Latvia: Government to restrict purchase of land by Russians

The Latvian government plans to restrict the ability of Russian citizens to buy land in Latvia, LETA reports. The ruling three-party coalition has agreed on the plan conceptually, following a proposal from the Ministry of Agriculture. The government will analyse the example of similar draft legislation in Finland. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze has discussed…

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Latvia: Russian drone that crashed in eastern Latvia carried explosives

The Russian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that crashed in Latvia’s eastern Rezekne municipality was an Iranian-designed Shahed drone carrying 90 kg of explosives, the Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) announced, LETA reports. The drone’s warhead did not detonate in the crash. NBS deactivated the drone and is now inspecting its components. Janis Garisons, former state…

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Lithuania: Some Lithuanians have joined Russian forces in Ukraine

Some Lithuanian nationals have joined Russian occupation forces in Ukraine, LRT reports. At least five Lithuanian citizens are known to be fighting for Russia against Ukraine, 15min reports. Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas confirmed that there was “definitely more than one” Lithuanian fighting on the Russian side. He said that the persons were known to Lithuania’s…

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Latvia: Government, banks review anti-money laundering measures

Latvia’s Financial Sector Development Board (FSAP), chaired by Prime Minister Evika Silina, reviewed the country’s anti-money laundering (AML) measures during a meeting on 5 September 2024, LSM reports. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FID) reported on Latvia’s progress in relation to the Council of Europe’s evaluation of the country’s AML efforts. The meeting also addressed concerns…

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Estonia: Armed forces insist on EUR 1.6bn for new ammunition

The Estonian Defence Forces (EDF) warned that war would ravage Estonia if the government failed to purchase additional ammunition as requested, ERR reports. EDF has requested EUR 1.6bn worth of ammunition. EDF commander General Andrus Merilo said that if only half of the ammunition was purchased, all combat operations during war would take place on…

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Estonia: Reform elects PM Kristen Michal as new party chair

The Estonian Reform Party’s general assembly has elected Prime Minister Kristen Michal as the party’s new chairman, replacing former prime minister Kaja Kallas, ERR reports. Michal received 664 out of 818 votes. In his acceptance speech, Michal said that Reform’s mission was “a self-reliant people, the growth of prosperity and a strong middle class, security…

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