Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics is paying a working visit to Finland on 28 September 2023, YLE reports. Speaking at a joint press conference with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, Rinkevics noted that Latvia and Finland were “like-minded countries” that were “facing similar geopolitical challenges.” The two presidents discussed bilateral relations, including a joint plan to begin…
A group of MPs from Latvia’s ruling New Unity party has proposed amendments that would introduce harsher penalties for exceeding speed limits in road traffic, Baltic News Network reports. Under the proposal, the fine for driving 60 km/h or more above the speed limit would rise from the current EUR 240-460 to EUR 720-960 and…
Lithuania reopened the Medininkai checkpoint on the border with Belarus in the evening of 9 July 2023, the State Border Guard Service (VSAT) announced, BNS reports. VSAT closed the checkpoint on 7 July 2023 after Belarusian border guards refused to allow a Pakistani national back into Belarus. The Pakistani man was travelling on a bus…
Car owners in Estonia face increasing pressure and deserve fair treatment, Simmo Saar, head of the newly-established Estonian Car Owners Association (EAOL), stated, ERR reports. The new association aims to represent the rights and interests of car owners, including in regard to taxation, highway planning, traffic law, penal policy, and traffic education. EAOL opposes the…
Strong winds and high waves disrupted ferry services to Estonia’s smaller islands on 3 July 2023, BNS reported. Ferry operator Kihnu Veeteed cancelled departures of the Kihnu Virve and Soela passenger ferries were cancelled during the day. Also, the Ormsö passenger ferry did not accept heavy vehicles on the Sviby-Rohuküla route.
The Latvian government is discussing proposed changes to traffic rules for pedestrians, cyclists, and electric scooter drivers, LETA reports. Under the changes, two pedestrians will be allowed to walk side by side along the edge of low-speed roads with no pavement. Roller skating, skateboarding, and use of other similar equipment will only be allowed without…