Latvia’s parliament approved urgent amendments to the Railway Law on Thursday, Sept. 17, to accelerate changes to rail infrastructure charges for grain shipments from Russia as the government acts to curb Russian grain transit through the country, according to parliamentary records. Lawmakers voted 53 to 12 in favor of the special procedure, which will remain … Read more
According to recent geopolitical analysis by Antonia Colibasanu, Chief GeoEconomist and Senior Geopolitical Analyst at Geopolitical Futures, a striking contrast exists between regional security perceptions in Scandinavia’s largest port on the North Sea and the Baltic port of Riga. The field observations connect recent visits to the Swedish city of Gothenburg with the medieval setting … Read more
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Ihor Klymenko and Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis met in Kyiv to discuss the development of bilateral defense ties, including the Drone Deal, air defense enhancements, and joint weapons production. According to official statements released by Klymenko, Latvia has allocated approximately EUR 110 million to support Ukraine’s … Read more
Six days after a devastating summer storm and torrential rainfall struck Latvia on August 22, power outages are still being reported across some municipalities, according to authorities. The severe weather caused extensive power grid damage that initially cut electricity to approximately 277,000 customers. In many affected areas, those blackouts were followed by disrupted communications, closed … Read more
As punishing summer heatwaves batter traditional Mediterranean hotspots, travelers are increasingly turning to coolcations in the Baltic capitals of Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius, seeking milder northern climates, rich medieval history, and greater affordability than Western Europe, according to recent travel industry trends. Tallinn vs. Riga: Medieval Heritage Meets Modern Design Two Baltic capitals stand out … Read more
Construction company BERERIX finished the planned major works, while the FIDIC Engineer supervised the project and issued a Certificate of Substantial Completion to both BERERIX and the client, Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas. Completed Infrastructure Elements at Riga Central Station The recently finished construction scope covers the station’s facade and roof glazing, alongside most decorative and functional … Read more
Wolfram Europa will invest €200 million to build a new explosives and warhead manufacturing complex near Jēkabpils, Latvia, with production scheduled to begin in 2027, the company announced Wednesday. The 40-hectare facility is set to be constructed on land secured through a long-term agreement with Latvia’s State Forests (LVM), according to the company’s announcement. Investment … Read more
As a severe cyclone neared on Friday, the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre put out top-tier weather alerts for certain areas, predicting a weekend of heavy downpours and fierce gales that could spark major floods, blackouts, and transit snarls. Red Rainfall Warning Issued for Central Latvia The meteorological agency issued a red warning for … Read more
Latvia’s first hospice day center for palliative care in central Rīga has been hailed as a success, serving 44 individual patients and handling 392 social care activities during an initial six-month trial period, according to project manager Ramona Innusa. The initiative comes five years after the Saeima in Rīga rejected a voluntary euthanasia bill by … Read more
Border Arrest Ends Year-Long Flight from Estonian Justice Andrei Vesterinen is sitting in Tallinn Prison. The ArmyLaw OÜ owner and former Estonian Defense Forces servicemember—who lost a leg while serving in Afghanistan—was captured last week at the Latvian-Russian border, according to law enforcement reports. He was detained on a European arrest warrant at the Grebņeva … Read more