An interagency commission of the Estonian government has proposed several measures to reduce the consumption of alcohol in the country, ERR reports. The commission has published a framework plan for Estonia’s alcohol policy for 2026-2035. The document calls for raising the alcohol excise tax, shortening retail alcohol sales hours, reducing the number of licensed outlets,…
Latvia’s Minister of Culture, Nauris Puntulis, has ordered that the ministry stop using Russian in all official public functions, LETA reports. Under the order, the Ministry of Culture, its subordinate institutions, and state-owned companies under its management must stop using Russian at international events, strategic documents, advertising materials, official websites, and other public-facing functions by…
Latvia has entered the official election campaign period ahead of the parliamentary elections on 3 October 2026, LSM reports. During the 120-day period, campaigners, media, and other involved parties must comply with strict rules on election campaigning, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) noted. KNAB will monitor the use of campaign funds and the…
Estonia’s state-owned postal services provider, Eesti Post (Omniva), generated total revenues of EUR 154.7mn in 2025, which was up EUR 13.3mn (9%) from 2024, ERR reports. Revenue from parcel and courier services amounted to EUR 109.4mn (up 13%), from postal services to EUR 38.6mn (down slightly), and from universal postal services to EUR 7.6mn (down…
The Latvian parliament, the Saeima, will begin work on legislation to improve consumer protection against financial fraud, Anda Caksa, chairwoman of the parliament’s budget and finance committee, announced, LETA reports. Speaking after a meeting with representatives of the Finance Latvia Association (FNA), Caksa said that legislative changes were needed so as to require mobile operators…
Stricter rules on gambling advertising came into force in Lithuania on 1 July 2025, BNS reports. Gambling operators can now only advertise their brands at their gambling venues, while other external advertising is prohibited. Only betting commercials are allowed on TV, radio, and the internet. Gambling operators can still sponsor sports, cultural, and art events….
The Latvian parliament, the Saeima, has passed in final reading amendments further limiting alcohol sales and advertising as of 1 August 2025, LSM reports. Under the amendments, the sale of alcoholic beverages will be permitted from 10am to 8pm on Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 6pm on Sunday, thus reducing the availability of…
The Latvian parliament, the Saeima, has passed in final reading amendments to ban advertising of beer and wine on radio and TV, Baltic News Network reports. The ban will apply to advertisements that include information on prices and discounts. The restriction is aimed at reducing the total consumption and negative impact of alcohol on young…
The social and labour affairs committee of the Latvian parliament, the Saeima, has approved amendments that would introduce stricter rules on workplace language requirements, LSM reports. The amendments aim to strengthen the role of the Latvian language in the labour market. Many employers in Latvia still require that staff speak Russian. The amendments stipulate that…
