Latvia’s State Digital Development Agency (VDAA), which was formerly called the State Regional Development Agency (VRAA), has picked Jorens Liopa as its new director as of 4 October 2024, LSM reports. Currently, Liopa is director of the department of information systems and technologies at Latvia’s Court Administration and head of the inter-institutional electronic case (e-case)…
Latvia’s industrial production rose by 1.4% on year in July 2024, according to the Central Statistical Bureau’s (CSP) calendar-adjusted data at constant prices, LSM reports. Output in manufacturing declined by 6.4%, while output in mining and quarrying increased by 6.1% and in electricity and gas supply by 66.0% over a year. Compared to June 2024,…
The number of non-cash payments executed in Latvia totalled 395 million in the first half of 2024, which was 6% more than in the same period of 2023, according to the Bank of Latvia, LSM reports. The value of all non-cash payments totalled EUR 491.8bn, which was up by 226% over a year. The volume…
The new strategic investor in Latvia’s national air carrier, airBaltic, will be “a big positive surprise,” CEO Martin Gauss stated, LSM reports. He said that the identity of the investor would indicate that airBaltic was “recognised internationally as a serious airline.” Also, the investor would welcome the continued shareholding of the Latvian state in the…
The Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) will hold a comprehensive national defence exercise, Namejs 2024, throughout Latvia from 3 September to 8 October 2024, LSM reports. The exercise will involve soldiers from all NBS units, including conscripts, reserve soldiers, and allied troops from several NATO countries. Around 11,000 Latvian and allied soldiers and Latvian National…
Albanian President Bajram Begaj has embarked on a tour of the three Baltic States, Pamfleti reports. During his visit to the region, Begaj will meet with his Baltic counterparts, prime ministers, and speakers of parliaments. The talks will focus on bilateral relations, cooperation within NATO, and Albania’s EU integration. Begaj will also discuss the role…
Thousands of foreign students will continue or begin their studies at universities in Latvia in the academic year 2024/2025, LSM reports. In 2023/2024, Latvian universities had over 10,000 foreign students from more than 100 countries. At the University of Latvia (LU), foreigners account for 7% of all students at the university. The number of foreign…
Air quality in the capital cities of the three Baltic States is best in Estonia’s Tallinn and worst in Latvia’s Riga, according to a new study by the European Environment Agency (EEA), LSM reports. Tallinn ranked 9th out of altogether 372 cities in Europe with “good” air quality that is better than the World Health…
The Latvian government has decided to launch an initial public offering (IPO) of shares in the state-owned national air carrier, airBaltic, by the end of 2024, ERR reports. Transport Minister Kaspars Briskens said that the IPO would proceed concurrently with talks with a new strategic investor, LSM reported. He said that the state only planned…