Latvian capital Riga’s acting mayor, Vilnis Kirsis (New Unity), has invited all political groups in the current ruling coalition in the Riga City Council for talks to form a new coalition on 25 July 2023, LETA reports. Kirsis suggested that the talks could be held either with each political group individually or with all groups…
Latvia’s Foreign Ministry has repeated its strong recommendation for Latvian citizens not to travel to Belarus and Russia due to the current tense security situation, LSM reports. The ministry warned that travellers may be subjected to provocations. Diana Eglite, press secretary at the Foreign Ministry, urged people to assess risks. In June 2022, a Latvian…
The Principality of Monaco may establish a permanent office in the Latvian capital, Riga, The Baltic Times reports. Andris Kuznieks, deputy head of the European Commission’s representation in Latvia, offered premises for regular cultural activities to showcase Monaco. The issue was discussed during a visit to Latvia by Professor Franco Borruto, consultant on health care…
The movements of the Russian private military company, Wagner Group, in Belarus do not present any direct threat to Latvia, the Ministry of Defence stated, LETA reports. The ministry noted that Latvia’s national security authorities have been on high alert ever since Russia started its full invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said…
The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) has approved 20 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects to the tune of EUR 371.5mn so far in 2023, LSM reports. The projects will create 1,160 new jobs. The investment projects are in sectors such as bioeconomy, ICT, photonics and smart materials, smart energy and mobility, as well…
The cargo turnover of Latvia’s sea ports totalled 3.4mn tonnes in the first half of 2023, which was 14.2% less than in the same period of 2022, according to data from the Ministry of Transport, Baltic News Network reports. The Freeport of Riga handled 9.6mn tonnes of freight, followed by the Freeport of Ventspils with…
Latvia’s Riga International Airport (RIX) has opened its first helicopter landing area, LSM reports. RIX invested EUR 3.2mn in the heliport, with most of the financing coming from EU funds. The new heliport will allow helicopter traffic in parallel with other air traffic. Also, the heliport will help improve state and civil protection and disaster…
Latvia’s Riga City Council has obliged owners of outdoor sales and catering establishments to ensure that their sound equipment and musical instruments do not disturb local residents, LSM reports. Under the new rules, municipal police can impose limits on loud music in outdoor cafés, bars, and similar establishments. Violations can lead to fines of up…
Trains from Latvia’s capital, Riga, to the port city of Liepaja will begin running daily as of 31 July 2023, the Public Transport Council announced, LSM reports. The train will leave from Liepaja shortly before 5am and depart back to Liepaja at around 6:30pm. On Sundays, there will be two trains between the two cities….
