Latvia, officially the Republic of Latvia, is a country in the Baltic region of northern Europe. It is one of the three Baltic states, along with Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south. It borders Russia to the east and Belarus to the southeast and shares a maritime border with Sweden to the west. Latvia covers an area of 64,573 km2 (24,932 sq mi), with a population of 1.83 million. The country has a temperate seasonal climate. Its capital and largest city is Riga. Latvians, who are the titular nation and comprise 65.5% of the country's population, belong to the ethnolinguistic group of the Balts and speak Latvian. Russians are the most prominent minority in the country, at almost a quarter of the population; 37.7% of the population speak Russian as their native tongue.
Source: tolatvia.com
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The new cabinet of Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs will meet not once but twice per week, reports Latvian Television.
Saeima debates are the most visible elements parts of parliamentary work, but how important are they in reality? Some members of the Latvian parliament take the podium hundreds of times during a four-year parliamentary mandate, while others don't bother to speak at all, despite the fact that there are only 100 deputies in total.
As expected, a new four-party coalition government was approved by Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, on Thursday, May 28th.
Representatives of the political parties forming the new coalition – the United List (AS), the National Alliance (NA), New Unity (JV), and the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) – signed a coalition agreement and a declaration on the government’s planned activities on Thursday morning, LSM.lv reports.
The Union of Greens and Farmers continuing to lead the Ministry of Agriculture is unacceptable, stated Andris Šuvajevs, the leader of the opposition faction Progressives, on Thursday, May 28, on the Latvian Television programme Morning Panorama.
May 27th saw Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs presenting Latvia’s highest state award – the Order of the Three Stars – to Don Bacon, a member of the U.S. Congress House of Representatives and long-time co-chair of the Baltic Caucus.
Outgoing Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) said on May 27th that the first cracks in her three-party coalition appeared over the stance to be taken on the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, or the so-called Istanbul Convention.
Not only must Latvia select a new Prime Minister, but also the highest-ranking public official – the Director of the State Chancellery. The two previous holders of the position were forced to step down. Jānis Citskovskis is already on trial, while criminal proceedings have been initiated against Raivis Kronbergs. Now a successor must be chosen for this important position, Latvian Television reported on May 26.
Prime Minister candidate Andris Kulbergs (United List) has officially announced the composition of the incoming government on Tuesday, May 26. This has also been confirmed by President Edgars Rinkēvičs.
President Edgars Rinkēvičs met with prime ministerial nominee Andris Kulbergs (United List) on Monday, May 25th to hear his proposals about forming a new government following the resignation of Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) and the collapse of her three-party government.
Andris Kulbergs of the United List (AS), the candidate for prime minister nominated by the President, will go to Rīga Castle on Monday, May 25, to present the composition of the new government, Latvian Television reported on May 24.
Foreign Minister Baiba Braže has said that Latvia's allies are fully aware that Russia is spreading disinformation about drone-related incidents in the Baltic states – though the Foreign Ministry continues to publish repeated public rebuttals of Russia's claims.
In the latest poll of political parties by the research center SKDS, the biggest changes this time around have not occurred at the top of the ranking, but in the positions behind the leader and around the five percent threshold that is required to win seats in Latvia's parliament, the Saeima. Moreover, the data continues to show very tight competition between several parties.
Several politicians who might have thought about campaigning in the upcoming elections on a tough law and order ticket might have to redraw their plans after falling foul of the law themselves.
While another drone incursion warning remained in force on Thursday afternoon in eastern districts of Latvia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its latest statement in response to Russian disinformation efforts.
The Saeima 'Parliamentary Inquiry Commission on Problems in National and European Union-Level Immigration Regulation and the Work of Executive Bodies' said on May 20th it has adopted a final report, which will be forwarded for consideration by the wider Saeima session.
On Thursday, May 21, the Rīga City Council decided to revoke the mandate of council member Aleksejs Rosļikovs, the former leader of the "For Stability!" party, who has fled to Belarus. 41 council members voted in favour of revoking his mandate.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada and the Foreign Ministers of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia were due to meet in Tallinn, Estonia for the fourth Canada–Baltics “3+1” Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on May 20th.
Armands Krauze, leader of the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) and former Minister of Agriculture, promises to take legal action if Prosecutor General Armīns Meisters does not retract his statements against Krauze regarding the so-called timber industry case, according to Latvian Radio and the portal LSM.lv.
The shape of Latvia's potential new government coalition became more apparent on Wednesday with a four-party model looking likely to take a five-month mandate.
On Wednesday, May 20, the Ropaži Municipality Council dismissed Mayor Signe Grūbe and her deputy Renāte Gremze (New Unity/Progressives), according to the Progressives party. Deputy Mayor Aivars Draudiņš (United List), who is the only candidate, has already been nominated for the mayor's position, LSM.lv reports.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs on Wednesday called on the public to stay calm and not rise to Russia's repeated attempts at intimidation.
When the Saeima was discussing a few years ago whether parties should be allocated more state money, the other Baltic states were cited as an example. They provided funding ten times more generously. Now Latvia has not only caught up with its neighbours, but has even overtaken them.
On May 19th, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned a Russian diplomat yet again over the latest blatant misinformation disseminated by that aggressor state.
Igors Rajevs, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior, has submitted his resignation but will continue to serve as a member of the parliament, LETA reports on May 19.
If Prime Ministerial candidate Andris Kulbergs (United List), manages to form a government, the state budget could be reviewed as early as June, Kulbergs indicated on the Latvian Radio program "Labrīt" (Good Morning) on May 19th.
On May 19th, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, will host Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, on a working visit to Rīga.
Security, demographics, and healthcare—these are the three areas that must be addressed as a priority in the country, said President Edgars Rinkēvičs during a regional visit to Preiļi on Monday, 18th May.
Andris Kulbergs (United List), the candidate for prime minister nominated by the president, began government formation talks on Monday. Kulbergs sees an opportunity to form a four-party coalition, with the United List, the National Alliance, and the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) agreeing after trilateral talks to invite New Unity to the negotiations, but not the Progressives.
Raivis Kronbergs, Director of the State Chancellery, whom Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) suspended after he was temporarily detained on May 14 in connection with the investigation into the so-called timber industry case, terminated his employment on May 18, according to Cabinet Press Secretary Laura Krastiņa.
On May 18th, outgoing Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa met with potentially the incoming United Nations Secretary General, Rebeca Grynspan Mayufis.
The Saeima will host a seminar on Monday, May 18, titled "Artificial Intelligence in the Everyday Life of a Member of Parliament: From Opportunity to Necessity," which will feature technology experts, representatives from the public administration and security sectors, as well as politicians who are already using artificial intelligence in their work.
Prime Ministerial nominee, Andris Kulbergs (United List) gets down to the serious business Monday of trying to assemble a viable government for the next five months until parliamentary elections take place on October 3rd.
Latvian Foriegn Minister Baiba Braže was in Tallinn, Estonia on May 16th, taking part in the annual Lennart Meri Conference, a geopolitical meeting named after the distinguished former Estonian president.
Following consultations with political parties on Saturday afternoon, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs announced that he was tasking Andris Kulbergs of the opposition United List political force with attempting to form a new government.
President Edgars Rinkēvičs has a working weekend ahead of him with talks set to continue at Rīga Castle over the necessity of installing a new government, following the resignation of Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and the collapse of the three-party coalition on Thursday.
A comprehensive and long-awaited reform will be implemented in the public procurement system, which is expected to save at least 2–4% of public procurement expenditures. This is provided for in the amendments to the Public Procurement Law, which were adopted by the Saeima in their final reading on Thursday, May 14, LSM.lv reported.
The National Alliance (NA), the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), and the United List (AS) reached a preliminary agreement on Thursday to cooperate in forming a new government.
In the future, young adults who have reached legal age but do not have a secondary education will also be eligible to serve as members of municipal election commissions, the Saeima decided on Thursday, May 14.
Didzis Zemmers will lose his seat in the Saeima, as the former Minister of Agriculture, Armands Krauze (Union of Greens and Farmers), whom the prime minister dismissed from office on Thursday, May 14, returns to parliament, the ZZS confirmed to the LETA news agency.
Prime Minister Evika Siliņa’s (New Unity) resignation was the right decision, long overdue, and inevitable, according to statements made by representatives of the Saeima factions during a special news broadcast by Latvian Public Media.
Andris Sprūds (Progressives), the former Minister of Defence, resumed his seat in the Saeima on May 14.
Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) has resigned, New Unity's faction leader Edmunds Jurēvics confirmed to Latvian Television on Thursday, May 14. Evika Siliņa also announced this in a media briefing shortly after.
Armands Krauze, Minister of Agriculture and leader of the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), as well as the former State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Raivis Kronbergs, currently head of the State Chancellery, were temporarily detained on May 14, prosecutor's office confirmed.
If there is a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) in the Saeima on Thursday, May 14, the government will fall, the party’s Saeima faction leader Andris Šuvajevs confirmed in an interview on the Latvian Television programme "Morning Panorama."
The drones in Latvian territory led not only to the resignation of Defence Minister Andris Sprūds (Progressives), but also to the de facto collapse of Evika Siliņa's (New Unity) government. Progressives announced on Wednesday that they no longer support Siliņa; politicians are beginning talks on the way forward, while the opposition is already prepared to lead a transitional government until the Saeima elections in the fall.
The Progressives do not support the continuation of the current government led by Evika Siliņa (New Unity) and are calling on President Edgars Rinkēvičs to begin consultations on the formation of a new government, Andris Šuvajevs, leader of the Progressives parliamentary faction, said after a meeting with Siliņa on Wednesday.
During a meeting of the Rīga City Council Property Committee on Tuesday, council members lost their tempers and began shoving one another. The City Council’s Ethics Commission has promised to review these events, while Rīga Deputy Mayor Edvards Ratnieks (National Alliance) is calling for a ban on personal filming at the meetings, Latvian Radio reports on 13th May.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) has lost the trust of both the public and political forces, said Uldis Augulis, deputy chairman of the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) board and member of the Saeima, in an interview on the Latvian Television programme "Morning Panorama" on 13th May.
A dispute among council members at a meeting of the Rīga City Council Property Committee escalated into a physical altercation on Tuesday, May 12, newswire LETA reports.
On June 12, 2026, from 09:00 to 16:00, a conference dedicated to the KiVa programme developed in Finland – a peer violence prevention method that is being implemented in 190 Latvian schools – will be held at the National Library of Latvia.
Recent drone incidents in Latvia's eastern Latgale region appear to have sparked no panic, nor any noticeable exodus, according to LSM's regional reporters.
According to information published by the State Chancellery, AS "Latvijas valsts meži" (Latvian State Forests, LVM) has announced a competition for the position of chairman of the board.
As the bear population in Latvia grows, people are increasingly encountering these animals or their tracks. An initiative was submitted to the public participation portal "manabalss.lv" in May, calling for the introduction of limited bear hunting in Latvia. The Nature Conservation Agency (DAP) noted that there is currently neither a legal nor a scientific basis for permitting bear hunting, Latvian Radio reports on June 2.
Through the merger of two state research institutes – the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis and the Latvian Centre for Biomedical Research and Studies – the National Research and Innovation Institute was officially established on June
On Monday, June 1, the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (NATO DIANA) announced applications are open for its innovation programme in six specific areas.
Blood donation is essential for Latvia’s healthcare system, so to raise public awareness of the importance of blood donation and the need to regularly replenish blood supplies, fuel station chain Virši is launching a promotion with the State Blood Donor Centre (VADC).
Special routes have been created in the Mežtaka and Jūrtaka hiking trails with access to the sea, local trails, and roads suitable for people in wheelchairs, as noted by Juris Smaļinskis, a tourism and environmental expert at "Lauku ceļotājs," on the Latvian Radio programme "How to Live Better" on June 1.
European Union statistics agency Eurostat published data on June 1st that reveals an interesting fact: when it comes to single-adult families, the three Baltic states are the leaders in Europe.
Latvian State Police said on June 1st they have arrested a man suspected of committing a string of recent thefts in Dauagavpils.
A bear that enjoyed a brief to the city of Jēkabpils on Sunday has been successfully escorted out of the city, Jēkabpils Regional Council Chairman Raivis Ragainis (Latvian Green Party) confirmed to the LETA newswire.
On Tuesday, June 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m., a nationwide test of emergency sirens will take place, according to the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD).
Five criminal cases have already been initiated in connection with hospital procurement, Latvian Television's De Facto reported on May 31.
On the slopes of Mount McKinley (Denali), a rescue operation is underway to bring three deceased Latvian climbers, Inese Pučeka, Vija Olte, and Renārs Kunigs-Salaks, down, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms.
Rescuers have transported three Latvian mountaineers to safety in Talkeetna, Alaska, Normunds Reinbergs, head of the Latvian Mountaineering Association (LAS), confirmed to LSM.lv.
A giant boulder has been discovered on the banks of the Malta River in Ornicāni, Viļāni Parish, Rēzekne Municipality. The owners, who had known for years that an unusually large rock was on their property but had only recently decided to report it, notified experts about the impressive boulder. Following an inspection and measurements of the site, it was concluded that the stone qualifies as a giant boulder.
Three climbers have died after a fall during a high-altitude expedition by a Latvian mountaineering team in an Alaskan mountain range in the United States, while one is in serious condition in the hospital, LSM has confirmed.
Recent gale-force winds in Latvia have caused many trees to fall and in one case it has resulted in two notorious names being released from captivity.
In coming weeks the 1 German-Netherlands Corps (1GNC) will assume the role of 'tactical headquarters' in NATO’s defence plans, taking over leadership on the alliance’s eastern flank – the region of Latvia and Estonia, according to information from the Latvian Ministry of Defence.
Although it has experienced a boom in recent years, Latvia’s defence sector remains relatively small. Only recently, with a significantly larger defence budget and the establishment of several new companies, has the sector’s turnover and exports begun to grow, according to a study by researchers at the University of Latvia, Latvian Radio reported on May 28.
On Sunday, May 24, the Rīga Municipal Police removed an 11-year-old girl from an apartment in central Rīga due to unsanitary conditions, the police said.
Latvian Radio's 'Open Files' investigative show has pulled off another coup by exposing a scheme in which money obtained from tourist rentals in Barcelona ends up in Latvia's largest bank.
This month, the National Armed Forces (NBS) began deploying the first anti-mobility barriers, so-called dragon's teeth, on the expropriated territories along the Latvian-Russian border, LSM's Latgale editorial reports on May 28.
For the second year in a row, industry, armed forces and policymakers from Latvia and elsewhere have been meeting at the Drone Summit in Rīga, where a memorandum on closer cooperation in the field of defence innovation, testing and training was signed with the Netherlands on Wednesday. It stipulates that the Dutch armed forces will use the new Sēlija military training ranges for military exercises.
The vibrant rhododendron blooming season has begun at the University of Latvia (LU) Botanical Garden at both of its locations in Rīga and Babīte, according to garden representatives. Together, the two sites form the largest rhododendron collection in the Baltics.
An annual European ranking table published by ILGA-Europe, an LGBTIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, and other non-conforming identities) rights advocacy group, as usual, places Latvia slightly above Lithuania but way below Estonia when it comes to rights for LGBTIA+ people.
For the first time in Birzgale Parish, Ogre Municipality – in central Latvia, not in a border region – eight people who had entered Latvia illegally were detained this week, Latvian Television reported on May 27.
Approximately 1,350 pupils will take the second part of the Latvian language exam during the extended testing period, as their exams last week were disrupted by a potential airspace threat, according to information available to the State Education Development Agency (VIAA).
On May 17, 2026, the outstanding physicist of Latvian origin, founder of holography, and foreign member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS), Professor Juris Upatnieks, passed away, the LAS announced.
On May 21, the State Security Service (VDD) urged the Prosecutor’s Office to initiate criminal proceedings against four persons for the malicious arson of Latvian railway facilities in the interests of a foreign country, the VDD said.
With a spate of warnings issued in recent weeks about drone threats, the readiness of local governments in Latvia's eastern Latgale region to respond to such alerts has become more urgent.
Miks, whose story has travelled far on Latvian social media, is already the second child this year to die in a traffic accident. Every child’s life lost on Latvia’s roads is one too many. Traffic safety experts point out that this is the responsibility of adults, including in their attitude toward risky behaviour, Latvian Television reported on May 26.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, May 26 and 27, allied aircraft will be flying over Daugavpils and the Augšdaugava municipality, according to the 34th Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Latgale Brigade of the National Guard. Increased noise levels are possible during this time.
The decline in kindergarten waiting lists is forcing local governments to reevaluate a solution introduced during the waiting list crisis: subsidising private kindergartens. While this once helped children gain access to services more quickly, it has now become an increasingly heavy burden on local budgets in many places, Latvian Television reported on 24 May.
The keywords 'drones' and 'Latvia' are already generating plenty of search results on the internet at present, and that tendency will only increase this week with the Latvian capital, Rīga set to host a major 'Drone Summit' for only the second time.
Latvia's air defence units are deployed principally with the idea of protecting larger cities, so detection coverage is not the same everywhere and more incidents are possible like the one over the weekend, when an undetected drone crashed and exploded in Lake Drīdzis in Latgale, said the commander of the National Armed Forces (NBS) Kaspars Pudāns in an interview with Latvian Radio on Monday, May 25th.
Earlier this week, Latvia issued its most widespread alert to date regarding a potential threat to airspace. The cell alerts reached thousands of residents, but at the same time highlighted problems with the operation of the emergency information platform "112.lv". The site’s administrators acknowledge that additional funding is needed to ensure the system can operate without disruption during crises.
A drone is reported to have crashed into Lake Drīdzis in Krāslava region in eastern Latvia on Saturday morning at around 08:00. It detonated upon contact with the water. There were no injuries, the State Police reported.
Starting on May 23rd, Latvia's National Armed Forces (NBS) will introduce a new two-level cellular broadcast alert model to inform the public of potential threats, it has been announced.
Eurostat figures published to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity, celebrated annually on 22 May, show a worrying picture of decline in the natural world.
The drone that had flown into Latvian territory from Belarus on May 21 either left Latvian airspace or crashed in an unknown location, the National Armed Forces (NBS) told the LETA news agency.
This week, two new apartment buildings were officially opened in Ventspils; they were constructed with funding from the low-rent housing construction programme, according to the project developer, the municipal company SIA "Ventspils nekustamie īpašumi."
On Thursday, May 21, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) searched the Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital (PSKUS), the Traumatology and Orthopaedics Hospital (TOS), and the Vidzeme Hospital in Valmiera, due to alleged illegal agreements between officials at these hospitals and suppliers of medical goods, KNAB reported.
On Friday, May 22, the government services portal "Latvija.gov.lv" will be unavailable, LSM.lv reports.
The State Police’s Directorate for Combating Organised Crime, Serious and Serial Crimes arrested Dāvids Krūmiņš, a former soldier in the French Foreign Legion who had been the subject of an international arrest warrant, in Latvia on Thursday, the State Police reported.
On May 21st the three Presidents of the Baltic states – President Edgars Rinkēvičs of Latvia, Alar Karis of Estonia and Gitanas Nausėda of Lithuania – issued a joint statement following a spate of drone incursion incidents and a linked Russian disinformation campaign. Their statement is reproduced in full below.
The scale of the demographic factors with which Latvia has to wrestle in coming years is made plain by fresh European Union data.
On Thursday, May 21, morning, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) conducted searches at the Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, the Traumatology and Orthopaedics Hospital (TOS), and Vidzeme Hospital in Valmiera, according to information available to the LETA news agency.
On Thursday, May 21st, Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, voted to grant Brazil-born Felipe Gabriel Dos Santos Xavier and Russia-born Yulia Kabitsyna Latvian citizenship.
The mother of a young girl who drowned in a backyard pond in Ropaži Municipality in 2024 was sentenced to one and a half years in prison for cruelty toward a minor, causing physical suffering, and killing due to negligence, the Rīga District Court said on May 21.
Latvia retains one of the European Union's largest proportions of people working in agriculture, according to the latest Eurostat statistics.
According to the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) data published on May 29th, gross domestic product (GDP) in Latvia increased by 2.5 % in Q1 2026 (at constant prices, seasonally and calendar non-adjusted data).
Evidence is growing that recent events near Latvia's eastern border – repeated drone incidents, regular airspace threat warnings, mobile phone alerts, NATO fighter jets being scrambled – are having serious consequences for the tourism industry, reports Latvian Radio.
The importance of the summer season to Latvia's tourist trade is underlined in fresh Eurostat figures.
Fresh Eurostat data show Latvia having the second highest at-risk-of-poverty (AROP) rate in the European Union (EU) in 2025.
The Ministry of Agriculture (ZM) and the management of the joint-stock company "Latvian State Forests" (Latvijas valsts meži, LVM) have not ensured sufficiently effective oversight of the company, according to a State Audit Office audit published on May 21, which also assessed the 2023 government decision to provide support to timber processors.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, the average price of fertilisers and soil improvers in the EU rose by 8.0% compared with the same quarter of 2024, according to latest Eurostat data.
Approximately 61,000 customers in the municipalities of Alūksne, Preiļi, Daugavpils, Jēkabpils, Smiltene, Sigulda, and Ķekava, as well as in parts of Rīga, experienced a temporary power outage on Tuesday afternoon due to a technical malfunction, according to electricity distributor AS "Sadales tīkls."
According to Central Statistical Bureau data on tourist accommodation, published on May 18th, in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026 arrivals at Latvian tourist accommodation establishments totalled 447.1 thousand and the number of nights spent comprised 779.1 thousand, which is 3.0 % less than in Q1 2025.
SIA "East-West Transit" has suffered minor losses in connection with the drones that crashed at its oil storage facility in Rēzekne on May 7, the company confirmed to LSM. The company did not specify the extent of the losses but said that the facility would close.
On Wednesday, 13th May, members of the Saeima Committee on Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Environment, and Regional Policy voiced criticism and did not support the proposed solidarity contribution for fuel retailers.
The data of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB), published on 12th May, show that in April 2026, compared to March 2026, the average level of consumer prices increased by 0.6 %. Year-on-year, the figure in April was 2.9%.
Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) provisional data published on May 11 show that in March 2026, Latvia had a foreign trade turnover of EUR 4.09 billion, and at current prices, it was 8.9 % higher than a year ago.
The hostilities in the Middle East are already affecting fuel prices and fueling concerns about further increases in energy and food costs. Ministries are already preparing potential support scenarios, but one thing is clear: unlike during the Covid-19 era, broad benefits for everyone are not being promised, Latvian Radio reports on 11th May.
Central Statistical Bureau calendar-adjusted data at constant prices, published May 7, show that in March 2026, industrial production output increased by 9.5 % year-on-year. Output in manufacturing rose by 4.4 % and in electricity and gas supply by 34.6 %, whereas in mining and quarrying it fell by 21.5 %.
For now, shoppers are not yet feeling the impact of rising energy prices caused by the war in the Middle East on food prices, but that might happen in autumn, Latvian Radio reported on 6th May.
In order to promote Latvia's energy self-sufficiency and the development of the biomethane market, on Tuesday, May 5th, the Cabinet of Ministers approved proposals by the Ministry of Climate and Energy (KEM) for the construction of two new biomethane entry points at Ragana and Rēzekne at a cost of nearly 5 million euros.
Farmers across Latvia have begun the new season, but rising costs of mineral fertilisers and the overall economic situation in the sector do not inspire optimism, Latvian Radio reports on 5th May.
Data released by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) on May 5th show that in April 2026, compared to March 2026, the average level of consumer prices of fuels for transport increased by 8.7 % in Latvia.
Oil product terminals in Latvia never used to store fuel for the long term, but this has changed over the past couple of years, since the state began purchasing oil product reserves for its own use. The reserves are held at private terminals. The LTV programme "De Facto" found that long-term storage also brings challenges regarding maintaining fuel quality.
Calendar adjusted data (at constant prices) released by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) on April 29th show that, compared to March 2025, in March 2026 total retail trade turnover increased by 3.9 %.
At its meeting on Tuesday, 28th April, following extensive discussions, the government agreed to support the environmental impact assessment for the "Eko Ziemeļi" and "Kurzeme" wind farm projects, thereby agreeing to proceed with the development of these wind farm projects. However, the government decided to postpone the decision regarding "K2 Ventum" near Pāvilosta and instructed the Ministry of Climate and Energy (KEM) to continue public consultations on this project.
The incident involving a wind turbine toppled by strong winds has brought to light several unresolved issues regarding obsolete wind power generation facilities, including the technical oversight of these structures. No one has yet counted how many such turbines there are in Latvia that have reached the end of their service life and could therefore pose a danger, Latvian Television reported on 28th April.
Data from the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) shows that more than one billion euros of foreign investment were attracted to Latvia last year, and politicians tend to describe this data as a real success story. But is this true or just political bragging before the upcoming Saeima elections? This is the question explored by the Latvian Television investigative programme "Aizliegtais panēmiens" (Forbidden Method), which studied the statistics and asked investors' opinions.
The Financial Intelligence Unit has identified more than 20 companies registered in Latvia that appear to have been used in fictitious 'investment' schemes to obtain residence permits.
Fuel prices in Latvia rose in the first quarter of 2026 due to objective external circumstances, the Competition Council (KP) concluded after analysing information provided by market participants, purchase prices, and international market trends in its initial investigation.
Provisional figures published by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) on April 22nd show that in 2025, Latvia's general government budget deficit amounted to EUR 1.1 billion or 2.5 % of gross domestic product (GDP).
An audit by the State Audit Office (VK), published on 21st April, has concluded that Rīga has the potential to reduce its heating rates, but is not doing so.
Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) has published on social media an assessment of the Ministry of Economics (EM) on the impact of airBaltic on the economy, signed by the Minister of Economy Viktors Valaņš (Greens and Farmers' Union/ZZS), which concludes that the cessation of airBaltic's operations would have a long-term negative impact on the Latvian economy.
Rising prices are currently the biggest concern for Latvians regarding the future – 46% of residents cited this as their main worry, according to a survey conducted by Luminor Bank in collaboration with the research agency Norstat Latvia.
The government decided on Tuesday, April 14th, that a solidarity levy will be imposed on fuel retailers if their actual retail price exceeds the objectively calculated price by more than 3%. The final decision on the draft law prepared by the Ministry of Economics (EM) will be made by the Saeima.
More than half of Latvia’s residents are convinced that their income this year will either remain at the current level (41%) or decrease (19%). 22% expect a slight increase in income, while only 4% anticipate that their income will rise significantly, according to a survey conducted by SEB Bank in collaboration with the research agency Norstat.
The number of online shoppers is growing year by year, as shopping is fast and convenient. But is it always safe? The Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC) notes that scammers, in order to attract buyers in Latvia, use artificial intelligence to create attractive e-store websites with Latvian names yet most often the sellers themselves are located outside the European Union, most commonly in China, Latvian Radio reported on 12th April.
Data released by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) on April 10th show that in March 2026, compared to February 2026, the average level of consumer prices in Latvia increased by 1.9 %.
Provisional data published by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) on April 9th show that in February 2026 Latvia had foreign trade turnover of EUR 3.44 billion (at current prices 1.5 % more than a year ago), of which the value of exported goods reduced by 5.0 %, while the value of imported goods went up by 7.5 %.
According to data from the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB), the average consumer price level for fuel in March rose by 21% compared to February of this year. The most significant factor contributing to the rise in fuel prices was a 25.4% increase in diesel prices. Gasoline prices rose by 11.3%, while autogas prices increased by 7.5%.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, house prices in the EU rose by 5.5%, while rents increased by 3.2% compared with the fourth quarter of 2024, according to Eurostat data published on April 7th.
Central Statistical Bureau calendar adjusted data published on April 7th show that in February 2026 industrial production output increased by 4.0 % year-on-year.
The season is already in full swing at greenhouse farms, and cucumbers grown at the "Kliģēni" farm in Cēsis will soon join the "Mārupes" cucumbers on store shelves, while at the end of April, the harvest will also arrive at the "Bušas" farm in Burtnieki Parish. Gardeners’ forecasts for vegetable prices following the harsh winter and rising fuel costs vary, Latvian Radio reported on 7th April.
In Latvia, import bans on agricultural and feed products from Russia and Belarus have been extended until July 1, 2027. This is provided for in amendments to the Law on Agriculture and Rural Development, which were approved by the Saeima in their final reading on Wednesday, April 1.
The Latvian Ministry of Finance (FM) has withdrawn its plan to introduce threshold declarations for cash deposit transactions of 750 euros or more, according to information on the Legislative Drafts Portal, reports the LETA newswire.
Fresh data from the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) offer some insight into the retail sector with the figures showing that, compared to February 2025, in February 2026 total retail trade turnover rose by 4.3 %.
On Thursday, March 26, the Kuldīga District Council decided to introduce a municipal tax on the accommodation of vacationers and tourists, effective July 1 of this year.
From April 1 to June 30 of this year, the excise tax on diesel fuel in Latvia will be reduced by 15.2%, as decided by the Saeima in its final reading on Thursday, March 26. This decision was made to limit the impact of rapidly rising fuel prices on the economy and residents.
On Tuesday, March 24th, the Cabinet of Ministers is scheduled to consider what is described as a "fiscally neutral" draft law prepared by the Ministry of Finance (FM) on reducing the excise tax on diesel fuel in order to mitigate the impact of the rapid increase in fuel prices caused by the war in the Middle East.
Last year, the number of tourists in Jelgava increased by 25%, reaching 15,000. The industry attributes this rise to major international events held in the municipality, such as the ice sculpture festival and concerts, Zemgale Regional Television reported on 24th March.
On Tuesday, March 24th, the Ministry of Finance (MF) will submit a draft law to the government regarding a reduction in the excise tax on diesel fuel.
In 2025, 47.3% of the electricity generated in the EU came from renewable energy sources. This represents a minimal increase from 2024, when the share was 47.2%, according to Eurostat figures published on March 19th.
Fresh data published by Eurostat on March 18th helps to show just how Latvia has managed to reduce its energy dependency on external suppliers – and especially Russia.
Banks are beginning to release lending data for last year, and the statistics show a significant increase in housing loans granted in the regions outside the vicinity of Rīga, Latvian Radio reports on 18th March. However, some transactions take place in the shadow economy.
The beginning of June will be warmer and rainier, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
On Thursday, northwesterly winds will pick up again in Latvia, with gusts only slightly weaker than those experienced on Wednesday, forecasters warn.
On Wednesday, northwesterly winds across Latvia will intensify to 15–20 metres per second in gusts; the strongest gusts may uproot trees in some areas, forecasters warn.
On Monday, forecasters predict that westerly and northwesterly winds will pick up to 13–17 metres per second in Zemgale, Vidzeme, and Latgale.
Forecasters predict that there will be brief showers in many parts of Latvia on Friday, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected in some areas.
Forecasters predict rain in many parts of Latvia on Thursday, with thunderstorms possible in some areas, mainly in the eastern part of the country.
On Tuesday, maximum temperatures in Latvia are expected to range from +11 to +14 degrees Celsius in Kurzeme to +20 to +24 degrees in Latgale and the eastern part of Vidzeme, according to forecasters.
Forecasts indicate that the weather in Latvia will be summery and warm in the second half of this week.
On Monday, precipitation will move across Latvia from the east – rain is expected across most of the country, but in some places there will also be heavy downpours and thunderstorms, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Forecasts indicate that Wednesday will be the coldest day of the week in Latvia.
The drought continued in Latvia during the first ten days of May, with the most severe conditions in the Talsi and Ventspils regions, according to data compiled by the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Forecasts indicate that this week the weather will remain moderately warm with occasional rain, but next week, Latvia will see more stable warm weather and the start of meteorological summer.
Forecasts indicate that the eastern part of Latvia will see cloudy weather with occasional rain over the weekend.
Forecasts indicate that frost is expected in some parts of Latvia tonight.
Last night saw significant rainfall in many parts of Latvia, but forecasts indicate that rain will continue only in the eastern part of the country as the day progresses.
Forecasters predict that the upcoming four-day weekend in Latvia will bring the warmest weather in the last seven months.
Forecasts indicate that rain is expected in some parts of Latvia on Thursday.
The period from September 2025 to March of this year was the second-driest on record in Latvia, according to data compiled by the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Forecasts indicate that wind speeds in Latvia will decrease on Wednesday.
Forecasts indicate that the weather in Latvia will remain cool over the next few days, but will become significantly warmer in early May.
A wind turbine collapsed on Sunday in Bunka Parish, Dienvidkurzeme Municipality, as confirmed to the LETA news agency by Jānis Meisters, owner of SIA "Jaunmiki."
Forecasts by weatherman Toms Bricis indicate that Monday will be cool and windy in Latvia.
Cold air will move into Latvia on Sunday and linger into next week. Forecasters warn that strong winds and precipitation are expected on Sunday.
In the second half of this week, the weather in Latvia will turn cooler, with precipitation expected over the weekend; moreover, forecasts indicate that it will snow in many places on Sunday.
Forecasts indicate that the weather will be sunny throughout Latvia on Monday.
Forecasts indicate that Saturday will be the warmest and sunniest day of the weekend.
Forecasts indicate that rain is expected in many parts of western and eastern Latvia on Thursday.
Forecasts indicate that the weather in Latvia will be mostly warm and sunny this week.
Forecasts indicate that the weather will gradually become warmer both over the weekend and next week.
Forecasts indicate that the warmest weather on Friday will be in southern Kurzeme.
Forecasts indicate that Tuesday will be chilly throughout Latvia, with occasional rain and wet snow expected in some areas.
Easter in Latvia will be slightly warmer, with more sunshine, though precipitation is also possible, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Forecasts indicate that a variety of weather conditions are expected in Latvia over the long Easter weekend – ranging from spring-like warmth and sunshine to rain, sleet, and gusty winds.
Forecasts indicate that there will be no major changes in the weather this week.
Forecasts indicate that the weather in Latvia will remain spring-like and warm this week, but will turn cooler next week, with snow in some areas.
Forecasts indicate that the weather in Latvia will remain spring-like and warm this week, with temperatures in some areas potentially exceeding +15 degrees on certain days.
While winter's precipitation continues to melt away, a yellow alert (potential danger) remains in place across a large part of eastern and southern Latvia over the weekend, and into next week, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC).
Forecasts indicate that the weekend will be sunny throughout Latvia.
According to information on the website "timeanddate.com," starting on March 18, the length of the day in Latvia exceeds the length of the night.
Forecasts indicate that thick fog is expected in many parts of Latvia on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Forecasts indicate that the weather in Latvia will become slightly cooler this week, though temperatures will remain above the seasonal average.
The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre forecasts light frost in many parts of Latvia over the coming nights.
The record for the maximum air temperature in Latvia on March 14th was broken across the country on Saturday, according to data from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center (LVĢMC).
As a general thaw enters what is hopefully its final stages across Latvia, it is worth noting that a yellow warning for high water levels remains in place across a large part of the country.
As a general thaw continues across Latvia, a nationwide yellow warning (potential danger) has been issued by the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC).
According to forecasts, dry and gradually warmer weather is expected in Latvia until at least mid-March.
According to forecasts, Thursday will be mostly sunny in Latvia.
According to information from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC), meteorological spring began in Latvia on February 27.
On the last day of February and the first day of March, ten maximum air temperature records were broken in Latvia, according to data from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
In the coming nights, the air will cool down to 0...-3 degrees in many places, while during the day, above freezing air temperatures are expected throughout the country, which will cause the snow to continue melting, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
