Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina has met with a visiting delegation from the Appropriations Committee of the US House of Representatives, LSM reports. The delegation was led by Congressman Tom Cole of Oklahoma and included congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee, Chuck Edwards of North Carolina, and Jake Ellzey of Texas. The…
The Latvian language expert commission of the State Language Centre (VVC) has rejected a proposal to allow the lowercase spelling of “Russia,” LETA reports. The experts noted that the lowercase spelling was acceptable in informal individual correspondence but not in official communication. Meanwhile, the Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) continues to spell “russia” in lowercase….
Medical experts in Latvia have warned that drug use among adolescents is rising, LSM reports. The number of young drug users admitted to hospital is also rising, and some of them overdose repeatedly, the experts said. Statistics show that the number of young people who have tried and regularly use narcotics is increasing. The data…
Latvia will triple the number of average speed cameras on roads, Transport Minister Kaspars Briskens announced, LSM reports. Currently, there are average speed cameras on 16 road sections. Briskens said that the situation on Latvian roads was critical. He said that the ministry would increase focus on improving road infrastructure and enforcement of speed limits….
Forestry costs in Latvia increased significantly in 2023 compared to previous years, according to the Central Statistical Bureau (CSP), LSM reports. Forest regeneration costs rose by 6.5-19.3%, forest tending costs by 14.7-50.8%, and timber harvesting costs by 4.4% in final felling and 12.2% in intermediate felling. The overall increase in forestry costs is attributed to higher…
Around 5,000 NATO troops from various member states will be stationed in Latvia in the coming years, Defence Minister Andris Spruds announced, LETA reports. The troops will be part of an expanded multinational brigade set to be battle-ready by 2026. The Canada-led brigade will be primarily based at the Adazi military base, with headquarters in…
Latvia recorded 14 serious road accidents involving trucks in the first half of 2024, according to statistics from the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD), LSM reports. In the whole of 2023, the number of accidents with trucks resulting in grave injury or fatality was 20. CSDD has a team of experts to investigate the circumstances…
Latvia plans to build a new factory producing modular powder charges for artillery ammunition in Iecava parish, LETA reports. The factory will have a production capacity of 50,000 charges annually. The plant is expected to begin operations in 2026. The project will cost an estimated EUR 12mn, with EUR 1mn to come from EU co-financing…
Latvia’s ruling coalition will soon need to discuss “painful decisions” on taxes, Prime Minister Evika Silina stated, LETA reports. Speaking in an interview with TV3, Silina said that simplifying taxation was an important priority. The Ministry of Finance has developed potential proposals for changes on real estate tax, labour costs, corporate income tax, VAT, small…