Friday, October 18

Name day: Rolanda, Rolands, Ronalds, Erlends

Public broadcasting of Latvia
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Krišs Kairis

Krišs Kairis

Latvian Television

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Latvia wants to channel funds from other projects to Rail Baltica
Latvia wants to channel funds from other projects to Rail Baltica
About two months ago, the government was warned that if it did not act quickly and concretely, it could lose a lot of money available for the transport sector from European Union (EU) funds. The Ministry of Transport has decided to invest in the construction of the Rail Baltica international stations. However, the European Commission (EC) has not yet had its say on whether Latvia can do so, Latvian Television reported on October 16.
Rail Baltica's parliamentary commission looks at unfinished stations
Rail Baltica's parliamentary commission looks at unfinished stations
What to do with the Rail Baltica stations underway in the center of Riga and at the airport? There is no money to finish them, leaving them half-built is not really an option either. What to do then? That's what the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry into the Rail Baltica project tried to find out on Monday, October 14, at both construction sites. 
Former transport ministers under Rail Baltica inquiry scrutiny
Former transport ministers under Rail Baltica inquiry scrutiny
On Wednesday, October 9, three former Ministers of Transport, during whose time the Rail Baltica project was developed, were questioned at the meeting of the Rail Baltica Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry, Latvian Television reported.
Latvians join Lithuanian evacuation flight out of Lebanon
Latvians join Lithuanian evacuation flight out of Lebanon
On Sunday, October 6, a total of 9 Latvian nationals and their family members arrived in Šiauliai, northern Lithuania from Lebanon on a Lithuanian military flight, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed.
airBaltic IPO will happen this year, says Latvian government
airBaltic IPO will happen this year, says Latvian government
An initial public offering (IPO) of shares in Latvian national airline 'airBaltic' should be carried out before the end of this year, after which the state's stake in the airline will decrease from the current 97.97% to 25% plus one share, the government decided in a closed session on Friday, August 30, reports LTV.
PM Siliņa declines idea of raising VAT in Latvia
PM Siliņa declines idea of raising VAT in Latvia
In the next year's budget, it is planned to change some taxes. However, there is as yet no clarity on what the specific changes will be and when the public might find out. The Prime Minister has, however, ruled out raising the rate of value-added tax (VAT), Siliņa told Latvian Television August 12.
Rail Baltica project in Latvia struggles to make ends meet
Rail Baltica project in Latvia struggles to make ends meet
It has previously been publicly stated that the amount needed to meet the current commitments with the builders for the Rail Baltica project is €39 million. Part of this was allocated by the government last week to pay the bills. Project implementers say this is far from enough, Latvian Television reported on August 4.
Tērvete nature park to be closed for a while in storm aftermath
Tērvete nature park to be closed for a while in storm aftermath
Tērvete Nature Park had not fully recovered from last August's storm, which knocked down a large number of trees. Unfortunately, the park has not been spared this year either. The park will be closed to visitors for at least a month, Latvian Television reported August 2.
Conscription no-show for eight young people in Latvia
Conscription no-show for eight young people in Latvia
Last week, July 19, the third conscription of the State Defence Service (VAD) started its military service. 450 young people were due to join, but 15 fewer arrived in Ādaži. Some of them had an excuse, others did not tell anyone about their absence. What happens to those who avoid the service?
Latvia plans customs fee for all shipments from third countries
Latvia plans customs fee for all shipments from third countries
Online shopping via cheap shops such as AliExpress and Temu has become very popular in the EU, including Latvia. The price of these goods will likely rise slightly in the coming years as they will be subject to additional import duties. The fact that there is none at the moment puts local traders at a disadvantage, Latvian Television reported July 21.
Historical tram depot to be reconstructed in Rīga
Historical tram depot to be reconstructed in Rīga
The municipal public transport company Rīgas Satiksme is currently reconstructing the tram depot No 5 at Gaisa Bridge. As the depot was originally built more than 120 years ago, the company is obliged to preserve its historical heritage, Latvian Television reported July 2.
Company reportedly fell victim to million-euro phone fraud
Company reportedly fell victim to million-euro phone fraud
Cases of fraud on the Internet and over the phone have become so commonplace that almost everyone has come across attempts by fraudsters to steal data or money. One particular case was experienced this year, when a million euros were defrauded from a company at one time through the company's accountant, reported Latvian Television May 28.
What will be the fate of Latvia's old locomotives?
What will be the fate of Latvia's old locomotives?
The national "Pasažieru vilciens" (Passenger train, PV) rail company is slowly replacing its old trains with new ones, though for now the old trains are still standing in the depot. Latvian Television looked at what will ultimately become of them.
'Latvian Wind Park' turbines could arrive in 2028
'Latvian Wind Park' turbines could arrive in 2028
Almost two years ago, the country's largest companies - energy giant Latvenergo and Latvian State Forests - announced that they would develop a joint project of wiind farms. The company "Latvijas Vēja parks" (Latvian Wind Park, LVP) was set up at the time. The first parks could be operational in 2028, Latvian Television reported on May 26.
Banks see potential for lending increases in Latvia
Banks see potential for lending increases in Latvia
The sluggish lending by banks is widely cited as one of the problems of Latvia's economic underdevelopment. But, as the banks' own data show, this has the potential to change. There is interest in borrowing from both citizens and businesses, and the banks themselves are also interested in lending, Latvian Television reported on May 15.
Latvian state decoration given to Canada's army commander
Latvian state decoration given to Canada's army commander
In gratitude for his significant contribution to the promotion of mutual cooperation between Latvia and Canada in the military field and strengthening the security and defense of Latvia, on May 13, the President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs presented the Order of Viesturs, First Class, to General Wayne Eyre, Commander of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Latvia plans compensations for those living near wind turbines
Latvia plans compensations for those living near wind turbines
There have been years of fighting between residents and wind farm developers, and over the years Latvia has fallen well behind its neighbors in the development of wind energy. Latvia now plans to implement a compensation system for those whose properties are close to wind turbines, Latvian Television reported on May 5.
"Latvijas Gāze" dividends payment to Russian companies challenged in court
"Latvijas Gāze" dividends payment to Russian companies challenged in court
How correct is it that the Latvian gas company "Latvijas gāze" paid out several million euros in dividends to Russian state companies on its profits last summer? This question has been brought to court. The case against the company was brought by lawyer Mārtiņš Kvēps, who believes that the fact that we are allowing dividends to end up in the hands of the Kremlin is a stain on the entire country, Latvian Television reported on May 2. 

Energy prices soared around the world after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This helped energy companies, including Latvijas gāze, to make good profits. Coupled with the company's retained earnings from previous years, Latvijas gāze could pay out a significant sum to its shareholders - almost €110 million.
Why weren't Kariņš' flight issues caught earlier?
Why weren't Kariņš' flight issues caught earlier?
In Latvia, the main audit authority – State Audit Office – carries out annual inspections of all main public institutions, including the State Chancellery. One of the loudest scandals in Latvian politics in recent months has been linked to the State Chancellery – the special flights of former PM Krišjānis Kariņš. Why did the State Audit Office not reveal these violations before? Latvian Television asked the question on April 18.
Stopping trade with Russia debated in Latvia
Stopping trade with Russia debated in Latvia
Along with discussions on the need to exclude manganese ore from Latvian transit, talks have started on whether Latvia should abandon trade with aggressors altogether. But how much would it cost Latvia, how many people would lose their jobs, and what impact would such a step have on the Latvian economy? Latvian Television surveyed a few experts on March 25.
Police chief: We will be strict during Russia's 'elections'
Police chief: We will be strict during Russia's 'elections'
State Police (VP) is preparing for intense work this weekend when Russia's presidential “election” takes place. Police anticipate various provocations and promise to take harsh action against them, said police chief Armands Ruks on Latvian Television on March 14.
Unity denies allegations of tax evasion
Unity denies allegations of tax evasion
An envelope wage scandal in the prime minister's party Unity has been made public by former party office employee Normunds Orleāns. The political force calls this a lie. The allegations will still be assessed by the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB), Latvian Television reported on March 11.
Cash payments set to come under closer scrutiny in Latvia
Cash payments set to come under closer scrutiny in Latvia
Latvia's residents deposit approximately 2 billion euros into Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs or bankomāti) annually. Such a large amount raises suspicions that some of that cash may be part of tax avoidance measures. 
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