Estonia’s Ministry of Climate has drawn up an updated national energy and climate plan that includes more ambitious renewable energy and climate neutrality targets, ERR reports. Under the plan, Estonia would produce all power from renewable energy sources by 2030 and be completely climate neutral by 2050. Climate Minister Kristen Michal asserted that the plan…
An overwhelming majority of Estonians oppose the introduction of a proposed car tax, according to a Norstat poll conducted in July 2023 for the Institute of Societal Studies (YI), ERR reports. The survey showed that 72% opposed and 21% supported the car tax. The remainder had no opinion. Altogether 80% of households polled had a…
Lithuania’s State Defence Council (VGT) has instructed the government to agree with Latvia and Estonia on the synchronisation of the Baltic power grids with the continental European system and disconnection from Russia’s BRELL system by February 2025, BNS reports. Kestutis Budrys, chief national security adviser to President Gitanas Nauseda, said that there was “no fundamental…
The number of real estate transactions in Estonia totalled 11,126 in the second quarter of 2023, with the total value amounting to EUR 1.25bn, according to data from the Estonian Land Board (Maa-amet), ERR reports. Apartments accounted for 58%, undeveloped land for 24%, and developed land for 17% of all real estate transactions. Apartment sales…
Latvia’s Health Inspectorate has banned swimming on beaches in the port city of Liepaja, following a sewage leak from the city’s water treatment plant into the Baltic Sea, LSM reports. Also, the State Environmental Service (VVD) has recommended residents not to swim in coastal areas from Liepaja north to Saka parish. At the same time,…
The Estonian Safety Investigation Bureau (OJK) and the Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) are conducting an underwater investigation of the wreck of the MS Estonia passenger ferry, which sank in 1994, ERR reports. The investigation team has been filming the wreck and has raised several ship parts to the surface. The investigation, which uses Norwegian…
Producer prices in Latvia’s industry rose by 0.4% in June 2023, compared to June 2022, according to data from the Central Statistical Bureau, LSM reports. Prices of products sold on the domestic market rose by 3.8%, while prices of exported products dropped by 3.6%. Compared to May 2023, producer prices in Latvian industry declined by…
Latvian capital Riga’s acting mayor, Vilnis Kirsis (New Unity), has invited all political groups in the current ruling coalition in the Riga City Council for talks to form a new coalition on 25 July 2023, LETA reports. Kirsis suggested that the talks could be held either with each political group individually or with all groups…
The Estonian government has postponed the appointment of a special representative for the Ida-Virumaa county, ERR reports. Regional Affairs Minister Madis Kallas now hopes that the special representative will be appointed by the beginning of September 2023. Kallas said that the appointment was delayed due to summer holidays and more pressing political issues. Also, the…
