https://eng.lsm.lv/ eng.lsm.lv en https://eng.lsm.lv//assets/logo/lsm_hi.png https://eng.lsm.lv/ https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/saeima/14.06.2026-saeima-deputies-expenses-have-cost-more-than-a-million-euros.a651395/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 14 Jun 2026 09:30:58 GMT 651395 Members of Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, can receive substantial compensation for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, in addition to their wages, reports Latvian Television. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/14.06.2026-june-1941-mass-deportations-remembered-across-latvia.a650642/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 14 Jun 2026 09:09:00 GMT 650642 Events are taking place across Latvia on June 14th, as they do on every June 14th, to mark the Commemoration Day of the Victims of Communist Genocide. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/news-in-simple-latvian/14.06.2026-news-in-simple-latvian-13th-june-2026.a651394/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 14 Jun 2026 08:59:39 GMT 651394 Every evening at 21:00, Latvian Radio 1 broadcasts a five-minute summary of the day's news stories in a simplified language format called Ziņas vieglajā valodā ('News in simple language'). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/sport/13.06.2026-watch-again-latvia-versus-montenegro-mens-international-volleyball.a651137/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 13 Jun 2026 19:00:00 GMT 651137 Latvia takes on Montenegro on Saturday night in international European League competition. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/sport/13.06.2026-watch-again-latvia-versus-iceland-womens-international-volleyball.a651133/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 13 Jun 2026 16:50:00 GMT 651133 Latvia takes on Iceland on June 12th in a European League international volleyball match. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/features/13.06.2026-books-and-barons-the-latvian-return-of-freiherr-campenhausen.a651349/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 13 Jun 2026 09:45:00 GMT 651349 Lēdurga recently welcomed a special guest. A descendant of the Baltic-German family that founded the village returned for a private charity initiative – together with German-language books for the local library. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/news-in-simple-latvian/13.06.2026-news-in-simple-latvian-june-12th-2026.a651347/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 13 Jun 2026 08:25:27 GMT 651347 Every evening at 21:00, Latvian Radio 1 broadcasts a five-minute summary of the day's news stories in a simplified language format called Ziņas vieglajā valodā ('News in simple language'). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/12.06.2026-oecd-presents-numerous-ideas-to-improve-latvias-economy.a651325/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:58:00 GMT 651325 The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has published a new OECD Economic Survey of Latvia, which runs the rule over the current state of the Latvian economy and its future prospects. These surveys are conducted every two years for all OECD member states, with this one launched on the occasion of Latvia’s 10th anniversary of joining the OECD. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/12.06.2026-invitation-to-enjoy-european-archaeology-days-this-weekend-in-latvia.a651310/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:32:00 GMT 651310 This weekend sees several European Archaeology Days events taking place in Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/12.06.2026-where-to-find-crisis-information-in-latvia.a651245/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:48:00 GMT 651245 In the event of a major incident, crisis or military conflict in Latvia, there are several sources of information to which you can turn. Here is a brief summary of them with links provided. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/12.06.2026-spot-a-bear-tell-everyone-latvian-nature-agency-asks.a651272/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:06:00 GMT 651272 Brown bears are becoming increasingly common in Latvia, which is why public sightings are also becoming more important. The Nature Conservation Agency (DAP) urges anyone who has spotted a bear or signs of its presence to report it on the nature observation portal "Dabas dati", providing as accurate information as possible and, if possible, a photograph (but don't go out of your way to take one). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/election/12.06.2026-latvias-election-digital-platform-developing-smoothly-says-agency.a651265/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:39:58 GMT 651265 Digital election system development is going according to plan, said State Digital Development Agency (VDAA) on June 12. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/12.06.2026-what-hinders-rigas-construction-pace.a651260/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:15:13 GMT 651260 How easy is it to start building a house in Riga? This was investigated by representatives of the LaSER think tank, who regularly monitor the development of Rīga and other Latvian cities. The experts concluded that the process is fragmented and that there are currently two spatial plans in effect in Rīga, Latvian Radio reported on June 12. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/weather/weather/12.06.2026-no-heat-expected-in-latvia-in-coming-days.a651255/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:05:42 GMT 651255 Rainy weather will continue in Latvia over the next few days, and no heat is expected, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/12.06.2026-latvia-and-portugal-get-new-cargo-shipping-connection.a651243/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:48:16 GMT 651243 Shipping company Ocean Network Express (ONE) has launched a new weekly route through the Port of Riga – Iberia Baltic Express (IBX). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/culture/12.06.2026-latvian-actor-pauls-butkevics-passes-away.a651235/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:30:37 GMT 651235 Latvian actor Pauls Butkēvičs, who played approximately 150 roles during his film career, has died at the age of 85, announced Marta Bite, the chairwoman of the board of the Latvian Cinematographers' Union, citing information from the actor's relatives.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/12.06.2026-latvianestonian-twin-city-festival-taking-place.a651229/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 09:20:00 GMT 651229 The twin cities of Valka (Latvia) and Valga (Estonia) are the place or places to head to this weekend as they celebrate their joint city festival. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/12.06.2026-ukrainian-vehicles-will-be-parked-by-freedom-monument-in-riga.a651223/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 09:04:29 GMT 651223 Specialized vehicles used in evacuation missions from the Ukrainian front will be temporarily stationed at the Freedom Monument in central Rīga from June 13th to June 18th.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/culture/12.06.2026-three-for-the-weekend-rainbows-beer-final-festival.a651215/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:49:00 GMT 651215 Festivals galore! What will it be this weekend? https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/12.06.2026-traffic-restrictions-during-riga-pride-march-on-saturday.a651209/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:35:46 GMT 651209 Due to the Riga Pride 2026 parade and following events at the Esplanāde Park on Saturday, June 13, traffic restrictions will be in place in the city centre, the Rīga City Council said. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/12.06.2026-watch-again-kiva-programme-anti-bullying-conference.a651208/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:33:00 GMT 651208 As previously reported by LSM, the KiVa anti-bullying programme conference is taking place in Rīga on Friday and features speakers from Finland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic, with the aim of sharing experience, knowledge, and inspiration. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/12.06.2026-agriculture-output-prices-down-in-first-quarter.a651204/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:23:25 GMT 651204 In the first quarter of 2026, the average price of agricultural output in the EU decreased by 2.9% compared with the same quarter in 2025. This was a slightly higher rate of decline than that of the last quarter of 2025 (-1.7%) according to data on agricultural price indices published by Eurostat. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/12.06.2026-latvia-risks-being-kicked-out-of-space-affairs.a651199/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:01:05 GMT 651199 Latvia joined the European Space Agency in 2020; however, funding for the country’s continued membership is no longer included in the multiannual budget for next year, according to Minister of Education and Science Ilze Indriksone (National Alliance). Is Latvia’s membership in the agency at risk? There is no answer to that yet, Latvian Television reported on June 11. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/12.06.2026-wider-buffer-zone-planned-along-latvian-border.a651192/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:54:45 GMT 651192 To strengthen the security of the country’s borders and maintain its infrastructure, a 30-metre buffer zone is planned to be established along Latvia’s external land border. This is provided for in the urgent amendments to the Protective Zone Law, which were supported in the final reading by the Saeima on Thursday, June 11, as reported by the Saeima Press Service. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/saeima/12.06.2026-latvian-saeima-nays-banning-cage-raised-chickens.a651191/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:42:00 GMT 651191 On Thursday, June 11, the Saeima rejected in the first reading the proposed amendments to the Animal Protection Law, which would have banned the keeping of laying hens in cages with a transition period until 2032. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/12.06.2026-church-loses-roof-in-storm-in-bebrene-latvia.a651189/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:33:00 GMT 651189 In Bebrene Parish, Augšdaugava Municipality, strong winds tore off approximately two-thirds of the roof of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Thursday, June 11 evening, confirmed Pēteris Dzalbe, executive director of the Augšdaugava Municipality. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/news-in-simple-latvian/12.06.2026-news-in-simple-latvian-11th-june-2026.a651188/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:27:22 GMT 651188 Every evening at 21:00, Latvian Radio 1 broadcasts a five-minute summary of the day's news stories in a simplified language format called Ziņas vieglajā valodā ('News in simple language'). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/11.06.2026-31555-ukrainians-currently-have-refuge-in-latvia.a651139/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:15:00 GMT 651139 More than 31,000 Ukrainians are currently finding refuge in Latvia, according to the latest Eurostat figures. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/11.06.2026-senior-tax-official-poor-political-decision-making-encourages-smuggling.a651128/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:34:45 GMT 651128 Political decisions, including ill-thought-through bans on e-cigarettes and flavoured liquids, have encouraged smuggling, said Baiba Šmite-Roķe, Director General of the State Revenue Service (VID), at a forum on smuggling issues on Thursday. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/saeima/11.06.2026-latvias-insolvency-service-is-itself-liquidated.a651126/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:27:26 GMT 651126 On Thursday, June 11, Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, adopted amendments to the Insolvency Law and related laws in the final reading, which liquidate the Insolvency Control Service and transfer its functions to the Ministry of Justice, the Court Administration and the Latvian Association of Insolvency Administrators. From now on, the Ministry of Justice will have to supervise insolvency administrators. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/business/11.06.2026-latvian-company-buys-estonian-fish-processor.a651096/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:38:50 GMT 651096 Latvian AS "Brīvais vilnis" has bought the Estonian fish processing company "Saare Kala Tootmine", the company said in a statement. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/11.06.2026-latvians-spent-eur-18-billion-on-short-trips-last-year.a651084/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:26:03 GMT 651084 According to the data of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB), published on June 11, in 2025, residents of Latvia spent a total of EUR 1,799 billion on short trips around Latvia and abroad. Domestic tourism declined slightly last year, while the number of trips abroad increased.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/11.06.2026-latvian-border-guards-issue-wedding-reminder.a651061/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:17:21 GMT 651061 As the summer wedding season begins, the Latvian State Border Guard is calling on newlyweds to pay attention to the preparation of travel documents such as passports and eID cards to avoid what might become a disappointing and extremely short honeymoon. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/11.06.2026-latvian-police-apprehend-drunken-quad-biker-with-kid.a651055/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:48:37 GMT 651055 State Police officers detained a quadricycle driver after a chase in Bauska, who, ignoring repeated requests to stop, tried to flee from law enforcement officers. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/11.06.2026-puffy-pillows-half-a-million-cigarettes-found-labelled-as-bed-linen.a651052/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:28:27 GMT 651052 Officials of the Customs Department of the State Revenue Service (VID) have seized more than half a million contraband cigarettes that were labelled as 'bed linen' in import documents. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/11.06.2026-public-warned-to-be-on-guard-against-telephone-pension-scam.a651050/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:18:52 GMT 651050 A warning has been issued about a currently popular telephone fraud scheme operating in Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/11.06.2026-survey-suggests-nearly-everyone-in-latvia-feels-financial-stress.a651047/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:10:10 GMT 651047 A recent survey by Swedbank Latvia shows that 92% of residents experience financial stress in various forms, Swedbank said in a release on June 11. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/politics/saeima/11.06.2026-former-pm-and-ministers-resume-their-saeima-seats.a651039/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:36:43 GMT 651039 On Thursday, June 11, the parliamentary seats of former Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) and two former ministers were reinstated.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/11.06.2026-local-road-washed-out-after-maintenance-in-latvia.a651032/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:57:03 GMT 651032 Shortly after ditch-cleaning work carried out by "Latvian State Roads" on the Ugāle–Cirkale–Zlēkas section of the Ventspils municipality road, the road was washed out, and potholes that pose a danger to traffic quickly formed. "Latvian State Roads" promises to repair the damage, but additional reinforcement of the ditches is not planned, TV Kurzeme reported. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/11.06.2026-diaspora-youth-will-be-subject-to-obligatory-defence-service-in-latvia.a651028/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:32:00 GMT 651028 Starting next year, Latvian citizens living abroad will also be eligible for conscription into the mandatory State Defence Service. According to rough estimates, 1,000 young people in the UK could meet the requirements for national defence service next year; however, interest from the diaspora has been very low so far. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/11.06.2026-unauthorised-gmo-tomatoes-found-in-latvia.a651022/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 05:31:22 GMT 651022 The Plant Protection Service has discovered the sale of unauthorised genetically modified tomato seedlings in Latvia. The variety in question is dark purple in colour and was developed by a U.S. biotechnology company, Latvian Radio reported on June 10. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/11.06.2026-balticovo-hopes-to-egg-cel-with-new-production-plant.a651021/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 05:19:52 GMT 651021 On Wednesday, June 10, the new production complex of the egg production company "Balticovo" was officially opened in Iecava; approximately 120 million euros were invested in its construction, the company reported. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/news-in-simple-latvian/11.06.2026-news-in-simple-latvian-10th-june-2026.a651020/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 11 Jun 2026 05:07:27 GMT 651020 Every evening at 21:00, Latvian Radio 1 broadcasts a five-minute summary of the day's news stories in a simplified language format called Ziņas vieglajā valodā ('News in simple language'). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/music/10.06.2026-latvian-rock-musician-johnny-salamander-dies-aged-60.a651005/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:05:56 GMT 651005 Latvian rock musician Jānis Gūža, better known by his stage name Johnny Salamander, passed away on the morning of June 10 at the age of 60, his family announced on Facebook. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/10.06.2026-riga-central-markets-meat-pavilion-ordered-to-close-immediately.a651004/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:03:00 GMT 651004 The State Construction Control Bureau (BVKB) inspected the Meat Pavilion at Rīga Central Market on Wednesday, and as of Thursday, June 11, it will be closed. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/10.06.2026-using-nato-jets-to-down-drones-not-a-long-term-solution-say-latvian-president-and-pm.a650951/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT 650951 The use of NATO fighter jets to protect Latvian airspace and shoot down foreign drones, which happened for the first time in Latvia on Monday, is not a long-term solution. Instead, the country should focus on developing and strengthening its air defence capabilities. This was stated by President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (Joint List) at their weekly press conference after a bilateral meeting on Wednesday, June 10th (video below). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/video/10.06.2026-actor-richard-gere-talks-tibetan-buddhism-on-latvian-television.a650948/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:16:00 GMT 650948 The popular Hollywood actor Richard Gere appeared on Latvian television's Viens pret Vienu (One on One) in-depth interview show this week, talking mainly about the role of Buddhism in his life. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/weather/weather/10.06.2026-orange-alert-for-rain-and-hail-in-latvia-on-thursday.a650949/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:08:00 GMT 650949 Heavy rain is expected in Latvia on Thursday, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/10.06.2026-flights-diverted-from-riga-to-tallinn-over-drone-suspicions-tuesday.a650931/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:49:00 GMT 650931 Two planes en route to Rīga were diverted to Tallinn Airport on Tuesday evening. Passengers shared this information on the social media platform Facebook, where the discussion has since been deleted. A representative from “Latvian Air Traffic” explained that the flights were diverted due to a drone that was reportedly spotted, but unconfirmed, Latvian Radio reports on June 10. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defence/10.06.2026-latvian-and-polish-ammo-makers-to-cooperate.a650929/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:24:35 GMT 650929 Latvian ammunition manufacturer Ammunity said on June 10th it has started to cooperate with one of Poland’s most important defence companies.