Estonia’s electricity distribution system operator, Elektrilevi, plans to double investments in its networks to EUR 1bn over the next five years, ERR reports. Also, the state will invest around EUR 13mn in making the electricity infrastructure on the islands of Hiiumaa, Muhu, and Saaremaa more weather resistant. Elektrilevi will invest EUR 4mn to replace over…
The average interest rates on home loans in the Baltic States stood at 5.12% in the second quarter of 2023, which was 3 percentage points higher than in the same period of 2022, ERR reports. The average rate was the highest in 14 years. The Baltic States have the highest mortgage interest rates in the…
Latvia’s Riga City Council has elected New Unity’s Vilnis Kirsis as the capital city’s new mayor, LETA reports. Kirsis named street renovation, construction of new housing, and investment in education as his policy priorities. Kirsis served as acting mayor after the resignation of Martins Stakis, who represented the Progressives and Movement For, in early July…
Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland are discussing the possibility of closing their borders with Belarus completely, Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite announced, BNS reports. Bilotaite said that the final details of a “synchronous regional decision” would be worked out at talks in Warsaw on 28 August 2023. Earlier, the Lithuanian government closed two checkpoints on the…
Estonia’s Minister of Justice, Kalle Laanet (Reform), has proposed that citizens of “aggressor states” be deprived of the right to vote in local elections in Estonia, ERR reports. The ban would apply to nearly 69,000 Russian and Belarusian citizens who are permanent residents in Estonia. The voter turnout in Estonia’s previous municipal elections in October…
The three Baltic States have joined the G7’s Declaration of Support for Ukraine, ERR reports. The declaration aims to provide Ukraine with sustained political, military, financial, and economic assistance through bilateral agreements. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins, and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte expressed their “unwavering support” for Ukraine until…
Seven parties in Latvia’s Riga City Council have formed a new coalition, LSM reports. The memorandum of cooperation was signed by New Unity, National Alliance, Latvian Association of Regions (LRA), Code for Riga, Honour to Serve Riga (GKR), For Latvia’s Development (LA), and Movement For. Under the agreement, New Unity’s Vilnis Kirsis will become the…
Latvia’s New Unity party has nominated Welfare Minister Evika Silina as the party’s candidate for prime minister, LSM reports. She would replace New Unity leader Krisjanis Karins, who announced his resignation on 14 August 2023. Silina said that she would begin informal negotiations with political parties on the formation of a coalition government quickly. She…
Estonia’s current account deficit stood at EUR 20.1mn in June 2023, compared to a deficit of EUR 92.4mn in June 2022, according to the Bank of Estonia’s flash estimate, ERR reports. Exports and imports of goods both fell by 10%, while service exports rose by 3% and imports by 2% over a year. The services…