Czech President Petr Pavel is conducting a state visit to Latvia, meeting with President Edgars Rinkēvičs to bolster bilateral cooperation. The discussions focus on regional security, defense collaboration, and economic partnerships between the two NATO allies, underscoring their shared commitment to stability in the Baltic region.
Czech President Petr Pavel is conducting a state visit to Latvia, meeting with President Edgars Rinkēvičs to bolster bilateral cooperation. The discussions focus on regional security, defense collaboration, and economic partnerships, underscoring the shared commitment of both nations to NATO and European stability in the current geopolitical climate.
The Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia has announced that the annual consumer price inflation rate reached 2.3% in February 2026. This data provides a snapshot of the current economic climate in the Baltic nation as officials monitor price stability and consumer purchasing power trends across various sectors of the economy.
Gaming developer Expanse Studios has officially received certification to launch its portfolio of casino games in Latvia and Estonia. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the company as it enters the regulated Baltic gaming markets, allowing local operators to integrate its diverse range of titles into their platforms.
Latvian law enforcement authorities have conducted a significant operation resulting in the seizure of large quantities of illegal tobacco, alcohol, and narcotics. The contraband was discovered during coordinated searches of a suspect's residence and vehicle, marking a notable success in the ongoing effort to combat organized crime and smuggling within the country.
The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre has issued a weather warning for western Latvia, particularly the Kurzeme district, due to rapidly rising water levels and potential flooding. A widespread thaw and significant snow and ice cover are contributing to the risk, with yellow alerts in place and higher warnings possible.
Latvia's startup ecosystem experienced substantial growth in 2025, marked by a significant rebound in investment activity, reaching approximately €78 million. New venture capital funds, backed by ALTUM, became active, injecting fresh capital into early-stage companies. The sector also saw increased employment and tax contributions, solidifying its role in the national economy.
Andrei Lankov, a prominent Russian-Australian professor of Korean studies, was detained by Latvian police in Riga during a scheduled lecture and subsequently expelled from the country. Latvian authorities declared him 'persona non grata' on February 20, though no specific reasons were provided for the decision. Lankov, a professor at Kookmin University in Seoul, was escorted to the Estonian border.
The United States men's ice hockey team secured a decisive 5-1 victory over Latvia in their opening game of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Brock Nelson led the scoring with two goals, as Team USA overcame an early challenge to control the game after the first period.
Estonia has expressed significant concern regarding Latvia's progress on the crucial Rail Baltica project, stating that its neighbor is 'a couple of years' behind schedule. Estonian officials are urging Latvia to accelerate construction to meet the 2030 deadline, citing funding shortfalls and escalating costs as primary challenges for the Latvian section of the pan-Baltic railway.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže declared during the annual foreign policy debate that Latvia will not accept new migrants, emphasizing the country's reinforced border protection measures against illegal migration. The government's position prioritizes national security amidst ongoing hybrid threats.
The Latvian section of the ambitious Rail Baltica project is projected to be delayed by three to five years beyond its initial 2030 completion target for the first phase. Māris Dzelme, chairman of Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas, cited significant funding issues and escalating costs as the primary reasons for the setback, necessitating a redesign to reduce the project's scope.
Latvia's Food and Veterinary Service confirmed the year's first African swine fever outbreak at the 'Vaiņodes bekons' pig farm in the South Kurzeme region, affecting over 22,000 pigs. A quarantine zone has been established, with strict movement restrictions and intensified biosecurity checks to prevent further spread.
Latvia and Canada have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Rīga to bolster cooperation in military equipment, infrastructure, and services procurement. The agreement, signed by State Secretary Aivars Puriņš and Antony Rizk of the Canadian Commercial Corporation, aims to create a structured basis for joint defense industry projects.
During a meeting in Kyiv on January 16, 2026, Latvian Saeima Speaker Daiga Mieriņa reiterated Latvia's unwavering support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration. She affirmed Latvia's commitment to Ukraine's path toward EU membership and integration into NATO, emphasizing its importance for European security. President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Latvia's consistent aid.
International credit rating agency Moody's has affirmed Latvia's credit rating at 'A3' with a stable outlook, citing strong public finances, solid institutions, and effective fiscal policy. The decision, announced on January 16, 2026, reflects confidence in Latvia's economic resilience despite geopolitical risks and increased defense spending.
Latvia's State Audit Office has concluded that the country's strategies to combat the shadow economy are ineffective, focusing on consequences rather than root causes. Despite government efforts, the shadow economy is estimated to be between 7% and over 20% of GDP, with the latest plan for 2024-2027 not expected to yield significant improvements. Finance Minister Arvils Ašeradens disputes the audit's findings, citing recent reductions in the shadow economy and tax gaps.
Latvian Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds observed a prototype of a radio signal jamming system developed by SAF Tehnika on January 14, 2026. This system, designed to neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles by disrupting their communications, is part of Latvia's broader €10 million initiative to bolster national and European counter-drone defenses.
A yellow weather alert has been issued for a significant portion of Latvia's Kurzeme region for Sunday, January 11th, 2026. The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC) forecasts heavy snowfall, leading to increased snow cover, reduced visibility, and slippery road conditions. Residents are advised to exercise caution.
The Rīga City Council is providing extensive crisis assistance and temporary housing to residents displaced by a fatal gas explosion on Bauskas Street in the Torņakalns district. The January 2nd incident resulted in two deaths and significant structural damage to a five-story residential building.
