The Latvian government has confirmed Normunds Mezviets as director general of the State Security Service (VDD) for a third consecutive five-year term, the Ministry of Interior announced, LSM reports. Announcing the nomination, Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis said that living under conditions of hybrid warfare requires professional and patriotic leadership that takes care of national security,…
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has hinted at the possible replacement of a few government ministers, expressing particular dissatisfaction with the performance of the ministers of health and agriculture, BNS reports. Nauseda has had preliminary discussions with Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte about the possible changes, emphasising the necessity of action despite the approaching parliamentary elections. The…
Estonian President Alar Karis has tasked Kristen Michal of the Estonian Reform Party with forming a new coalition government, ERR reports. Michal now has 14 days to form a government. He expects a new coalition agreement to be ready by the end of this week. The coalition will consist of the same three parties as…
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has submitted her resignation to President Alar Karis, ERR reports. Kallas will also resign from her post as chairperson of the Estonian Reform Party. Earlier, she was nominated as the EU’s foreign policy chief. Kallas will remain acting head of the government until the new coalition is sworn into office, which…
Estonian Finance Minister Mart Võrklaev suggested floating the company coordinating the Rail Baltica railway project, RB Rail, on the stock exchange to raise more funds amidst rising construction costs, ERR reports. Construction costs in Estonia alone are estimated at EUR 3.1bn, with EUR 1.2bn secured from EU funding. Võrklaev said that the government expected to have…
The Lithuanian government has granted special status to German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall’s planned artillery ammunition plant in Radviliskis district, BNS reports. The designation allows the company to begin construction of the plant without the standard construction permits, which must be obtained before completion. The plant, which will be named the Lithuanian Centre of Excellence for…
Estonia’s incoming ruling coalition has agreed to implement budget cuts across all ministries, including defence and interior affairs, ERR reports. Margus Tsahkna, chairman of Estonia 200, said that each ministry would likely face a percentage-based cut to salaries and management costs, and that no new jobs would be created. The coalition plans to extend the…
Lithuania will begin issuing defence bonds after 1 October 2024, Finance Minister Gintare Skaiste announced, BNS reports. The defence bonds will have a maximum interest rate of 2%, which is lower than on savings certificates. The lower rate will ensure that the state borrows for defence at a rate that is cheaper than the market…
Estonia’s ruling coalition parties have agreed to boost Estonia’s economic competitiveness by developing new industries and focusing on nationwide development, ERR reports. The three parties aim to reduce bureaucracy and use EU funds and CO2 money for industrial growth. The coalition plans to distribute subsidies for large investments across Estonia to raise wages and improve…