The Latvian government has appointed Brigadier General Georgs Kerlins as the new Chief of the Joint Staff of the Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS), LETA reports. Kerlins will take up the post on 1 August 2024, replacing Major General Andis Dilans. Kerlins has served in the NBS since 1992, currently as Latvia’s military representative at…
Latvia’s gross energy consumption totalled 185 PJ in 2023, which was 1 % less than in 2022, according to provisional data from the Central Statistical Bureau (CSP), LSM reports. Final energy consumption totalled 170 PJ, which was 0.9 % less than in 2022. Transport used 52 PJ (30.6%) of energy, followed by households with 45 PJ…
In the 2023/2024 school year, Latvian ninth-graders performed best in English exams, with an average score of 63.9%, and worst in mathematics, with an average score of 43.2%, according to data from the National Centre for Education (VISC), LETA reports. Both results were lower compared to the previous year, when students averaged 66.1% in English…
Latvian electronic cigarette manufacturer Pro Vape, which operates under the Salt brand, has challenged upcoming restrictions on flavoured electronic smoking devices before Latvia’s Constitutional Court, LETA reports. The amendments will ban the sale of flavoured electronic smoking device liquids and tobacco substitute products as of 2025. Pro Vape argues that the restrictions infringe on property…
The Latvian government has approved a draft transport energy bill that obliges fuel suppliers to increase the share of renewable energy in their energy portfolio, LETA reports. The bill may lead to a rise in fuel prices, according to a survey of fuel traders. The Ministry of Climate and Energy notes that the transport sector…
Smoking rates in Latvia are rising again after a decade of decline, LSM reports. Children are starting to smoke at a younger age, with a notable increase in electronic cigarette use among those aged 15-24 years. Public health experts highlight the misconception among parents that electronic cigarettes are less harmful than traditional ones. They emphasise…
Latvia’s partnership law came into effect on 1 July 2024, allowing all couples, including same-sex couples, to register their relationships, LSM reports. A partnership is not equivalent to marriage, however. The first partnership was registered just after midnight by a same-sex couple who began their relationship in early 2019. Kaspars Zalitis of the Dzivesbiedri movement…
Latvian public broadcaster LSM’s English-language service is celebrating its tenth anniversary, having launched on 1 July 2014, initially to cover Latvia’s European Council presidency, LSM reports. Despite a small team of just two employees, the service has persisted against expectations, often facing and overcoming threats of closure. It has played a crucial role during events…
The presidents of the three Baltic States issued a joint statement on the 20th anniversary of the accession of their countries to the EU in 2004, BNS reported. The presidents stressed the importance of EU membership for the well-being, security, and economic growth of the three Baltic countries. Also, the presidents called for opening EU…