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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Resigned Defence Minister Andris Sprūds (Progressives) will return to his position in the Saeima, the LETA news agency learned from the Ministry of Defence.
Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) signed an order on Sunday, May 10, dismissing Andris Sprūds (Progressives) from his duties as Minister of Defence, according to Cabinet Press Secretary Laura Krastiņa.
Following the recent drone incidents in Latvian airspace, Defence Minister Andris Sprūds (Progressives) has resigned. His party plans to decide this week whether it will remain in the government's coalition, Latvian Television reported on May 10 evening.
Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds (Progressives) appears to be under considerable political pressure with opposition parties calling for his dismissal and his coalition partners reluctant to offer him unambiguous backing over his handling of recent drone incursion incidents.
Young people from across the Baltic Sea Region are being invited to apply for participation in the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Youth Forum 2026, taking place in Lübeck, Germany, from 28th August to 1st September 2026.
Latvia is hosting the Annual Security and Defence Forum of the Defence Committees of the Nordic and Baltic Sea Countries on May 7th and 8th, to discuss the regional security situation and strengthening cooperation.
Latvia, together with other NATO allies, has received an invitation to support the US military presence in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Diāna Eglīte, press secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Central Election Commission (CVK) has decided to register the submitted draft law "Amendments to the State Funded Pensions Law", which means that the supporters of the initiative will be able to begin collecting signatures to possibly initiate a referendum on how Latvia's pension system works.
Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, will host a conference on Friday, May 8th, titled "Comprehensive Defence Concept: Strategic Communication for Societal Resilience", in which Ukrainian army and strategic communication experts will share their experience on the importance of strategic communication in strengthening societal resilience, and MPs and experts from Latvia will discuss the lessons from Ukraine for Latvia.
On 29th–30th April 2026, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, participated in the annual meeting of the foreign ministers of the Baltic and Nordic countries (NB8), which took place this year in Kuressaare on the charming island of Saaremaa in Estonia.
On Thursday, April 30, the Saeima approved in the first reading amendments to the Weapons Law drafted by the opposition National Alliance, which would prohibit the issuance of firearms permits to Latvian citizens who are also citizens of Russia or Belarus, as well as to create a legal basis for revoking permits that have already been issued.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs is in Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 28th-29th to attend the Summit of the Three Seas Initiative – an economic cooperation platform proposed by the presidents of the region's countries, consisting of 13 European Union countries geographically located between the Adriatic, Baltic, and Black Seas – Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Greece, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Hungary.
The development of the election system will be entrusted to the companies "Latvijas mobilais telefons" (LMT), "Tet," and "Latvijas valsts meži" (LVM), Prime Minister Evika Siliņa ("New Unity") announced following Tuesday’s meeting of the Crisis Management Council.
The use of airport VIP lounges and associated facilities – which have been the focus for attacks on the judgment of Prime Minister Evika Siliņa by opposition parties – turns out to be far from the exclusive preserve of Siliņa and her New Unity party, it has emerged.
On Thursday, April 23rd, Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, supported amendments to the Insolvency Law and related laws, which provide for the liquidation of the Insolvency Control Service and the transfer of its functions to the Ministry of Justice, the Court Administration and the Latvian Association of Insolvency Administrators.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa continues a period of intense jet-setting diplomacy on April 23rd with a very brief visit to Greece, where she will meet with her Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis at 09:30 at the Maximos Mansion.
The parties represented in the Saeima have different opinions on the rules regarding withdrawal of second-pillar pension savings, according to politicians' statements on the Latvian Television programme "What's happening in Latvia?" (KNL).
A staffer at the Russian embassy in Rīga was summoned by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on April 21st, the latest in an extremely long line of similar diplomatic summonses since the start of Russia's war in Ukraine.
The Ministry of Regional Development and Smart Administration (VARAM) announced on April 21st that the contract with the developer of the election platform used in Latvian elections, AS "RIX Technologies", has been terminated.
Five members of Latvia's 100-member parliament, the Saeima, have been on a visit to Canada.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs is on an official visit to Azerbaijan from April 21st to April 23rd.
On Tuesday, April 21st, Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, will turn a touch Aristotelian and host a conference titled “Ethics in Modern Parliamentarism”, where legislators, representatives of academia and civil society, as well as foreign experts, will discuss the challenges of parliamentary ethics in modern democracy, paying special attention to the experience of the Baltic States.
From 17 to 19 April 2026, Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže was paying a working visit to Türkiye, where she participated in the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
Latvia and Lithuania have not allowed Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's plane to use their airspace to travel to the May 9 celebrations in Moscow, reports the Slovak portal "SME", referring to a video address by Fico himself.
The travels of top state officials, including the President and Prime Minister, are subject to special security requirements and protocol, which also requires the use of VIP lounges at airports, according to Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, speaking on the Latvian Radio programme "Krustpunktā".
At its session on Thursday, April 16, following intense debate, the Saeima agreed to grant a 30-million-euro short-term loan from the state budget to the national airline "airBaltic". The government had previously supported the measure, and today it was also approved by the Saeima's Budget Committee.
The coalition partners have agreed to continue working together in the government, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) announced on April 16 following a meeting with coalition parties, during which disagreements regarding the granting of a loan to the airline airBaltic were dealt with.
Aleksejs Rosļikovs, a Riga City Council member who has gone to Belarus, participated remotely in a meeting of the Riga City Council’s Urban Development Committee on Wednesday. Rīga's mayor has stated he would ban Rosļikovs from participating remotely, LETA reported on April 15.
"If the price of providing support to airBaltic is the collapse of the coalition, I am ready for that," Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) stated on the social media platform "X" on April 15.
A restructuring of Latvia's national airline airBaltic should be discussed, President Edgars Rinkēvičs said on Wednesday following a meeting with Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity).
The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has begun reviewing information regarding the participation of "New Unity" politicians in a seminar in Italy. KNAB stated on 14th April that it will not provide further comments until the investigation is complete.
On Monday, April 13th, 100 young people from all over Latvia stepped into the shoes of Saeima deputies for a day. The 13th Youth Saeima convened in Parliament – they elected the parliamentary praesidium, and then went to work in four different Saeima committees, Latvian Television reports.
Several "New Unity" (Jaunā Vienotība/JV) cabinet ministers, including the Prime Minister, a Deputy Mayor of Riga, the head of the party's parliamentary faction and other members of parliament went on a pleasant-sounding trip to Italy at the end of last week, reports Latvian Television.
Three Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from Latvia rent premises in their home country from their political parties, but at least one other office maintained with European money regularly produces party-related content, according to an investigation by the Latvian Television programme "De facto".
Latvian parliamentarians may not always be skilled in the debating chamber but they proved themselves skilled on the basketball court on April 11th, winning first place in the Baltic Assembly Travelling Cup, defeating the Lithuanian Seimas and Estonian Rīgikogu teams.
The Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania reiterated on Friday that they have not given Ukraine permission to use Baltic airspace to launch attacks on aggressor state Russia.
On Friday, April 10, the Rēzekne City Council elected the current deputy mayor, Jānis Tutins (Latvia First/Together for Latvia), as mayor, LSM's Latgale editorial reports.
To seek answers to the challenges of the European Union's future security, unity and global influence in a rapidly changing world order, an international conference titled "EU Negotiations 2026: Protecting the Future" will be held in the Saeima on Friday, April 10.
Riga city councillor and former head of the "For Stability!" party in the Saeima, Aleksejs Rosļikovs resigned from the position of chairman and member of the political force's board on Monday, according to another leader of the party, Saeima deputy Svetlana Čulkova.
Writer, journalist and political commentator Māris Zanders was the guest in last week's "Brīvības bulvāris" discussion show on Latvian Radio, casting his experienced and expressive eye over the political landscape in general and the looming parliamentary elections in October in particular.
With parliamentary elections looming on October 3rd, Latvia's political parties continue to jostle for voters' affections, as demonstrated by the latest SKDS poll for Latvian Television.
In order to find a solution to the long-standing financial problems of Valka municipality, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) has called on the local government to change its current approach to budget and financial management, settle accounts with creditors, and pay outstanding taxes by June 1.
Recipients of the latest round of state awards, due to be handed out on May 4th, have been announced.
On April 1st, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs will play host to President of Moldova Maia Sandu at Rīga Castle.
On Thursday, March 26th, the Saeima supported amendments to the National Defence Financing Law in its final reading, which mean national defence spending must be equivalent to at least 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) every year from next year.
For Stability! party has deleted social media entries based on which the Prosecutor General’s Office was going to file a petition with the court to suspend the party’s activities, the Prosecutor General’s Office said.
On Thursday, March 26th, the Saeima adopted an amendment to the Saeima Election Law, which means that all vote counting in the 15th Saeima elections, due to take place in the Autumn, will be by hand.
Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that on March 25th it had summoned a Russian diplomat – not for the first time – to be handed a protest note in connection with that country's warmongering.
Counting votes manually could slightly increase the cost of the 15th Saeima elections in October this year, Māris Zviedris, chairman of the Central Election Commission (CVK), said in interviews with Latvian Television and Latvian Radio on Tuesday morning.
In the upcoming 15th Saeima elections this fall, votes will have to be counted manually, President Edgars Rinkēvičs said in a statement on 23rd March.
From May 11 to 15, preventive disinfection, or chlorination, of the Rīga water supply network is planned, as reported earlier by LSM.
Intentional self-harm, or suicide, is the leading external cause of death according to the latest data for 2024. This means that more people die by suicide in Latvia than in car accidents. Moreover, suicide rates are high among both adolescents and adults, LTV programme "De Facto" reported on 10th May.
Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds (Progressives) announced his resignation on the evening of Sunday, May 10th at a press conference (see below).
In order to engage researchers, policymakers, practitioners and experts with the results of a public opinion survey conducted in the Baltic States according to a common methodology on the assessment of societal resilience in close connection with long-term strategic planning and work on the long-term development strategy "Latvia 2050", an event titled "Measuring Resilience, Building Latvia 2050: Strategic Choices for a Secure and Prosperous Society" will be held on May 11th.
By 8 p.m., the police had initiated a total of 66 administrative violation proceedings related to the commemoration of Soviet soldiers. The majority, or 37 violations, were recorded in the digital environment, and 29 in public places.
The National Armed Forces (NBS) reported in the early hours of Saturday morning that a warning was issued in Balvi, Alūksne, Rēzekne and Ludza municipalities regarding a potential threat to airspace. A cell broadcasting alert was sent to residents of these municipalities.
A fuel storage depot in Latvia's eastern city of Rēzekne was hit by military drones early on Thursday, May 7th not once, but twice, it has emerged more than 24 hours later.
From May 9th to 10th, the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia's Multinational Artillery Battalion Group will move military equipment by rail from Garkalne in Ropaži municipality (near Rīga) to Zaļumi in Augšdaugava municipality (near the eastern border).
By late Friday afternoon there was still no sign of a drone that is believed to have landed somewhere in eastern Latvia in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Every third rodent examined in Latvia is infected with leptospirosis, while every sixth rat carries panhantaviruses, some of which can cause serious health problems in humans, according to tests by the Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment Research Institute "Bior". However, the most common type of hantavirus in Latvia is not the same as the one recently detected on a Dutch cruise ship which has caused an international scramble to trace contact persons.
A woman in Liepāja lost 1,850 euros after falling for a scammer she found on TikTok who claimed to be a psychic. Although the bank intervened and cancelled the transaction, the woman still found a way to transfer the money. The State Police have launched a criminal investigation, police said on 8th May.
In preparation for the summer season, preventive disinfection or chlorination of Rīga’s water supply system is scheduled for May 11 to 15, Rīga Water said in a statement on May 7.
In what could barely be better timed given the May 7th drone strike incident on an oil storage facility in Rēzekne, the Latvian National Guard is in the middle of an exercise titled "Sakta 2026" which is running from May 6th to 10th, testing the principles of critical infrastructure protection.
Latvia's State Police say they have initiated criminal proceedings under Section 231, Part 1 of the Criminal Law 'for gross disturbance of public order or hooliganism' in connection with the spreading of fake rumours about recent drone incidents.
The search for a second drone that is believed to have crashed in Latvia will continue on Friday. Residents who spot the drone or its debris are urged not to approach it and to report it to emergency services, Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis (New Unity) said in an interview with Latvian Television on Friday morning.
Regarding the drone crash in Latvia on May 7, the technical equipment used to detect drones failed, said Kaspars Pudāns, commander of the National Armed Forces (NBS), in an interview on the Latvian Television programme "Today's Question."
Eurostat data published on May 7th shows that Latvia has the third-highest prison population in the European Union on a per capita basis.
The drone that crashed in Latvia on Thursday, May 7th, definitely had a warhead, Modris Kairišs, head of the Autonomous Systems Competence Centre of the National Armed Forces (NBS), has said after examining video footage and the scene of the impact in Rēzekne.
As information continues to gradually emerge about the latest instances of drones crashing on Latvian territory, here is a brief summary of what is known so far.
The court has found Leonīds Salcevičs, the former mayor of Jēkabpils and current city council member, guilty of falsifying the annual report of the "Jēkabpils" basketball club, Latvian Television reports on 7th May.
The Competition Council (KP) has imposed a fine of 512,100 euros on the official distributor of "Jura" coffee machines in the Baltic States and two retailers for maintaining a long-term coordinated price level, the KP leadership said at a press conference on 7th May.
Flights in the eastern border region of Latvia are restricted to an altitude of approximately six kilometres, the state-owned company "Latvian Air Traffic" (LGS), which is responsible for air traffic management in Latvia, told the LETA news agency.
On Thursday morning, foreign unmanned aerial vehicles flew into Latvian territory from Russia, and two drones crashed in Latgale. Given the threat, a decision was made in Rēzekne, as well as in the Rēzekne and Ludza municipalities, to suspend classes at all educational institutions, LSM.lv has confirmed.
Nearly 2.5 hectares of forest burned down in Madona municipality near Lubāna over the holiday weekend. The fire was most likely caused by vacationers, as there are visible signs of a campfire, LSM's Latgale editorial reports on 6th May.
The Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) have told Latvian Television that two drones have crashed in Latvia's eastern Latgale region overnight.
In 2025, 22.1% of people living in households with dependent children in the EU were at risk of poverty or social exclusion (AROPE), compared with 19.8% of those without dependent children, according to Eurostat figures published on May 6th.
The medical facility "Ģintermuiža" has launched an internal investigation into a possible leak of patient data, according to the Latvian Television programme "4. studija." Patient data and diagnoses have been shared on social media.
The Ogre Municipal Hospital has introduced a 100% prepayment policy for fee-based services to reduce the number of patients who fail to show up for their appointments, Zemgale Regional Television reported on th May.
As the weather warms up, Spanish slugs will begin to appear; experts believe they have successfully survived the cold winter. In March, Cabinet regulations came into effect designating the Spanish slug as an invasive species. This means that local governments now have the opportunity to combat this pest more effectively, Latvian Radio reports on 6th May.
A mother bear with two cubs has been spotted in Sigulda municipality. In recent years, residents have been reporting bear sightings with increasing frequency, Latvian Television reported on 5th May.
On May 5, 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers reviewed a report by the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM), concerning the future of Latvia's electronic identification and secure e-signature systems.
On May 9th, at 57 Kaudzīšu Street in Rumbula, Latvia’s first seagull call imitation contest will be held, with event organisers inviting anyone willing to step up to the microphone.
From May 5th to 11th, readers of the Latvian-language LSM.lv portal have the opportunity to vote for the souvenirs that they feel best represent Latvia.
As of Tuesday, May 5th, the transition period for the introduction of the new e-referrals has ended, and from now on, patient referrals for outpatient and inpatient services will be issued primarily electronically. This year, there are also plans to introduce a unified appointment system, which should help reduce waiting lists at doctors’ offices, Latvian Radio reports.
An investigation launched by Latvian State Police (VP) police into materials released in January in the United States about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein released at the end of January, has so far identified one female victim, a Latvian citizen, Police Chief Armands Ruks said in an interview with TV3's "900 Seconds", reports the LETA newswire.
In 2024, 9.4% of people with disabilities (activity limitation) aged 16 or over, in the EU, felt discriminated against when in contact with administrative offices or public services, more than double the share registered among people without disabilities (4.0%), according to Eurostat data published on May 4th.
The National Armed Forces have informed LSM of a potential threat to Latvian airspace in the Alūksne, Balvi, Ludza, Rēzekne, and Krāslava regions. Cell broadcast has been activated in these municipalities.
The summer will most likely not be a peaceful one for Latvian border guards on the Latvian-Belarusian border, according to the head of the State Border Guard, Guntis Pujāts speaking to Latvian Television on April 30th.
Aivars Lembergs – the former mayor of Ventspils who has been sanctioned by the U.S. and U.K., and who has been sentenced to prison by Latvian courts more than once following an astonishingly protracted trial – has had his latest legal manoeuvre unceremoniously kicked into touch by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
On Thursday, April 30th, the Saeima adopted amendments to the Law on the National Guard of the Republic of Latvia in its final reading, which aim to expand the opportunities for society to participate in national defence.
A broad transformation is expected in Latvia's National Armed Forces (NBS), its senior officer, Major General Kaspars Pudāns said on the Latvian Television programme "Morning Panorama" on April 30th.
The Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday, April 30, that the inclusion of Murmastiene Parish, Varakļāni Parish, and the town of Varakļāni in Madona Municipality is in accordance with the Constitution.
In 2024, police recorded 256 302 sexual violence offences in the EU, among which 98 190 (38% of the total) were rape offences. Compared with 2023, sexual violence offences increased by 5% (+12 097 cases) and rape by 7% (+6 291), according to Eurostat figures published on April 29th.
It is becoming increasingly difficult for Latvian dual citizens to renounce their citizenship of aggressor states – many young people who wish to renounce their citizenship of an aggressor state in order to avoid losing their Latvian citizenship are facing complications. Those involved report that embassies often delay the process, Latvian Radio and Latvian Television reported on 29th April.
Last winter was very favourable for pests, and tick season has already begun in Latvia. At Jēkabpils Regional Hospital alone, 12 ticks have already been removed this year. Since the incidence of tick-borne diseases has been rising in recent years, experts are urging people to take extra precautions this year, reminding them that vaccination is the safest form of protection, Vidusdaugava Television reported on 29th April.
The social enterprise "Hospiss māja" has opened a hospice day care centre in Rīga. This is the first day centre in Latvia specifically for hospice patients whose care at home is complicated by their health condition and social circumstances, Latvian Radio reported on 29th April.
For several years now, Latvia has topped the EU's charts for the number of homicides per head of population – particularly against women – and unfortunately the latest Eurostat data on homicides, published on April 29th, shows that the trend for the last few years has been upwards with more homicides committed despite a shrinking population.
Two traffic accidents have been reported in recent days in Kuldīga municipality and Rīga, which were caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol; children were also in the vehicles.
The Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (SSE Riga) will be holding a public lecture next week titled "Sanctions and the Russian War Economy — What Has Worked, What Has Not, and What Comes Next" with Yuliia Pavytska, Head of the Sanctions Hub of Excellence at the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) Institute.
The first spring mushrooms have appeared in the forests, and the Toxicology and Sepsis Centre at Riga East University Hospital (RAKUS) has already admitted a mushroom picker who suffered severe poisoning after eating Gyromitra esculenta. Many people consider them harmless if prepared correctly. However, doctors and mycologists warn that these spring mushrooms are dangerous and should not be consumed, Latvian Television reports.
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.
Measures are being prepared to limit fuel price increases starting in April. Plans include reducing the excise tax on fuel and introducing a windfall profit tax on fuel retail sales. The government discussed this on Tuesday, 17th March, and Economics Minister Viktors Valainis (Union of Greens and Farmers) spoke about it at a press conference following the government meeting.
"Skai Baltija" LLC, which operates the "Sky" supermarket chain, filed for bankruptcy on Friday, March 13th, the company announced.
Latvia's strong housing market shows little sign of cooling with provisional data published by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) on March 13th showing that, compared to the 3rd quarter of 2025, in the 4th quarter of 2025 prices of dwellings rose by 1.9 %. Prices of new dwellings fell by 0.3 %, but prices of existing dwellings increased by 2.3 %.
Provisional data published by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) show that in January 2026 Latvia had foreign trade turnover of EUR 3.32 billion (at current prices 7.5 % lower than a year ago).
Data published on March 10th by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) show that in February 2026, compared to February 2025, the average level of consumer prices increased by 2.3 %.
There is no fuel shortage in Latvia – supply chains are working very well, they are sufficiently diversified. It is clear that we are not currently threatened by any disruptions in the fuel market, claimed Minister of Economy Viktors Valainis (Union of Greens and Farmers) in an interview on Latvian Television's "Morning Panorama" on March 10th.
Latvian Radio reports that to ensure the possibility of delivering liquefied propane gas to Latvia by tankers, the company "Latvijas Propāna Gāze" (Latvian Propane Gas, LPG) has invested ten million euros in the modernization of its terminal.
Central Statistical Bureau calendar adjusted data at constant prices, published on 6th March, show that in January 2026, industrial production output increased by 13.2 % year-on-year.
To make it easier for Latvian residents to obtain complete information about their financial obligations and creditworthiness, the Saeima on Thursday, March 5th, supported amendments to the Law "On Taxes and Duties" in a second reading.
There is currently no panic over fuel supply or rapid price hikes due to the events in the Middle East, said Ieva Ligere, chair of the Latvian Fuel Traders Association, in an interview on Latvian Television's "Rīta Panorāma" programme on Wednesday morning.
Energy communities are beginning to form in Latvia – their goal is to share surplus electricity with neighbours rather than feeding it into the general power grid. Such projects are not allowed to generate profit – any funds earned must be invested in the community's needs, Latvian Television reported on 2nd March.
The State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ģirts Krūmiņš, who in recent years has been the ministry's representative as a shareholder in Latvijas Valsts meži (LVM), has been let go from the post. On the LTV programme "De Facto," aired on 1st March, Minister of Agriculture Armands Krauze (ZZS) cited a possible conflict of interest as one of the reasons for this decision.
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.
As a widespread thaw sets in across Latvia, the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC) has issued warnings about potential hazards, particularly in the western Kurzeme district.
The last working day of the week in Latvia will bring grey weather conditions, with a thaw prevailing, but a frost is also possible in the east of the country, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center (LVĢMC).
Wednesday in Latvia will be mostly sunny and dry, with light snow expected in the southeast in the morning, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Overnight from Tuesday, February 17th to Wednesday, February 18th, a yellow (potential danger) alert is in place across the eastern half of Latvia, issued by the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC).
Early Tuesday morning, the temperature at the Daugavpils observation station, located east of the city near the Ruģeļi water body, reached -32 degrees Celsius, which is the coldest temperature in Europe this morning and a new record for February 17th in Latvia.
The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC) has issued another set of weather warnings concerning very cold temperatures expected from Monday, February 16 to Tuesday, February 17.
The cold weather will continue in Latvia this week, with very severe frosts at night in some places, but the air temperature will rise at the weekend, approaching zero in the western regions, according to forecasts by the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC).
Weather warnings have been issued for southern parts of Latvia overnight from February 15th to 16th.
A yellow weather warning (potential danger) has been issued for all of Latvian territory overnight from February 14th to 15th.
After the snowstorm that will sweep across Latvia on Friday, the weather will improve over the weekend, but it will become colder, according to forecasts.
On Friday morning, winds are gradually picking up in Latvia and snow is falling across an increasing part of the country, according to meteorological information.
