Latvia & nearby
Latvia's election week begins with confusion over who may drop the ballot into the box
As advance voting for Latvia's 15th Saeima elections began, some voters complained online that election staff, not they themselves, placed their sealed ballot envelope into the box. The Central Election Commission (CVK) says this follows official procedure, though voters may do it themselves if they ask.
Latvijas Avīze · 29 Sept, 18:44
Badger and hedgehog dispute in Aizpute ends with police called in
Residents of an apartment building in Aizpute called police after a loud confrontation between a badger and a hedgehog broke out in the stairwell.
LSM · 29 Sept, 18:41
Estonia: Milrem Robotics arson in August was sabotage ordered by Russian intelligence
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna says the August arson at Milrem Robotics was an act of sabotage ordered by Russian special services, based on information gathered by the Internal Security Service.
Postimees · 29 Sept, 17:45
E-scooter rider fled police in Jelgava at 75 km/h
On Tuesday, an e-scooter rider in Jelgava fled from police, reaching a speed of 75 km/h, the State Police reported.
Apollo.lv · 29 Sept, 17:44
E-scooter rider flees police at 75 km/h in Jelgava, crashes into car
Police in Jelgava chased an e-scooter rider on Tuesday who reached speeds of 75 km/h while fleeing and repeatedly ran red lights, before crashing into a car and being detained.
Jauns.lv · 29 Sept, 17:43
OECD study: teacher shortage remains a problem in Latvia
A new OECD education report finds that the share of vacant teaching positions in Latvia has grown in recent years, as teachers age and young educators often leave the profession. A future decline in student numbers may ease demand but will not fully solve the problem.
LSM · 29 Sept, 17:42
GREVIO report: Istanbul Convention has helped Latvia strengthen fight against violence
A joint Saeima committee session reviewed the first GREVIO report on Latvia's implementation of the Istanbul Convention, which praised progress made but also revealed divided opinions among lawmakers about the treaty's impact on society.
Delfi · 29 Sept, 17:41
Estonia advances bill to strengthen fight against financial fraud to second reading
The Riigikogu's Legal Affairs Committee has sent to second reading a bill that would let banks freeze suspicious payments. Fraudsters stole 29 million euros in Estonia in 2025, nearly double the previous year.
ERR (rus) · 29 Sept, 17:41
Major Tallinn Prisma store reopens as Coop Peremarket
The Sikupilli Prisma store in Tallinn has joined Coop's network, becoming the first Prisma hypermarket to operate under the Coop name. The merger of the two Estonian retail chains will continue at several more stores through November.
ERR News · 29 Sept, 16:48
Lithuania detains Latvian national suspected of murder linked to organized crime group
A Latvian national born in 1976 was detained in Šiauliai, wanted over a murder committed last August. He is expected to be extradited to Latvia for further proceedings.
Delfi · 29 Sept, 16:46
Political scientist names two factors that could boost turnout in Latvia's parliamentary election
Political scientist Juris Rozenvalds says it is too early to draw conclusions about voter turnout in the Saeima election, though he points to security concerns and improved access to information as possible factors. Riga has so far shown the highest early-voting participation.
Jauns.lv · 29 Sept, 16:41
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Man suspected of 20 sexual offences against 14 underage girls
Latvia's State Police has handed prosecutors a criminal case against a man suspected of committing 20 sexual offences against 14 underage girls whom he allegedly contacted via the app "Snapchat".
Apollo.lv · 29 Sept, 15:45
Riga air quality worsens with autumn weather, officials warn vulnerable groups
Riga's municipality has warned that the onset of autumn weather is worsening air quality in the capital, posing particular risks to children, seniors and people with respiratory illnesses. Poor air quality is forecast for several city areas in the coming days.
Latvijas Avīze · 29 Sept, 15:45
Government declares state of emergency in agriculture after prolonged rainfall
Latvia's government decided on Tuesday, September 29, to declare a state of emergency in agriculture to mitigate the effects of prolonged rainfall over the summer and early autumn. The emergency will remain in effect across the entire country until January 10, 2027.
LSM (rus) · 29 Sept, 15:42
Man arrested for contacting 14 underage girls via Snapchat and WhatsApp, requesting nude photos
Latvia's State Police has completed an investigation into a man born in 1984 who contacted 14 underage girls aged 8 to 16 through Snapchat and WhatsApp and demanded explicit images; the case has now been referred to prosecutors.
Latvijas Avīze · 29 Sept, 14:47
Estonia's new Defense Minister Herem tops ministers' trust ranking
A new Emor survey shows Estonians trust newly appointed Defense Minister Martin Herem far more than any other government minister.
ERR News · 29 Sept, 14:47
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GREVIO report refutes attacks on Istanbul Convention, says Marta Centre head
The first GREVIO report on Latvia confirms that criticism of the Istanbul Convention voiced last autumn was unfounded, Marta Centre head Iluta Lāce said Tuesday at a joint Saeima committee sitting.
TVNET · 29 Sept, 14:45
Estonia Says Fire at Defense Firm Milrem Robotics Was Deliberate Russian Attack
Estonian authorities say an August fire at drone maker Milrem Robotics was a deliberate attack orchestrated by Russia. The company manufactures and supplies unmanned vehicles used by Ukraine.
The New York Times · 29 Sept, 14:44
Nine road signs pointing to Russian cities illegally painted over near Rēzekne
Someone near Rēzekne has illegally painted over nine road signs referencing Russian cities while the government still deliberates an official solution, prompting a criminal investigation.
Latvijas Avīze · 29 Sept, 13:47
Latvian parliament advances another proposal to cut fuel prices
A Saeima committee has backed, in first reading, a proposal to temporarily scrap the security reserve fee on fuel, while a related VAT cut proposal was not reviewed due to lack of quorum.
BNN · 29 Sept, 13:47
Estonian media executives: language law should not dictate how content is translated
Heads of Estonian media companies say the country's new Language Act should not force broadcasters to choose a single translation method for foreign content, warning of audience losses. They have already appealed to the education minister to amend the rule.
ERR (rus) · 29 Sept, 13:45
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Scabies spreading again in Estonia
Estonian doctors are warning about a renewed spread of scabies, stressing that it is a serious, easily transmitted disease that must be treated.
Apollo.lv · 29 Sept, 12:50
More than 43,000 people have already voted in the 15th Saeima election
More than 43,000 voters have already cast their ballots ahead of Saturday's 15th Saeima election, according to Latvia's Central Election Commission. Voters can still deposit ballots at any of 933 polling stations throughout this week.
Latvijas Avīze · 29 Sept, 12:49
At least 2.8% of voters have already cast ballots in Saeima election
According to the Central Election Commission, 43,571 people — at least 2.8% of all eligible voters — have already cast their ballots ahead of Saturday's Saeima election. Early voting continues throughout this week at polling stations nationwide.
Delfi · 29 Sept, 12:49
Over 43,000 people have already voted in Latvia's 15th Saeima elections
By Tuesday, the second day of early voting, 43,571 voters — 2.8% of all eligible voters — had cast their ballots in Latvia's 15th Saeima elections. The Central Election Commission reports the voting systems are running smoothly.
Jauns.lv · 29 Sept, 12:41
Estonia says Russia ordered arson attack on defence robotics firm
Estonia's security service has formally attributed an August arson attack on defence company Milrem Robotics to Russian security services, drawing solidarity from Lithuania and Sweden as Russia continued overnight strikes on Ukraine.
Guardian Ukraina · 29 Sept, 11:48
Estonia: Russian intelligence behind arson at defence firm Milrem Robotics; three Latvians suspected
Estonia's Security Police has concluded that the August fire at defence technology company Milrem Robotics was sabotage ordered by Russian intelligence services. Three Latvian citizens, already extradited to Estonia, are held in custody as suspects.
Latvijas Avīze · 29 Sept, 11:44
Latvia's 'Signal Elections 2026' mock vote concludes, over 44,000 students took part
Latvia has wrapped up its 'Signal Elections 2026' civic education initiative, with 215 schools and more than 44,000 eligible young voters participating. Vidzeme and Latgale saw the highest turnout.
LSM · 29 Sept, 11:43
Estonian PM: Moscow behind arson at Tallinn defense company building
Information gathered by Estonia's Security Police allows officials to state with full confidence that a recent arson attack on a Milrem defense company building in Tallinn was an act of sabotage ordered by Russian special services. Latvia has already handed over to Estonian law enforcement Latvian citizens suspected in the case.
LSM (rus) · 29 Sept, 11:43
What to plant in pots this autumn once summer flowers fade
As summer flowers in pots and balcony boxes fade in late September, gardening experts suggest replacing them with plants that thrive in cooler weather rather than giving up on colourful displays until spring.
Jauns.lv · 29 Sept, 11:42
Exhibition "Station Stories" opens in Daudzeva
The "Zelta gailenes" association wrapped up its project in Daudzeva with the opening of the exhibition "Station Stories," the result of a summer-long effort.
Staburags · 29 Sept, 10:47
Zemgale farmers reap good vegetable harvest, but heavy rain hampers collection
Farmers in the Zemgale region have gathered a good vegetable harvest this year, but persistent rain is complicating the collection process, prompting the coalition to consider declaring a state of emergency in agriculture.
LSM (rus) · 29 Sept, 10:46
"Forbidden Method" launches pre-election game "X Hour in Silgale"
Ahead of this year's Saeima election, Latvian Television's programme "Aizliegtais paņēmiens" tests how parliamentary candidates would handle crisis situations in a game called "X Hour in Silgale".
LSM · 29 Sept, 10:45
Expert warns: quad bikes account for half of this season's road fatalities
Four quad bike riders have died in Latvia this motorcycle season, even though quad bikes are registered ten times less often than motorcycles. A road safety expert warns of a serious problem with how these vehicles are used.
Latvijas Avīze · 29 Sept, 10:45
Residents of Ērģeme and Valka share views ahead of Saeima elections
The newspaper “Ziemeļlatvija” visited Ērģeme parish and Valka to find out whether local residents have already decided which list to vote for in the 15th Saeima elections. The findings were compiled into a video report.
Ziemeļlatvija · 29 Sept, 10:44
Estonia: Russia behind arson attack on defense firm Milrem
Estonia's Internal Security Service has concluded that the August arson attack on defense contractor Milrem's building in Tallinn was sabotage commissioned by Russian special services. Suspects directly involved, including two Latvian citizens, have been arrested.
ERR News · 29 Sept, 10:42