Most drivers in Latvia routinely exceed the speed limit, creating what Transport Minister Kaspars Briskens calls a “speed pandemic,” BNS reports. A study by Riga Technical University reveals that only 29% of drivers adhere to speed limits. Reducing the average speed by 2 kmph could save 20 lives. Briskens said he would push for increasing…
The Netherlands will deploy a Patriot long-range air defence system in Lithuania for the Baltic Connection 24 (BALTCON24) military exercise on 7-19 July 2024, BNS reports. Lithuania’s Defence Ministry said that the deployment was the first step in implementing NATO’s decision to establish a rotational air defence model to strengthen the alliance’s integrated air and…
The Estonian Defence Ministry has proposed allowing foreign citizens to take part in Estonia’s national defence, military training, and activities of the Estonian Defence League (Kaitseliit) volunteer corps, BNS reports. The proposed changes would allow foreign nationals to enter into contracts with Estonian defence forces for both peacetime and wartime roles. Currently, foreign nationals can…
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock accused Russia of conducting “hybrid attacks” against the Baltic States, Anadolu Agency reports. Speaking at a joint news conference with her visiting Latvian counterpart, Baiba Braze, Baerbock cited Russia’s GPS interference, disinformation campaigns, and removal of border buoys. She noted that Germany and NATO allies had increased their military presence…
Estonia could resist a Russian invasion for “a couple of weeks” before the arrival of NATO support, according to Colonel Mati Tikerpuu, commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the Estonian Land Forces, Business Insider reports. Speaking in an interview with El País, Tikerpuu said that the time would be enough for allied reinforcements to…
The Lithuanian government is set to grant special status to German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall’s planned artillery ammunition factory in Radviliskis, BNS reports. The move would allow the company to begin building the factory without the usual regulatory permits, which will need to be obtained before the project’s completion, however. Construction is expected to start in…
A group of 24 migrants have filed a class action lawsuit against Lithuania, seeking compensation of EUR 5,000 each for their arbitrary detention in 2021-2022, BNS reports. The claimants allege that the Lithuanian government unlawfully detained at least 4,000 migrants for months without judicial review during an emergency declared due to irregular border crossings from…
The free world must not fear its own strength, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas insisted, BNS reported. Speaking at a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Kallas pointed out that the free world was stronger than Russia and had the resources, economic power, and knowledge to help Ukraine win the war against the…
The prime ministers of the three Baltic States will meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on 6 May 2024 in the Latvian capital, Riga, LETA reports. The meeting will focus on security and defence, EU affairs, support for Ukraine, economic cooperation, and regional energy and transport projects. According to Latvia’s State Chancellery, Baltic leaders have…