Commentary
Latvian security service offers its take on Ukraine peace talks
Latvian security service offers its take on Ukraine peace talks
The Constitution Protection Bureau (SAB), one of Latvia's three security services, has published its latest analysis piece. This time the subject under examination is the prospect of peace talks to end Russia's war in Ukraine. SAB's take is reproduced in full below.
The imaginative audience: why you should see 'Flow'
The imaginative audience: why you should see 'Flow'
There are many valid reasons to watch Latvia's Academy Award entry for 2024, the animated film 'Straume' ('Flow'): technical excellence, a strong original ambient score, pan-generational appeal and – at least as far as Latvian audiences are concerned – a certain patriotic duty to support local creative artists, of which director Gints Zilbalodis is potentially the most eminent example.
Detecting anomalies in cross-border payments with machine learning
Detecting anomalies in cross-border payments with machine learning
The level of money laundering risk in the national financial system is determined by assessing both the threats posed by money laundering activities and the vulnerability of the anti-money laundering framework. In threat assessment, analysing cross-border payment flows and their proportionality to the national economy, including factors such as foreign trade and direct investments, plays a crucial role.
Latvia Cans the Laughter: Unveiling Propaganda in Russian Comedy
Latvia Cans the Laughter: Unveiling Propaganda in Russian Comedy
As of July this year, Latvia’s National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP), the country’s media watchdog, has banned the retransmission and distribution of 142 Russian TV channels. Entertainment programs, including popular comedy shows familiar to Latvian audiences, are a staple of Russian television. Although these shows are often perceived as purely for entertainment and free from political influence, this is a misconception.
Paris protest, Latvian insight: Street art and disinformation
Paris protest, Latvian insight: Street art and disinformation
This June, five coffins filled with plaster, draped in French flags, and inscribed with "French soldiers in Ukraine" were discovered near the Eiffel Tower. At first, it seemed like an anonymous protest by the French against their government’s consideration of sending military personnel to Ukraine. But police soon detained three foreign nationals who had been paid 400 euros to deposit the coffins.
Would it be wise to raise VAT from 21% to 22%?
Would it be wise to raise VAT from 21% to 22%?
A discussion is ongoing regarding a potential increase in the Latvian standard VAT rate from 21% to 22%. There are good arguments in favor of such an increase but also strong arguments against. In the following piece, I would like to present some of both but start with some basic facts regarding VAT in Latvia as well as taxation in general.
SAB on 'Russia's hybrid threats: trends and developments'
SAB on 'Russia's hybrid threats: trends and developments'
The Constitution Protection Bureau (SAB) – one of Latvia's three security services – has published the latest in a series of commentaries on topical issues. This time the subject under examination is the Russian hybrid threat. The commentary is reproduced in unedited form below. More articles are available at the website www.sab.gov.lv.
Has foreign trade activity passed its lowest point in Latvia?
Has foreign trade activity passed its lowest point in Latvia?
In the fourth quarter of 2023, Latvia's current account deficit stood at 1.6% of the gross domestic product (GDP), with the amount of funds injected into the Latvian economy by residents of other countries being 176 million euro less than that paid for transactions conducted with other countries.
Latvia Weekly podcast available
Latvia Weekly podcast available
Here's a reminder that the independent 'Latvia Weekly' podcast is available for anyone wanting to fill their ears with English-language discussion of Latvian current affairs.
Is it worth refinancing a housing loan in Latvia?
Is it worth refinancing a housing loan in Latvia?
A new piece of analysis by Latvian central bank economists Kārlis Vilerts, Konstantīns Beņkovskis and Artūrs Jānis Ņikitins ponders a question that is likely on the minds of many homeowners at present – is it time to think about changing current mortgage arrangements? 
2024: an opportunity for Latvia to become a major Web3 hub in Europe
2024: an opportunity for Latvia to become a major Web3 hub in Europe
Latvia's international competitiveness must be built on innovation in the digital sector, and the adoption of appropriate regulation could allow the Web3 and blockchain industry to become part of Latvia's economic identity. Next year will be crucial for Latvia's ability to position itself as a country open to innovation in financial sector, writes Reinis Znotiņš, Executive Director at the Latvian Blockchain Association.
No surprises: inflation is low
No surprises: inflation is low
In November, the average level of prices in Latvia remained unchanged month on month, with annual inflation falling to 1.0%. 
Digitalization of healthcare in Latvia – why, how and for whom?
Digitalization of healthcare in Latvia – why, how and for whom?
The importance of digitalization in and of healthcare has been placed into focus for several years and although there are systems in many countries, the full potential of it has not been fully implemented. In Latvia, the process has intensified recently, but what does it mean in practical terms? Kadi Lubi, Kristaps Krafte and Ieva Dzirkale offer their thoughts on the matter on behalf of the American Chamber of Commerce in Latvia.
Are Latvians REALLY heavily taxed?
Are Latvians REALLY heavily taxed?
Are Latvians heavily taxed? Ask ten Latvians this question and eleven of them will answer yes… At least, joke aside, that is my feeling after living many years in Latvia. The truth, however, is different.
Exploring the mysteries and metaphysics of Latvian cemetery traditions
Exploring the mysteries and metaphysics of Latvian cemetery traditions
The very particular Latvian tradition of tending graves and burial plots is included in the nation's cultural canon and plays an important role in Latvian society. Although attitudes towards death, dying and burial have attracted a lot of attention from anthropoligical researchers around the world, surprisingly little is known about the practice of visiting cemeteries, according to Madara Oga-Timofejeva, a student of social anthropology at Riga Stradins University (RSU), who writes below about her research project.

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