Sweden will deploy advanced anti-aircraft guns to its NATO unit in Latvia starting in 2026, marking its first such operational deployment since the 1960s. This move aims to significantly enhance NATO's short-range air defenses against modern threats like drones and low-flying aircraft on the alliance's eastern flank.
Hundreds gathered in front of the Saeima in Riga on October 21, 2025, to protest proposed amendments to Latvia's Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health. The amendments, put forth by opposition MPs, aim to restrict abortion access by mandating counselling and introducing the term 'unborn life' into legislation. Protesters emphasized a woman's right to choose, while the ruling coalition indicated it would not support the changes.
Danish tank crews utilized Leopard 2A7 DK main battle tanks for live-fire drills in Latvia on October 21, 2025. This exercise, part of NATO's enhanced Forward Presence, reinforces the Alliance's combat readiness and integration of modern armor in the Baltic region, demonstrating Denmark's commitment to collective defense.
Latvia marks EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18 by continuing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' 'Don't Let Yourself Be Used' campaign. The initiative warns citizens about human trafficking risks, especially for work abroad, and highlights efforts to combat exploitation. In 2024, 38 trafficking victims were identified in Latvia, underscoring the ongoing challenge.
Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nordic and Baltic nations in Brussels on October 15, 2025. This agreement, part of 'Operation Legio,' aims to provide brigade-level training and equipment to Ukrainian soldiers, strengthening their capabilities against ongoing aggression.
The Latvian State Revenue Service has announced the Q3 2025 capital gains tax filing and payment deadlines for individuals. For capital gains exceeding 1,000 euros, the filing deadline is October 15, and the payment deadline is October 23. The personal income tax rate on capital gains is 25.5% for income earned after January 1, 2025.
Ryanair announced a 20% reduction in its Riga Airport operations for the upcoming winter season, canceling seven international routes and 160,000 seats. The airline cited a 15% increase in airport fees and aviation taxes since 2021, making Riga less competitive compared to other European destinations.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide advisory support to Latvia for developing a new military base and training area in the Selonia region and a storage facility in Kuldīga Municipality. This initiative, formalized on October 9, 2025, aims to enhance Latvia's national and regional defense capabilities through a potential public-private partnership.
Latvia has indefinitely extended nighttime airspace restrictions along its borders with Russia and Belarus, effective October 8, 2025. The measure, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., is a response to recent airspace violations in other NATO countries and aims to enhance surveillance and defense capabilities. This follows earlier temporary closures and is part of NATO's 'Eastern Sentry' initiative.
Personal remittances from Azerbaijan to Latvia surged by 68.1% to $2.113 million in H1 2025, while transfers from Latvia to Azerbaijan grew by 22.9% to $3.110 million, according to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan. This growth occurred despite an overall decline in Azerbaijan's cross-border remittances.
Latvia implemented a temporary closure of its airspace in a 50-kilometer zone along its eastern borders with Belarus and Russia, effective from September 11, 2025. Initially set until September 18, the restrictions were extended until October 8, 2025, primarily targeting low-altitude drone activity following recent incursions into Polish airspace.
Latvia's Defense Minister Andris Sprūds has declared the nation's ambition to become a drone superpower, significantly investing in drone production and technology. Driven by the Russian threat, Latvia is allocating substantial funds, leading the international Drone Coalition, and fostering a robust domestic industry to bolster its defense capabilities and support Ukraine.
Latvian state websites, including the 'gov.lv' platform and 'eParaksts.lv', experienced a significant service outage on Thursday, October 2, due to a cyberattack. The Latvian State Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC) confirmed the disruption, which lasted for approximately an hour, before all affected resources were fully restored. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Latvia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with German defense firm Rheinmetall to establish a €275 million artillery ammunition plant. The joint venture aims to bolster Latvia's defense capabilities and contribute to European security of supply, with construction set to begin in spring 2026 and production by spring 2027, creating at least 150 jobs.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics has called on NATO to enhance air defense in the Baltic States, transforming the current air policing mission into a full air defense operation. This urgent plea follows recent Russian airspace violations over Estonia, Poland, and near Latvia, raising regional security concerns.
Latvia's Saeima has voted to initiate the process of withdrawing from the Istanbul Convention, less than two years after its ratification. The draft request, supported by 55 deputies, has ignited debate over the convention's impact and perceived ideological aspects, despite its core aim to combat violence against women.
ManaBalss.lv, Latvia's award-winning digital democracy platform, is confronting an uncertain future due to a significant decline in public donations. The platform, instrumental in civic participation for 14 years, warns that its potential closure would diminish citizens' direct influence on legislative processes.
The United States is reassessing its military aid priorities for the Baltic states, including Latvia, with Pentagon officials informing European diplomats of plans to scale back security support. This move, driven by a shift towards 'homeland defense' and the 'America First' policy, has sparked apprehension among European nations regarding potential implications for regional security.
The International Monetary Fund's Executive Board completed its 2025 Article IV Consultation for Latvia on September 15, 2025. The assessment highlighted a slowdown in Latvia's economic convergence with euro area income levels and significant fiscal challenges stemming from pensions, healthcare, defense, energy security, and climate transition. The IMF recommended strengthening fiscal buffers, improving public spending efficiency, and implementing structural reforms to reignite growth.
