Latvia will triple the number of average speed cameras on roads, Transport Minister Kaspars Briskens announced, LSM reports. Currently, there are average speed cameras on 16 road sections. Briskens said that the situation on Latvian roads was critical. He said that the ministry would increase focus on improving road infrastructure and enforcement of speed limits….
Forestry costs in Latvia increased significantly in 2023 compared to previous years, according to the Central Statistical Bureau (CSP), LSM reports. Forest regeneration costs rose by 6.5-19.3%, forest tending costs by 14.7-50.8%, and timber harvesting costs by 4.4% in final felling and 12.2% in intermediate felling. The overall increase in forestry costs is attributed to higher…
Latvia recorded 14 serious road accidents involving trucks in the first half of 2024, according to statistics from the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD), LSM reports. In the whole of 2023, the number of accidents with trucks resulting in grave injury or fatality was 20. CSDD has a team of experts to investigate the circumstances…
Latvia plans to build a new factory producing modular powder charges for artillery ammunition in Iecava parish, LETA reports. The factory will have a production capacity of 50,000 charges annually. The plant is expected to begin operations in 2026. The project will cost an estimated EUR 12mn, with EUR 1mn to come from EU co-financing…
Latvia’s Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Welfare have proposed reducing the amount that employers pay for sick leave, LSM reports. Under the proposal, the first day of sick leave would remain unpaid, while days 2-3 would be compensated at 60% of the salary and days 4-8 at 70%. From the 9th day onwards, the…
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…