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/features/commentary/05.06.2026-ukraines-lesson-for-latvia-digital-resilience-and-national-security.a650082/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:21:21 GMT 650082 While recent attention in security discussions has focused on drones crossing Latvian airspace, we must not forget that another critical area of defence is our cyberspace and critical digital infrastructure. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/03.06.2026-what-do-free-trade-deals-with-india-south-america-and-australia-mean-for-latvia.a649644/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:44:28 GMT 649644 Does anyone know or remember the exact Trump tariffs vis-à-vis the European Union? I don’t, I shall admit. But given all direct impact on trade with the US (smaller) and the indirect impact on trade (also smaller) via confusion and hesitation, postponement of investment etc., it is nice to see that the EU (some 450 million people) has managed free trade deals with three very big players. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/01.06.2026-study-shows-latvians-are-liberal-conservative-and-often-both-at-once.a649593/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:21:00 GMT 649593 When it comes to social values ​​in Latvia, about half of voters lean 'liberal', and half 'conservative'. The picture is different when it comes to economic issues – the majority are left-wing and want a large welfare state that takes care of its citizens, according to a recently published study "Political Spectrums in Latvia" (attached below in its full English-language version). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/26.05.2026-licensing-regulation-infrastructure-a-foundation-for-latvias-fintech-growth.a648750/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 26 May 2026 08:07:00 GMT 648750 The objectives set out in Latvia’s Fintech Strategy, approved by the government at the end of last year, to increase the number of fintech companies in Latvia by a third, create new jobs in the sector, attract new investments, and enable Latvia to become a competitive European fintech hub – are ambitious. Only with all participants in the fintech ecosystem playing their part can we achieve them. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/20.04.2026-listen-edward-lucas-gives-his-take-on-baltic-security-situation.a643687/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:25:00 GMT 643687 The distinguished British geopolitical commentator and analyst Edward Lucas recently spoke with Latvian Radio's Brīvības bulvāris current affairs programme, casting his expert eye over the current international landscape. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/08.03.2026-why-do-women-still-have-to-choose-between-being-a-good-mother-and-an-effective-leader.a637298/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 08 Mar 2026 06:46:00 GMT 637298 On March 8th, as we mark International Women’s Day, public discussions often focus on women’s achievements, inspiring leadership stories, and equal opportunities. In many international indicators, Latvia appears to perform well: women have a high level of education, strong participation in the labour market, and formally equal rights. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/03.03.2026-from-dial-up-internet-to-ai-35-years-of-technological-development-in-latvia.a637232/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:17:44 GMT 637232 In March, Latvia hosts Digital Week as part of the wider European initiative ALL Digital Weeks2026. It is an opportune moment to reflect on what has been achieved in the field of digital development. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/16.02.2026-is-generation-z-really-too-lazy-and-demanding-of-employers.a634806/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:52:00 GMT 634806 Generation Z - often referred to as Gen Z or “zoomers” - is surrounded by a wide range of stereotypes, particularly when it comes to their attitude toward work. They are frequently described as lazy, unwilling to work overtime, overly demanding toward employers, and ready to quit their jobs at the first sign of dissatisfaction. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/27.01.2026-on-site-work-an-obligation-or-an-opportunity.a631596/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:07:14 GMT 631596 Latvian business practice shows that a full return to on-site work has not become the dominant trend following the changes caused by the Covid pandemic. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/15.01.2026-is-latvia-destined-to-remain-in-bronze-medal-position-among-the-baltic-states.a629906/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:29:00 GMT 629906 A recurring question in the economic debate in Latvia is: "Why is Latvia the poorest of the three Baltic countries?' which is closely followed by the additional question "Is it likely/realistic to move to second or even first place?" https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/06.01.2026-what-will-2026-bring-for-the-capital-markets.a628779/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:28:00 GMT 628779 2025 turned out to be a paradoxical pseudo roller-coaster ride that was more frightening than shocking.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/19.12.2025-russia-built-a-school-to-trenches-conveyor-belt-for-children-is-the-west-ready.a627141/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 19 Dec 2025 08:35:00 GMT 627141 Western policymakers often treat “soft” humanitarian concerns—such as returning Ukrainian children from Russia—as separate from “hard” security issues like future defense guarantees for Ukraine. In reality, these cannot be disentangled. What happens to the children taken to Russia or living under occupation is fundamental to the long-term security of Ukraine and Europe. Russia’s systematic indoctrination and militarization of both its own and Ukrainian youth reveals not only its intention to prolong the conflict but also its blueprint for sustaining a long-term flow of loyal, combat-ready soldiers. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/15.11.2025-do-latvians-know-how-to-be-proud-of-themselves.a622507/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 15 Nov 2025 09:32:32 GMT 622507 Estonia is often praised as a fully digital nation with accessible, high-quality e-services, while Lithuania is known for its targeted state support and clearly defined digital priorities. That is how we, Latvians tend to speak about our neighbours. But how often do we celebrate the achievements of Latvia’s own IT sector - and how well do we even know them? https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/05.11.2025-no-lexit-for-now-saeima-to-tread-water-on-istanbul-convention.a621186/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:22:00 GMT 621186 Following a massive domestic and international outcry, Latvia's parliament has at the last minute cast anchor on its exit of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, commonly known as the Istanbul Convention. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/30.10.2025-now-latvia-has-some-explaining-to-do.a620387/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 30 Oct 2025 21:29:00 GMT 620387 On October 30th, a majority of Saeima deputies voted for Latvia to leave the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, commonly known as the Istanbul Convention. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/22.10.2025-does-technology-reduce-our-sense-of-security.a619312/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 22 Oct 2025 06:10:16 GMT 619312 October has been marked across Europe and Latvia as Cybersecurity Month – a time when we focus on digital safety, revisiting the fundamentals of online protection and examining the latest data. Technology and digitalization have a profound impact not only on our habits and behaviour but also on our sense of security – one of the most essential human needs. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/01.10.2025-ai-both-replaces-and-creates-jobs-will-the-net-balance-be-positive.a616436/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 01 Oct 2025 08:00:00 GMT 616436 Artificial intelligence (AI) will take jobs from us, replacing one profession or another – this is a statement we increasingly hear when discussing AI’s impact on the labor market. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/24.09.2025-indonesia-or-sri-lanka-no-need-to-ask-ai.a615630/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:17:00 GMT 615630 I like to work in libraries. I prefer working in libraries to working in an office or at home. I simply like libraries. They represent something overwhelmingly positive in our culture – in all cultures, in fact. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/04.09.2025-what-effect-will-the-trump-tariffs-have-on-the-latvian-economy.a613008/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 04 Sep 2025 07:46:00 GMT 613008 What size tariffs, on which countries and on which products have been put in motion by the US' Trump adinistration? I must admit that I am lost regarding the details, but it seems to be a 15% tariff on most EU goods, while the EU did not retaliate. Or perhaps I am wrong. It has not been easy to follow. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/01.09.2025-what-does-it-take-to-build-a-successful-social-enterprise.a612538/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 01 Sep 2025 09:26:00 GMT 612538 A recently published European Social Enterprise Monitor report reveals that only one-third of social enterprises in Europe are financially sustainable. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/26.08.2025-why-streamlining-bureaucracy-matters-for-latvia.a611580/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 26 Aug 2025 06:50:57 GMT 611580 Latvia’s government has only a few months left to “cut bureaucracy” by 25%, as it promised at the start of this year. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/24.08.2025-what-does-this-summer-teach-us-about-the-future-of-agriculture.a611514/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 24 Aug 2025 08:13:13 GMT 611514 This summer’s heavy rainfall has created an unusual situation for agriculture. In many regions, fields have been severely flooded, making it impossible to harvest crops and causing significant losses for farmers. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/22.08.2025-how-can-latvias-it-sector-grow-sustainably.a611253/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 23 Aug 2025 07:37:44 GMT 611253 For many, the IT sector is associated with high salaries and fierce competition for talent. Yet data shows that in recent years the industry’s “heat” has cooled, shifting to a more moderate pace. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/15.08.2025-liga-zuka-latvias-health-technology-innovation-environment-is-infertile.a610515/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 16 Aug 2025 12:58:15 GMT 610515 There is no shortage of smart minds in Latvia. At the same time, there are also plenty of good ideas and scientific foundations on which to build the future of healthcare. We have universities, researchers, and knowledge centres capable of creating competitive technologies. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/25.07.2025-the-matrix-effect-why-does-pop-culture-create-fear-of-artificial-intelligence.a607948/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 25 Jul 2025 08:17:21 GMT 607948 In pop culture—particularly in films—the idea that technology could take over and begin to control humanity is a common theme. These narratives often serve as warnings about the unchecked development of technology or society’s growing dependency on it. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/21.07.2025-how-dating-apps-can-be-a-hybrid-warfare-tool.a607493/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:46:07 GMT 607493 The question of how to avoid falling into a disinformation trap when looking for romantic relationships online has been under scrutiny in Bulgaria, where researchers have observed attempts to deceive the public through dating apps. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/16.07.2025-what-where-when-reflection-of-climate-risks-in-financial-stability-reports.a606976/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:47:39 GMT 606976 The topic of climate is becoming increasingly prominent in society, as people grow more aware of climate change and feel it firsthand. Google Trend data (Chart 1) show the following trends: https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/07.07.2025-can-latvia-reduce-digital-system-failures-without-major-investments.a605829/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 07 Jul 2025 07:54:54 GMT 605829 From time to time, we hear about various issues with digital solutions in the public domain. Discussions on how to resolve these challenges often intensify around municipal elections, with the recent ones a perfect example. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/14.06.2025-will-we-control-technology-or-will-technology-control-us.a603167/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 15 Jun 2025 15:09:13 GMT 603167 In the era of digital transformation, technology is reshaping how we work, live, make decisions — and even how we connect with one another. One of the most crucial questions we must answer today is: will we be able to control technology, or will it control us? https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/12.06.2025-three-future-scenarios-for-generative-ai-in-education.a602983/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 12 Jun 2025 09:00:00 GMT 602983 The advent of ChatGPT and other generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in education has been phenomenal. Many schools and universities are still trying to understand how these technologies will impact traditional teaching methods and academic principles, as well as how to adapt to them in the future. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/11.06.2025-kaliningrad-a-threat-to-nato-or-a-weak-point-for-russia.a602884/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:41:24 GMT 602884 The Kaliningrad region is a region belonging to Russia, which is not connected to its main land territory, making it an 'exclave'. On the one hand, Kaliningrad has been one of the most militarized regions of Russia. But on the other hand, Russia was forced to withdraw its military forces to send them to the front in Ukraine. Today, Kaliningrad, being dependent on natural gas, is also becoming a burden for Russia itself. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/10.06.2025-how-did-latvian-firms-exposed-to-russia-adapt-to-trade-sanctions.a602623/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 10 Jun 2025 08:00:00 GMT 602623 The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered a swift and far-reaching set of sanctions from the European Union. For Latvian firms doing business with Russia before 2022, this translated into a sudden and large external shock. How did these firms adapt? https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/05.06.2025-sab-the-intensity-of-russian-propaganda-as-an-indicator-of-the-national-threat-level.a601929/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 05 Jun 2025 07:31:00 GMT 601929 The Constitution Protection Bureau (SAB), one of Latvia's three national security services, has published a fresh piece of analysis under the title 'The intensity of Russian propaganda as an indicator of the national threat level'. We reproduce it below verbatim. This article is the latest in a series of articles on various topics which you can find at the SAB website here. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/30.05.2025-how-well-are-we-using-eu-funds.a601076/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 30 May 2025 10:00:22 GMT 601076 At the beginning of May, Latvia received its third payment from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility, amounting to €293 million. This brings the total disbursed funding to over €1 billion, or 55% of the total available. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/20.05.2025-smarter-it-solutions-needed-in-the-age-of-big-data.a599637/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 20 May 2025 07:51:11 GMT 599637 Digital technologies are becoming one of the key tools for the European Union on its path to a sustainable future. Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and other smart solutions are already helping reduce energy consumption, optimize resource use, and make businesses more environmentally friendly. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/24.04.2025-are-we-ready-for-new-cyber-threats-in-the-quantum-era.a596550/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:30:00 GMT 596550 Our lives are closely intertwined with digital technologies ranging from online banking and health data storage to national security systems. However, the era of quantum computing is rapidly approaching, promising a revolution in the world of technology, as well as serious cybersecurity challenges, warns Professor Andris Ambainis, Head of the Centre for Quantum Computing Science at the University of Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/23.04.2025-how-ma-deals-are-shaping-a-new-business-reality-in-the-baltics.a596272/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:01:38 GMT 596272 The number of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the Baltic business environment has grown significantly. More and more companies are opting for mergers and acquisitions to expand their market or customer base, acquire new technologies or expertise, increase company value and efficiency, and reduce competition. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/09.04.2025-how-unpleasant-monetary-policy-brought-down-unpleasant-inflation.a594761/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 10 Apr 2025 11:21:01 GMT 594761 The period between July 2021 and October 2023 was quite an unpleasant one for most of us: it was the period of high inflation, peaking here in Latvia at 21.7% in October-November 2022. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/07.04.2025-value-of-counterfeits-decreased-by-a-third-in-latvia-in-2024.a594459/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 07 Apr 2025 07:59:54 GMT 594459 In 2024, 1304 counterfeit euro banknotes and coins were detected in Latvia, including 593 and 711 counterfeit banknotes and coins respectively. Although the number of detected counterfeits has grown by 4% in comparison with 2023 (1248 counterfeits were detected in 2023, including 655 and 593 counterfeit banknotes and coins respectively), the value of counterfeits has decreased significantly (by 30%). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/02.04.2025-the-digital-euro-project-latest-developments-and-public-opinion.a593649/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 02 Apr 2025 08:45:18 GMT 593649 Recent geopolitical developments have intensified the debate on the need for a digital euro and its role in reinforcing the strategic autonomy of the euro area in the realm of digital payments. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/28.03.2025-artificial-intelligence-is-not-a-magic-bullet.a593303/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 28 Mar 2025 06:38:29 GMT 593303 These days, the widespread enthusiasm (and at the same time scepticism) about artificial intelligence sees it making headlines every day. In this interview with Labs of Latvia, the Head of the Latvian Association of Artificial Intelligence (MILA), Arvils Kupris, stresses that this technology is not a magic bullet but a specific tool that can be used by a much wider range of people than ever before. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/18.03.2025-looking-at-latvias-current-account-deficit.a591952/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 18 Mar 2025 08:28:05 GMT 591952 In the fourth quarter of 2024, the current account of Latvia's balance of payments registered a surplus of 84 million euro, i.e. 0.8% of gross domestic product (GDP). Overall, in 2024, the current account registered a deficit of 847 million euro, i.e. 2.1% of GDP. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/11.03.2025-digging-deeper-into-latvian-price-developments.a590053/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:33:02 GMT 590053 In a previous column I tried to argue against the Economics Ministry’s five proposals to reduce food prices. I stick to my arguments there but this column tries to highlight price developments in a more historical context – in short, what has happened since the beginning of this century and what can we learn from this? https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/22.02.2025-can-latvias-forest-owners-and-farmers-adapt-to-climate-change.a588797/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:52:30 GMT 588797 In a recent publication, researchers from the University of Latvia Life Sciences and Technologies department and the Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava" emphasized that as the climate warms, forest owners and farmers need to work smarter and expand their knowledge in order to adapt to the new conditions. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/17.02.2025-baltic-ma-market-should-be-set-to-grow-again-in-2025.a588091/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 17 Feb 2025 14:20:22 GMT 588091 Despite economic and geopolitical challenges, the Baltic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market experienced significant growth in 2024. Compared to 2023, the number of recorded transactions has increased by 42%, while transaction value has surged by 76%, reaching €2.1 billion. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/03.02.2025-deepseeks-popularity-and-cybersecurity-challenges-what-can-we-learn.a586255/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 03 Feb 2025 09:50:40 GMT 586255 China’s latest innovation – the artificial intelligence tool DeepSeek – has sparked significant resonance in the tech industry in recent weeks. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/24.01.2025-what-von-der-leyens-davos-remarks-mean-for-the-startup-community.a584996/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 24 Jan 2025 06:54:00 GMT 584996 The EU’s added value has always been its support for local initiatives. Since the formation of the European Union, its large-scale funding mechanisms have been designed to promote equal opportunities for all. Now Europe has taken a step further, committing to facilitate the scaling opportunities for startups across the EU. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/07.01.2025-are-latvias-food-price-rises-more-severe-than-elsewhere.a582676/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 07 Jan 2025 12:50:51 GMT 582676 On 29 October 2024, the Latvian Economics Ministry made five proposals to reduce food prices. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/30.12.2024-the-cynical-symbiosis-of-russias-church-and-state.a581882/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 30 Dec 2024 08:34:13 GMT 581882 On 16 December, the European Union adopted its latest package of economic and individual restrictive measures in response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Among other provisions, this sanctions package includes measures targeting the military unit responsible for the attack on Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital, Okhmadyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/features/commentary/16.12.2024-can-latvias-public-sector-be-modernized.a580354/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 16 Dec 2024 07:05:01 GMT 580354 Latvia’s status as the poorest of the three Baltic states has caused much (but perhaps not enough?) soul searching among Latvia’s political elite.