The Latvian Food Retailers Association (LPTA) has asked Agriculture Minister Didzis Smits to provide proof for his claim of 300% markups on food prices in stores, Baltic News Network reports. If the minister cannot provide such proof, LPTA will ask him to retract his statement. Earlier, Smits claimed that food retailers had applied 300% markups…
The Lithuanian Armed Forces (LGP) has received a new batch of cargo trucks and multi-purpose vehicles (MPV), the Defence Ministry announced, Baltic News Network reports. LGP received 53 new Peugeot Rifter MPVs. So far, LGP has received 90 Rifter MPVs, with the remainder expected to be delivered by the end of 2023. Lithuania is procuring…
The Lithuanian developer of solar project design software, PVcase, has secured USD 100mn (EUR 90mn) of new funding from international investors, pv magazine reports. Existing investor, Boston-based Elephant VC, Chicago-based Energize Ventures, and London-based Highland Europe participated in the funding round. This is the second-largest investment ever in Lithuania’s startup sector, Baltic News Network reports….
Part of a wall of the wastewater treatment plant in the Latvian port city of Liepaja collapsed on 23 July 2023, Baltic News Network reports. The State Environmental Service (VVD) said that around 1,250 m3 of untreated sewage leaked into the environment as a result of the accident, LSM reported. Municipal authorities urged residents to…
The movements of the Russian private military company, Wagner Group, in Belarus do not present any direct threat to Latvia, the Ministry of Defence stated, LETA reports. The ministry noted that Latvia’s national security authorities have been on high alert ever since Russia started its full invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said…
Estonia has blocked a decision on the redistribution of seats in the European Parliament, LETA reports. All EU member states except Estonia have agreed on the redistribution, which would provide more seats to several member states. Estonia demanded that Spain, which holds the EU presidency, explain the calculation for the seat redistribution.
Coordinated action by the Baltic States was essential to synchronise their power grids with the continental European system, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics stated, LETA reports. Rinkevics discussed the synchronisation project with Climate and Energy Minister Raimonds Cudars. Earlier, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda urged Rinkevics to speed up the synchronisation project, LETA reported. Speaking after a…
Latvia’s retail sector has had no competition, especially in grocery trade, for years, Agriculture Minister Didzis Smits stated, LETA reports. Speaking in an interview with LTV, Smits asserted that retailers could set markups of 300% plus VAT on local produce and still compete, which he said was “abnormal” and “unpatriotic.” He insisted that in such…
Latvia’s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has conducted a search at the Sigulda municipal council as part of ongoing criminal proceedings, LETA reports. Municipal spokespersons refused to disclose more details, however. According to sources, one municipal councillor and a local businessman were implicated in the criminal investigation. LTV reported that the investigation was looking…