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/economy/employment/16.07.2026-women-have-longer-working-lives-than-men-in-latvia.a655322/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:38:55 GMT 655322 Based on 2025 data published  by Eurostat on July 16th, people aged 15 and over in the EU are expected to work on average 37.5 years, up from 37.2 in 2024. Since 2016, the expected duration of working life in the EU has increased by 2.3 years, from 35.2 to 37.5. However, this indicator differs significantly between EU countries. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/16.07.2026-media-speculates-about-airbaltic-short-term-financing.a655317/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:42:35 GMT 655317 Latvian national airline airBaltic plans to seek short-term financing from bondholders, reports LSM's Latvian language service, which in turn cites the LETA newswire, which in turn cites Reuters, which cites a company statement. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/16.07.2026-riga-to-get-a-few-more-cycle-lanes.a655306/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:40:08 GMT 655306 To improve the availability of cycling infrastructure and promote safe cycling in the centre of the Latvian capital, Riga Municipality plans to create new sections of cycle lanes on Lāčplēša, Marijas, Šarlotes and Dzirnavu streets. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/15.07.2026-riga-bridge-repairs-likely-to-cause-traffic-disruption.a655219/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:48:00 GMT 655219 During the extensive renovation of the Vanšu Bridge in central Rīga the carriageway could be  completely closed to private vehicles with only public transport and emergency services able to use it. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/15.07.2026-why-did-daugavpils-sell-its-buses-its-complicated.a655159/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:08:00 GMT 655159 Daugavpils City Municipality-owned company SIA "Daugavpils autobusu parks" (Daugavpils bus park) has been sold for 1.48 million euros to SIA "RTS grupa". The deal has not yet been finalized, but the municipality has emphasized that no significant changes are expected for passengers - buses will continue to run according to the current schedule, as the transportation contract concluded with the state remains in force.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/business/15.07.2026-rezekne-to-host-second-dual-use-export-forum.a655132/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:23:29 GMT 655132 Latvia's eastern city of Rēzekne will host the second “Latvian Dual-Use Export Forum” at the “GORS” concert hall on 7th September, it has been confirmed. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/14.07.2026-new-vat-rules-seem-to-be-applied-properly-in-latvia.a655014/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:26:42 GMT 655014 The Consumer Rights Protection Center (PTAC) has concluded that recently-introduced changes to value added tax (VAT, or PVN in Latvian) rates on four food product groups (eggs, milk, fresh poultry meat and bread), have in general been applied fairly by retailers. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/13.07.2026-latvian-startup-launches-transport-sector-reputation-network.a654856/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:24:18 GMT 654856 CarrierTrust, a Latvia-based startup, has launched an EU-focused reputation network for the European transport and logistics industry, reports Labs of Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/business/13.07.2026-latvia-buys-back-forest-from-swedish-owners-for-26-million-euros.a654854/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:10:00 GMT 654854 The Latvian state-owned company AS "Latvijas Valsts meži" (LVM) has purchased almost 5,000 hectares of forest land in Pasienes parish, Ludza region, from its previous Swedish owners for just over 26 million euros, the Ministry of Agriculture (ZM) announced on July 13th. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/12.07.2026-death-on-railway-line-in-riga.a654777/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 12 Jul 2026 13:07:00 GMT 654777 Train traffic in Riga was affected on Sunday as the result to a tragic accident, the LETA news agency reported. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/employment/12.07.2026-48-of-latvias-jobs-are-in-culture.a653973/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 12 Jul 2026 08:42:22 GMT 653973 Latvia has slightly more workers in the cultural sector than the EU average, according to figures published by Eurostat on July 10th. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/business/10.07.2026-no-decision-made-on-lmttet-ownership-issues.a653979/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:58:44 GMT 653979 In-depth negotiations are currently under way with no fewer than 23 investors regarding potential involvement in the purchase of shares of LMT and Tet from the Swedish telecommunications company Telia. This was stated by Economics Minister Viktors Valainis (Greens and Farmers' Union, ZZS) after an extraordinary government meeting convened specifically for this issue on July 10th. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/10.07.2026-latvias-foreign-trade-figures-were-on-the-up-in-may.a653976/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:36:00 GMT 653976 Central Statistical Bureau provisional data show that in May 2026 Latvia had foreign trade turnover of 3.86 billion euro, and at current prices it was 8.4 % higher than a year ago. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/10.07.2026-wind-turbine-loses-blade-during-test-run-in-latvia.a654599/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 10 Jul 2026 06:56:15 GMT 654599 A loud noise, reminiscent of thunder, shook the Karosta neighbourhood in Liepāja on Wednesday evening. Although strong winds were battering the city in Kurzeme, the cause this time was different: during equipment testing at the Rapsoil wind farm, the blade of one turbine snapped and fell. The rotor is located on the outskirts of the city; no one was injured, TV Kurzeme reports. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/09.07.2026-latvias-macroeconomic-forecasts-revised-by-finance-ministry.a654477/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:09:00 GMT 654477 The Ministry of Finance (FM) has updated its indicative medium-term macroeconomic and fiscal forecasts, taking into account the latest economic trends and the geopolitical situation. The forecasts indicate slower economic growth and higher inflation than projected in February of this year, the FM reported. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/09.07.2026-central-riga-street-sections-to-be-closed-until-end-of-july.a654468/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Jul 2026 10:07:57 GMT 654468 To complete the installation of bike lanes and improvements to street intersections on the section of Dzirnavu Street between Tērbatas Street and Skolas Street, starting Thursday, July 9, through July 30, traffic restrictions will be in place on Dzirnavu Street, according to the Riga City Council. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/09.07.2026-railway-platform-modernization-project-has-big-problems.a654452/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:02:00 GMT 654452 The project to make Latvia's crumbling railway platforms resemble something from the 21st century is experiencing severe delays, reports Latvian Radio. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/business/09.07.2026-latvian-submerge-to-work-with-industry-giant-naval-group.a654425/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:16:17 GMT 654425 On Wednesday, July 8, the Latvian underwater drone manufacturer "SUBmerge Baltic" signed a memorandum of cooperation with the French defence and maritime technology company "Naval Group," Latvian Radio reported on July 8. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/09.07.2026-drones-help-check-power-lines-in-latvia.a654424/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:00:12 GMT 654424 Work that used to take several hours in some places can now be completed in a matter of minutes. The electricity distribution network "Sadales tīkls" is increasingly using drones to inspect power lines, Latvian Television reported on July 8. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/09.07.2026-airbaltic-fleet-down-two-planes.a654422/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:52:33 GMT 654422 Latvia's national airline, "airBaltic," has reached a mutual agreement with one of its aircraft lessors regarding the early return of two "Airbus A220-300" aircraft at the end of June this year, Augusts Zilberts, airBaltic’s head of public and political relations, confirmed to the LETA news agency. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/08.07.2026-riga-tourism-tax-will-double-next-year.a654410/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:12:41 GMT 654410 Starting next year, the tourist tax applicable in Rīga will increase. This was decided by city councillors on Wednesday, July 8th. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/08.07.2026-monthly-inflation-in-latvia-at-standstill.a653975/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:59:02 GMT 653975 Central Statistical Bureau data published on July 8 show that in June 2026, compared with May 2026, the average level of consumer prices remained unchanged. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/08.07.2026-fuel-station-takeover-deal-concluded.a654296/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:57:24 GMT 654296 Fuel station operatpr Virši has completed its takeover of 17 fuel stations owned by Naftimpeks into the company’s network, it said in a release on July 8th. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/08.07.2026-ten-million-train-passengers-in-latvia-in-first-half-of-2026.a654281/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Jul 2026 08:05:03 GMT 654281 In the first half of the year, 10.1 million passengers travelled by train, which is 0.3% – or 32,000 – fewer than during the same period in 2025, according to the passenger train operator Vivi. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/employment/08.07.2026-daugavpils-faces-mass-layoffs.a654264/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Jul 2026 06:24:00 GMT 654264 Daugavpils has been shaken by news of a large-scale round of layoffs – nearly 300 people at two companies will lose their jobs in the near future, LSM's Latgale editorial reports on June 8. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/07.07.2026-latvian-government-approves-international-road-regulation-plan.a654210/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:29:00 GMT 654210 On Tuesday, July 7, the Latvian government supported the amendments prepared by the Ministry of Transport which are intended to modernize international road transport control and improve the supervision of carriers. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/07.07.2026-july-and-august-account-for-nearly-30-of-tourist-visits-to-latvia.a654187/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:43:59 GMT 654187 Latvia may have its attractions all year round, but as far as tourists are concerned, July and August are the months when they most want to visit, according to data published by Eurostat on July 7th. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/07.07.2026-some-incorrect-materials-found-in-latvias-road-building-this-year.a654188/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:43:54 GMT 654188 During unannounced inspections at road repair sites, the State Joint Stock Company “Latvian State Roads” (LVC) has identified seven non-conformities in mineral material samples and three non-conformities in asphalt samples this construction season, LVC said on July 7. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/07.07.2026-investigation-underway-into-collapsed-construction-site-in-riga.a654111/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:48:40 GMT 654111 A building inspector surveyed the collapsed structures of the future store in Zolitūde on Monday, and in mid-July, the causes will be known, Latvian Television reported July 6. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/06.07.2026-latvias-industrial-production-and-manufacturing-were-both-up-in-may.a654081/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:30:41 GMT 654081 Central Statistical Bureau calendar adjusted data at constant prices published on July 6 show that in May 2026, Latvia's industrial production output increased by 6.2 % year on year.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/06.07.2026-latvian-pm-kulbergs-ponders-potential-airbaltic-investors-again.a653977/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:07:00 GMT 653977 Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List), who recently said on social networking sites that he had met with potential strategic investors for airBaltic, tackled the topic again on Monday during a meeting with President Edgars Rinkēvičs, reports Latvian Radio. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/06.07.2026-fuel-prices-down-67-in-latvia-in-june.a654068/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:26:06 GMT 654068 Central Statistical Bureau data published on July 6 show that in June 2026 the average level of consumer prices for fuels for transport was 6.7 % lower than in May. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/06.07.2026-many-bus-trips-cancelled-in-riga-vicinity.a654056/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:06:16 GMT 654056 More than 100 regional bus trips have been cancelled in the vicinity of Rīga over the past four days. Apparently, due to a shortage of drivers, the passenger transport company “Latvijas Sabiedriskais autobuss” is unable to operate these routes, Latvian Radio reports on July 6. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/06.07.2026-number-of-house-sales-up-9-last-year-in-latvia.a653971/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:54:18 GMT 653971 In 2025, house sales in the EU increased in most countries for which data are available – including Latvia – compared with 2024, according to latest Eurostat data. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/06.07.2026-latvian-airbaltic-seats-six-year-old-separately-from-parent.a653950/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:53:59 GMT 653950 Starting next year, airlines will no longer be able to charge extra fees for seat selection on flights, as stipulated by a European directive. Only infants are guaranteed a seat with their parents. Recently, a family encountered a situation where, on an airBaltic flight, their six-year-old child was assigned a seat by themselves, Latvian Television reported on July 5. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/business/03.07.2026-new-customs-rules-aim-to-counter-shoddy-imports-into-eu.a653797/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:33:13 GMT 653797 New customs procedures for low-value shipments from third countries entered into force in the European Union from July 1st. The main aim of the changes is to ensure fairer competition conditions for European companies, improve consumer safety and reduce the uncontrolled influx of cheap goods of low quality. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/03.07.2026-latvian-house-prices-continue-to-surge.a653785/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT 653785 In the first quarter of 2026, house prices, as measured by the House Price Index, increased by 4.7% in the euro area and by 5.1% in the EU compared with the same quarter of the previous year. In the fourth quarter of 2025, house prices increased by 5.1% and 5.4% in the euro area and EU, respectively. These figures come from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union and were published on July 2nd. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/03.07.2026-talks-resume-on-restoring-riga-stockholm-ferry-route.a653693/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 03 Jul 2026 06:57:59 GMT 653693 As part of President Edgars Rinkēvičs’ state visit to Estonia, Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis met in Tallinn with Peep Jalakas, CEO of AS Tallink Grupp, to discuss the resumption of regular ferry service on the Rīga–Stockholm route, according to a release by the Economics Ministry. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/03.07.2026-new-car-market-on-the-decline-in-latvia.a653685/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 03 Jul 2026 05:23:50 GMT 653685 The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, which brings together virtually all automakers operating in our part of the world, recently published data on the new car market in Europe, showing that Latvia is one of nine countries in Europe where the new car market has declined, LSM's Māris Bergs reports on July 3. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/employment/02.07.2026-some-spots-still-available-for-youth-summer-work-in-latvia.a653546/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 02 Jul 2026 07:16:02 GMT 653546 For some pupils, summer break means not only relaxation but also their first work experience. There is great interest in summer jobs for pupils, yet some employers are still looking for young people, Latvian Television reported on July 2. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/02.07.2026-rigas-public-buses-will-now-be-charged-fast.a653536/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:33:00 GMT 653536 Charge up in just 15 minutes and get back to serving passengers – starting Wednesday, more than 50 electric buses operated by “Rīgas satiksme” can be charged significantly faster, Latvian Radio reported on July 1. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/01.07.2026-russia-closes-rail-crossings-with-latvia-estonia-finland.a653406/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:37:00 GMT 653406 From July 1st, aggressor state Russia has suspended the movement of people, vehicles, goods and cargo through several rail border crossing points on its borders with Finland, Estonia and Latvia, reports ERR News. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/01.07.2026-reduced-vat-applied-to-basic-food-groups-in-latvia-as-of-july-1.a653391/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:25:19 GMT 653391 Starting July 1, 2026, the value-added tax (VAT) rate on certain common food products will be reduced from 21% to 12%. The reduced VAT rate will apply to four basic food product groups: bread, milk, poultry, and eggs. The reduced rate will be in effect for one year until June 30, 2027. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/30.06.2026-some-improvement-in-latvian-retail-and-business-indicators-in-may-and-june.a653273/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:23:00 GMT 653273 According to Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) data published on June 30th, retail trade turnover in May 2026 was 3.3 % higher than a year ago (calendar adjusted data at constant prices) in Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/30.06.2026-smile-taxi-app-registered-in-latvia.a653254/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:04:28 GMT 653254 The Road Transport Directorate (ATD) has registered a new mobile app for providing taxi services, Smile Taxi. The service is planned to be available throughout Latvia, offering an open collaboration platform for local and regional taxi operators, the ATD noted. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/business/30.06.2026-landmark-ipo-of-a-latvian-state-owned-company-deemed-a-success.a653213/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:59:44 GMT 653213 In the public offering of LAU Infra Group AS, investors acquired 3,944,893 shares with a total value of EUR 6.19 million, the company confirmed, marking a small but significant landmark in Latvian corporate history and a possible sign of things to come. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/30.06.2026-rail-baltica-dilemma-waste-time-or-waste-money.a653206/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:46:34 GMT 653206 Wasting time or wasting money: that is one of the dilemmas in the construction process of the Rail Baltica high-speed rail line, which is currently on the government’s agenda. The proposed design is too expensive, but redesigning it to save money means losing time, Latvian Radio's Brussels correspondent Artjoms Konohovs reports on June 30. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/30.06.2026-rigas-municipal-property-manager-board-resigns.a653200/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:25:05 GMT 653200 The board of Rīga's municipal real estate manager “Rīgas nami” has resigned due to the crisis at the meat pavilion of Riga Central Market, the LETA news agency reported on June 29. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/29.06.2026-proposal-to-ban-industrial-goods-imports-from-russia-belarus-to-latvia.a653172/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 29 Jun 2026 17:27:14 GMT 653172 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has drafted amendments to the Law on Support for Ukrainian Civilians, providing for a ban on the import of certain industrial goods originating in Russia and Belarus. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/banks/29.06.2026-golden-seeds-sown-by-latvian-central-bank.a653122/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:43:03 GMT 653122 On Thursday, July 2, the Latvian Central Bank will issue another set of gold collector coins, "Golden Seeds". The coin set consists of five identical seed-shaped gold coins secured in one case.