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Name day: Gunārs, Vladimirs, Gunis

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Daina Zalamane

Daina Zalamane

Latvian Radio

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Fuel prices in Latvia expected to rise by 3 cents per liter
Fuel prices in Latvia expected to rise by 3 cents per liter
Fuel prices could rise by an average of 3 cents per liter next year, while gas prices could rise by around 4%, the industry forecasts. The price increase will be driven by changes to excise duty included in next year's budget package, Latvian Radio reports on December 6.
Parcel machine network has expanded in Latvia this year
Parcel machine network has expanded in Latvia this year
This year, the five Latvian companies that offer parcel shipments have continued to grow their parcel machine networks, but next year it is not expected to be as rapid, as the network of machines in the Baltics is already wide enough, representatives of the companies told Latvian Radio on November 25.
Large companies think most about environmental impact in Latvia
Large companies think most about environmental impact in Latvia
Latvia, like other European Union (EU) countries, is committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2050. At the moment, large companies are the most active in thinking about their environmental impact, while municipalities lack the money to meet climate targets, Latvian Radio reports on October 21.
Labor market will suffer due to population drop in Latvia, says economist
Labor market will suffer due to population drop in Latvia, says economist
Last year, Latvia experienced the sharpest population decline in the European Union - by 11.1 thousand, according to the Central Statistical Bureau. The labor market will be most affected by the population decline, according to Bank of Latvia economist Andrejs Migunovs, Latvian Radio reported October 7. 
Tax service starts sending out vague alerts
Tax service starts sending out vague alerts
Last week, the State Revenue Service (VID) sent letters to 5,000 Latvian residents because their bank account turnover significantly exceeds their declared income by at least EUR 20,000 per year or EUR 1,660 per month. 70,000 people in Latvia will receive such letters, Latvian Radio reports September 30.
Centenary plans for Rīga's famous Central Market
Centenary plans for Rīga's famous Central Market
Rīga Central Market will celebrate its centenary in 2025. It is claimed to be the largest market in Europe, covering an area of ​​6.7 hectares and is a cultural monument of national significance and part of the historical center of Riga, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, reports Latvian Radio.
Rīga got plenty of office spaces over past few years
Rīga got plenty of office spaces over past few years
In recent years, several office buildings were built in Riga. In April this year, Novira Plaza started work next to the railway station. Energy-efficient, modern Class A offices are also offered by office suppliers Verde, Elemental, New Hanza, Skanste City and more. Despite widespread supply, office rental prices are rising rather than falling, Latvian Radio reports September 16.
Talsi company helping to neutralize mines in Ukraine
Talsi company helping to neutralize mines in Ukraine
So far, thanks to public donations, the "Ziedot.lv" charity organization has sent several thousand demining kits to Ukraine. They are very necessary right now – each neutralized mine saves a child, civilian or soldier from death or horrific injury.
Latvian company produces ready meals for Ukrainian soldiers
Latvian company produces ready meals for Ukrainian soldiers
Several Latvian manufacturers are involved in catering for the National Armed Forces, one of them is Kronis Ltd, which produces ready meals With the help of the charity organization "Ziedot.lv", these parcels also reach the soldiers in Ukraine, Latvian Radio reported on August 23.
Will consumers feel Latvia's grid reconnection?
Will consumers feel Latvia's grid reconnection?
The Baltic states will be disconnected from the BRELL electricity supply loop connecting Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia with Belarus and Russia on February 8, 2025. The following day, they will connect to the European grid. What will the Baltic connection to the European grid mean for electricity consumers? Latvian Radio attempted to clarify this in a report on August 16.
Survey: Most Latvians work onsite
Survey: Most Latvians work onsite
In Latvia, 68% of employees currently work on-site, 5% work only remotely, and 27% work in a hybrid mode, combining on-site and remote elements, according to a recent Kantar survey, Latvian Radio reported August 8.
Latvia plans push for more local food in shops
Latvia plans push for more local food in shops
Last year, food prices in the retail sector increased, and the Competition Council investigated the markets for eggs, fish, milk, meat, cereals and bread. The responsible Saeima committee has asked the government to prepare a concept for a modern digital food price basket comparison tool, Latvian Radio reported on July 15.
High Euribor rates leave impact on Latvian car market
High Euribor rates leave impact on Latvian car market
The Euribor rate hike did not only hit the real estate market, where transactions took place mainly in the secondary housing market and transactions in new projects virtually came to a standstill; the car sector was also negatively affected, Latvian Radio reports on June 17.
How to make Latvia's bathing areas safer?
How to make Latvia's bathing areas safer?
The warmer months of the year are when most accidents on water happen. Last weekend, lifeguards recovered three people from the water, and 37 people have drowned this year. Lifeguards are mainly on duty at beaches that have been awarded the Blue Flag, of which there are only 12 in Latvia. How can swimming be made safer? Latvian Radio asked this question June 5.
Limited hunting of seals might be allowed in Latvia
Limited hunting of seals might be allowed in Latvia
Coastal fishermen have been complaining for years about the damage caused by seals to fishing gear, fish catches and the entire fish population in the Baltic Sea. The seal is a protected animal, the seal population is growing and there are now more than 60.000 grey seals in the Baltic Sea. The possibility of allowing some fishermen to hunt seals has been raised, Latvian Radio reported on May 17.

The association "Mazjūras zvejnieki" brings together 74 coastal fishermen. Andris Cīrulis, chairman of the association's board, said that fishermen have been talking about seal damage for 20 years, but the situation has become increasingly complicated in recent years. Seals eat up to two to three times more fish per year than coastal fishermen catch. 
Heating season comes to a close in Latvia
Heating season comes to a close in Latvia
The heating season in Latvia is coming to an end. According to heating companies, the situation remains generally stable and arrears do not exceed 2-4%. Payment discipline remains unchanged - debts accumulated in winter are gradually paid off in summer. Heat tariffs have also fallen this season and the use of wood chips for heating is increasing, Latvian Radio reported on May 10.
Egypt remains popular tourism destination for Latvians
Egypt remains popular tourism destination for Latvians
Conflicts in the Middle East raise the question on how safe it is to travel there. Latvian tour operators say that there are currently no organized tours to the Middle East, Latvian Radio reported on April 19.
Most homes sold and bought in Latvia are Soviet-era flats
Most homes sold and bought in Latvia are Soviet-era flats
The high Euribor interest rates set by the European Central Bank (ECB) have had an impact on the property market. Currently, residents mainly buy serial Soviet-era building apartments, besides, a large proportion do not use bank loans, but buy apartments at their own expense, Latvian Radio reported on April 15.
New passenger terminal for Rīga Port planned
New passenger terminal for Rīga Port planned
An international design competition for a new, modern, and environmentally friendly passenger terminal in Rīga closes on Monday, March 25. The new terminal could accommodate up to 150 cruise ships and 540 ships per year in the passenger and cargo segments, Latvian Radio reports.
You've got mail: parcel machine networks grow in Latvia
You've got mail: parcel machine networks grow in Latvia
Six companies in Latvia have established parcel networks - Omniva, DPD, Latvijas Pasts, Venipak, Itella, and Unisend Latvija. According to data collected by the Public Services Regulatory Commission, 13.3 million parcels were sent and received in 1,172 parcel machines in the first half of last year, Latvian Radio reported on March 22.
What to do with unclaimed money after death?
What to do with unclaimed money after death?
Latvian commercial banks have thousands of accounts whose owners are dead. Because the leftover balance in the accounts is small, relatives do not form inheritance and the money is left where it was. Banks have to keep the money for 60 years before it can be transferred to the bank's income. The Finance Latvia Association calls for simpler legislation in the matter, Latvian Radio reported on March 8.
Wages forecast to continue growing this year in Latvia
Wages forecast to continue growing this year in Latvia
Last year, compared to 2022, the average monthly wage increased by 164 euros or 11.9% and the average monthly wage after tax was 1,119 euros. Given inflation, real net wage growth was only 2.2% as prices grew faster than residents' incomes. This year the pace of wage growth will decrease, according to economists surveyed by Latvian Radio March 4.
Latvia's donations to Ukraine estimated at over €650 million
Latvia's donations to Ukraine estimated at over €650 million
Latvia has been one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine since the Russian war began. The State Chancellery has estimated that the Latvian government, public and non-governmental organizations, and associations have contributed at least €650 million to Ukraine over the two years of the war, Latvian Radio reported February 23.

Latvia's aid to Ukraine is approaching 1% of gross domestic product. Egita Diure, spokesperson for the State Chancellery, said that of the 650 million, most of the money - more than 370 million - has been invested in military equipment.
Many Latvian apartments are still very energy inefficient
Many Latvian apartments are still very energy inefficient
Many people in Latvia received large heating bills this month, not only because it's winter and January was cold, but also because a great many people still live in energy-inefficient homes, reports Latvian Radio.
Foreign investment up 30% last year in Latvia
Foreign investment up 30% last year in Latvia
Compared to 2022, foreign investment volume in Latvia has increased by 30%. Data from the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) show that 46 investment projects were implemented last year and foreign investments were attracted in the amount of nearly 619 million euros, and 2500 new jobs were created, Latvian Radio reported on February 12.
Latvians were hesitant to get mortgage in 2023
Latvians were hesitant to get mortgage in 2023
Last year, dwelling prices increased by 5% on average, and the volume of mortgages issued fell by 15%. The main reasons are the rise in Euribor base rates, inflation, and the increase in construction costs. More activity in the housing market in 2024 could be helped by a fall in the Euribor rate, Latvian Radio reported on February 5.
Passenger travel from Latvia to Russia, Belarus still active
Passenger travel from Latvia to Russia, Belarus still active
Passengers can still travel from Rīga bus station to Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Pskov in Russia, as well as Minsk and Gomel in Belarus. The laws and regulations currently do not restrict passenger transport. According to a passenger carrier surveyed by Latvian Radio February 2, the passenger flow has decreased but is still active.
Challenging times for Latvia's forestry sector
Challenging times for Latvia's forestry sector
Timber production and wood processing are key contributors to Latvia's economic output, as well as providing thousands of jobs. However, the wood sector currently faces some challenging times, reports Latvian Radio. 
Food prices forecast to grow 4% in 2024
Food prices forecast to grow 4% in 2024
Last year Latvia saw a rise in not only energy resources prices, but also food prices. It affects low-income people the most adversely. Currently, food prices have fallen, but economists predict prices could rise 4% this year.
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