “Maigums” chocolate marshmallow treat, saying its taste and composition have changed. One commenter also says the pack has become lighter at the same price.
Latvijas Avīze · 12 Oct, 18:58
New play in Rakvere Castle invites audience to work out what happened for themselves
Performances of a new theatre production have begun at Rakvere Castle in Estonia, marking 800 years since the town was first mentioned. Based on John Pielmeier's play, it is set in a convent and leaves the audience to draw its own conclusions.
ERR (rus) · 12 Oct, 18:57
Multimedia exhibition on port history being created in Liepāja lighthouse
A multimedia exhibition about the history of the port is being created in the nearly 160-year-old Liepāja lighthouse, which was previously closed to visitors. Its creators say the approach is unique even globally.
LSM · 12 Oct, 18:56
Russian citizens cite persecution over military service in Latvian asylum applications
Russian citizens seeking asylum in Latvia also cite persecution over military service in their applications, according to Latvia's Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. The number of first-time asylum requests has fallen markedly since 2022.
NRA · 12 Oct, 17:57
Cigarette smuggling ring uncovered across Europe: damage in Latvia nearly €85 million
After more than two years of investigation, the Latvian State Police has referred 16 people for criminal prosecution over large-scale illegal cigarette production and smuggling. Investigators estimate the damage to the state at more than €84.7 million.
LSM (rus) · 12 Oct, 17:57
Shoppers share what they find in Lidl's two-euro produce bags
Residents of Latvia are sharing on social media what they have found in the two-euro surprise fruit and vegetable bags sold by the Lidl supermarket chain. The company says the bags hold produce with minor cosmetic flaws.
Latvijas Avīze · 12 Oct, 17:56
NGOs Oppose Liquidation of Latvia's Society Integration Foundation, Citing Political Influence and Bureaucracy Risks
Latvia's Ministry of Culture has drafted proposals to change how the Society Integration Foundation operates, but several non-governmental organisations see them as effectively dissolving it. The Cabinet of Ministers has yet to decide.
Delfi · 12 Oct, 17:56
Woman Orders €50 Birthday Cake for Her Child but Receives a Different Design
A woman wrote on the social platform Threads that a €50 cake ordered for her child's birthday was made with a different decoration than agreed. Most commenters said a custom order should be made as arranged.
Latvijas Avīze · 12 Oct, 16:58
Police complete probe into illegal cigarette network that cost Latvia €84.7 million
Latvia's State Police have finished investigating an international organised crime group that produced and smuggled illegal cigarettes for over a decade. The case has gone to prosecutors to bring charges against 16 suspects.
Delfi · 12 Oct, 16:58
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Gorkšs to meet Unity deputies on Wednesday; government to decide on his appointment later
The Latvian government will not consider Kaspars Gorkšs's appointment as State Chancellery director at its next sitting. The ruling coalition's New Unity faction first wants to hear his views on public administration issues.
TVNET · 12 Oct, 16:58
Ille Madise takes office as President of Estonia
Ille Madise, elected by Estonia's parliament, the Riigikogu, took the oath of office on Monday and became head of state. Her first foreign visit as president is planned for Latvia on 13 October.
NRA · 12 Oct, 16:57
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Craft brewery "Labietis" and artist Kristians Brekte create beer "Āža čura"
The craft brewery "Labietis" has created a new beer called "Āža čura" in collaboration with the artist Kristians Brekte.
TVNET · 12 Oct, 15:59
Estonian Border Guard Chief to Discuss Illegal Migrant Flow in TV Interview
Egert Belitšev, Director General of Estonia's Police and Border Guard Board, will appear on the "Interview of the Week" programme on 13 October to discuss illegal migration. Dozens of migrants are being detained in Estonian cities, and the detention centre is overfull.
ERR (rus) · 12 Oct, 15:58
Mairis Briedis: After Divorce, Door to New Relationships Stays Closed for Now
Mairis Briedis, a well-known figure in Latvia, has told the magazine Kas Jauns about life after divorcing his wife Jūlija, with whom he spent 18 years. He said he is slowly recovering but does not plan new relationships for now.
Latvijas Avīze · 12 Oct, 15:58
Police seek man suspected of fraud seen in Liepāja and Olaine
The South Kurzeme precinct of the State Police Kurzeme regional board is asking the public to help identify a man suspected of fraud. He has been spotted in Liepāja and Olaine.
NRA · 12 Oct, 15:57
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Regional court upholds conviction in Trubko case over offering a €2.1 million bribe
The Riga Regional Court on Monday left unchanged the first-instance conviction of Igors Trubko, former head of the company Rīgas namu apsaimniekotājs. The case concerns the offering of a €2.1 million bribe to Riga City Council faction leader Mārtiņš Kossovičs.
Apollo.lv · 12 Oct, 14:59
Three new bells consecrated at Riga Cathedral
On Sunday, 11 October, three new bells were consecrated at Riga Cathedral and named Jānis, Gabriels and Marija. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia announced it on Facebook.
Delfi · 12 Oct, 14:58
Youth unemployment in Estonia reaches 22 percent as employers demand experience
An Estonian study finds youth unemployment stood at 22.4 percent in the second quarter of 2026, against an overall rate of about 7 percent. Researchers name employers' demand for experience that young people have had no chance to gain as the main barrier.
ERR News · 12 Oct, 14:57
Prosecutors charge neurologist Viškers with sexual abuse of patients using hypnosis
Latvian prosecutors have charged neurologist Leonīds Viškers with sexual acts against female patients, allegedly committed using hypnosis techniques. The case has not yet been sent to court.
NRA · 12 Oct, 14:57
Driver gets car stuck on traffic-calming measures in Jelgava and leaves the scene
On Sunday morning in Jelgava, Latvia, a driver got a car stuck on traffic-calming elements and left the scene, the news agency LETA reported.
TVNET · 12 Oct, 14:57
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Appeal court upholds Igors Trubko's conviction for offering a bribe
The Riga Regional Court on Monday left unchanged the first-instance guilty verdict against Igors Trubko, the former chairman of the board of Riga Housing Manager (AS "Rīgas namu apsaimniekotājs"). The case concerns an offer of a 2.1 million euro bribe to Riga City Council faction leader Mārtiņš Kossovičs.
TVNET · 12 Oct, 13:57
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Neurologist Leonīds Viškers charged over sexual acts against female patients
Prosecutors have brought charges against neurologist Leonīds Viškers. He is accused of sexual acts against several patients.
Apollo.lv · 12 Oct, 13:57
Latvian PM Kulbergs Considers Dropping "Netflix Tax"; Film Industry Puzzled
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has suggested dropping a planned levy on foreign streaming platforms to support national film, drawing criticism from the industry. He has invited film representatives to meet on 13 October to discuss an alternative funding solution.
Delfi · 12 Oct, 13:57