Europe Latvia On 4 May 1990 Latvia proclaimed its independence from the USSR and the restoration of the Republic of Latvia; in recent years a new tradition has taking root: friends and families get together around a white tablecloth to share memories and hopes
Europe Latvia Taxi protests scheduled simultaneously in Rīga, Daugavpils and Jelgava on Monday 13 April will block traffic in these cities; the organisations representing the industry. explained government has failed to take real steps to curb the monopoly of “Bolt”
Europe Latvia The number of particularly serious crimes increased by 19% last year, mainly due to large-scale financial crimes, as well as violent crimes against minors; one of the priorities for 2026 is to ensure quality in the implementation of criminal proceedings
Europe Latvia A remote mine-laying system has been tested in various conditions to improve anti-tank defence and strengthen Latvia's deterrence capabilities, according to officials; it quickly creates anti-tank minefields designed to hamper the movement of any invader
Europe Latvia Scarecrows, the latest documentary by Laila Pakalniņa, has opened the programme of the Latvian National Film Awards, where it is nominated in four categories; it is a chronicle of 'runway rangers' and their encounters with wildlife RIX Riga Airport
Europe Latvia A detailed plan to cut roads and rail tracks at Latvia's eastern borders is being discussed; Defense Minister said in an interview with Latvian Television that "If the military threat increases" dismantling roads and railways won't be ruled our
Europe Latvia Fraud attempts are posing an increasing challenge to Latvian residents; a survey by Luminor Bank with the research agency Norstat reveals telephone fraud was the most common type of fraud encountered, with 71% of residents reporting such incidents
Europe Latvia The wedge clam, or Atlantic rangia has been named the mollusc of the year 2026; the choice of a non-native species aims to drawing attention to alien and invasive species in the Baltic Sea, according to the Latvian Malacological Society
Europe Latvia 85 cruise ships with 115.500 passengers have docked in the Port of Riga in the 2025 cruise season, +43% more than last year; the cruise segment in the Port of Riga is expected to grow with 98 cruise ships registered for 2026 and over 100 in 2027
Europe Latvia Riga Airport signed a cooperation memorandum with the Aviation Academy of South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation, a leading aviation training centre in the Asia-Pacific, to develop RIX Academy, attracting a broader range of trainees
Europe Latvia Latvian full-service aircraft leasing company SmartLynx Airlines has ceased operations; in a statement to the media the company said the decision was made after assessing financial position and long-term operating prospects
Europe Latvia Lāčplēsis Day was celebrated yesterday across the country; named after Latvia's mythical warrior hero, it's a day of historical commemoration and an occasion to express appreciation for the service and sacrifice of all those who serve in the armed forces
Europe Latvia Agricultural lending platform LANDE and European Investment Fund will support a loan portfolio for small and medium farmers in Latvia and Lithuania; EIF will cover 80% of credit risk on loans of up to €50.000, which will be granted without collateral