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Few NGOs active in civic engagement, says alliance
Few NGOs active in civic engagement, says alliance
More than 30,000 non-governmental organizations are registered in Latvia, but only about 1,000 participate actively in the decision-making of various state and local governments, said Kristīne Zonberga, director of the Civic Alliance, in an interview with Latvian Radio on August 29.
Textile waste sorting improves in Latvia
Textile waste sorting improves in Latvia
From March 29 to April 21 this year, the volume of textile waste recycled has increased by 15% due to the environmental campaigns implemented by the “Latvian Green Point” and “Eco Baltia Environment” compared to the previous month, the Director of Latvian Green Point Kaspars Zakulis said in an interview to Latvian Radio May 31.
Employers still dissatisfied with minimum wage increase in Latvia
Employers still dissatisfied with minimum wage increase in Latvia
The previous Saeima decided that as of January 1 next year, the minimum salary in Latvia will be €620 instead of the current €500. Employers argue that the decision to raise the minimum wage was not aligned with the social partners, and consider that raising the minimum wage should take place at the same time as increasing the non-taxable minimum, Latvian Radio reported on December 19.
Utility payment delays will not be penalized this season in Latvia
Utility payment delays will not be penalized this season in Latvia
Before the new heating season, typically information is typically compiled on how much the population is in debt to utilities and thermal plants. This season, due to the energy price crisis, delayed payments will not be penalized, Latvian Radio reported on September 30.
Firewood prices expected to continue growing in Latvia
Firewood prices expected to continue growing in Latvia
It is likely that low-value wood prices will continue to rise at least until spring, according to experts in the sector. There is a growing shortage of working arms in the forests, while existing workers have moved from public forests to private ones, Latvian Radio reported on September 28.
Biowaste processing gradually picks up in Latvia
Biowaste processing gradually picks up in Latvia
Food and garden waste, when properly recycled, can be used as a secondary raw material. Last spring, a biodegradable waste recycling complex started work in Getlini, which recycles around 80,000 tonnes of biological waste per year. Where is the waste used at the moment, and what can be done with it in the future? Latvian Radio seeked answers on September 23.
CSDD's electric car charging prices to change monthly in Latvia
CSDD's electric car charging prices to change monthly in Latvia
Prices of new cars could rise by 8% in the near future, the Latvian Authorised Automobile Dealers Association forecasts. Similarly, the services of the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) will become more pricey, especially for exclusive services, Latvian Radio reported on September 20.
Successful tourism season this year in Latvia
Successful tourism season this year in Latvia
Although the war in Ukraine has reduced the interest of foreign tourists in Latvia, in total the summer in the tourism sector has been successful, Latvian Radio reported on September 19.
Inflation puts dent in Latvian public's savings
Inflation puts dent in Latvian public's savings
Latvia is among the last places in the European Union (EU) for savings, but high inflation lowers the value of savings even more, Latvian Radio reported on September 12.
Dairy producer declares insolvency; others struggle to survive
Dairy producer declares insolvency; others struggle to survive
The dairy producer "Elpa" has declared insolvency. High milk procurement prices and increased energy resources also cause problems for other companies, according to the union of dairy farmers, Latvian Radio reported on September 6.
Latvian Postal service to build large new premises
Latvian Postal service to build large new premises
Latvian postal service Latvijas Pasts (LP) is experiencing increases of commercial cargo, mail transit and package shipments increases every year and is therefore planning to build additional warehouses and office rooms, Latvian Radio reported August 22.
Non-cash payments still grow in popularity in Latvia
Non-cash payments still grow in popularity in Latvia
People's payment habits have changed as a result of the Covid pandemic. Although the pandemic contributed to the development of the e-commerce industry, following the lifting of decisions, residents preferred to shop onsite with more frequent card payments observed. Entrepreneurs have also made the system more convenient, according to a study by Swedbank, Latvian Radio reported August 4.
Latvia mulls state-coordinated ammunition production
Latvia mulls state-coordinated ammunition production
The Ministry of Defence (AM) 's latest plan for the introduction of compulsory military service has been welcomed by the Latvian government. In the shadow of the Ukraine war, AM has come up with another intention: to create a state capital company that would supply Latvia with ammunition. The industry looks forward to these plans, as this would help private companies in this sector to develop, Latvian Radio reported July 20.
Rent prices rise in Latvia
Rent prices rise in Latvia
Like in other industries, rental prices are rising. Demand for decent rental apartments is higher than supply, Latvian Radio reported on July 13.
Private housing is getting smaller, say experts
Private housing is getting smaller, say experts
Increases in energy resources and construction prices affect all sectors, including the construction of private homes. Despite that, interest in private housing is not dwindling, Latvian Radio reported on July 8.
Surplus in tax revenues in first half of 2022
Surplus in tax revenues in first half of 2022
In the first five months of 2022, the state-administered tax revenue plan was exceeded by 13%. The surplus was driven by the rapid recovery of the economy, price increases and also by inflation. Entrepreneurs are calling for a reduction in labor taxes and value-added tax (VAT), but it is uncertain whether now is the right time to do so, Latvian Radio reported on July 4. 
Latvian tourism industry still hopeful for good season
Latvian tourism industry still hopeful for good season
Although the number of tourists this season will not come close to the level before the pandemic, workers in the sector are looking forward to the future. The biggest challenges include lack of staff and restoration of group tourism, Latvian Radio reported June 7.
Shopping habits still influenced by pandemic
Shopping habits still influenced by pandemic
People's shopping habits are currently affected by two powerful factors: the habits of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the inflation, which has led to a significant increase in food prices. The changes in shopping habits are felt by retailers, Latvian Radio reported June 1.
No hope for growth in apartment building sector
No hope for growth in apartment building sector
In Latvia, the construction of new multi-apartment houses has been stagnating for ten years, and the trend is not changing. Due to construction costs and supply chain disruptions, it declined further, Latvian Radio reported May 17.
Sanctions and increased border control reduce smuggling in Latvia
Sanctions and increased border control reduce smuggling in Latvia
In the four months of this year, 793 customs offenses have been detected on the Latvian border. The number of infringements has decreased because of the imposition of sanctions on the border and increased customs control, Latvian Radio reported May 9.
Rēzekne, Daugavpils plan switch from gas to woodchip heating
Rēzekne, Daugavpils plan switch from gas to woodchip heating
In order to reduce gas use for heating, municipalities are increasingly thinking about switching to local fuels such as woodchips. Latgale currently plans to raise funding from the European Cohesion Fund in Daugavpils and Rēzekne to build new chip boiler houses, Latvian Radio reported May 5.
Spending habits change with Latvia's double-digit inflation
Spending habits change with Latvia's double-digit inflation
Annual inflation in Latvia reached 11.5% in March, according to data from the Central Statistical Bureau. Food, housing and transport-related costs saw the biggest price increases. Latvian Radio's broadcast Eiro fokusā April 19 explored how the rise in prices would affect household consumption. 
Economics Ministry works on mitigating sanctions impact in Latvia
Economics Ministry works on mitigating sanctions impact in Latvia
The consequences of the Ukraine war will affect the countries with economic relations to Russia and Belarus. The The Ministry of Economics (EM) is working on a number of solutions to minimize the impact of sanctions on the Latvian economy, Latvian Radio reported March 21.
Latvian businesses seek new raw materials markets
Latvian businesses seek new raw materials markets
Due to the sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus, Latvian businesses must look for new markets mainly to obtain raw materials like metalworking and chemical products, experts surveyed by Latvian Radio March 18 said. 
Defense Ministry hands out innovation grants
Defense Ministry hands out innovation grants
The Ministry of Defense (AM) has allocated EUR 450,000 in grants to seven Latvian companies for the development of innovative products related to the defense sector, Latvian Radio reported March 7.