latviski
We rebooted our news digest after Microsoft decommissioned their Azure news subscription service. The downside of twenty-seven years of web longevity is after discontinuing our initial all-manual AOL™ “Lat Chat” mailer, we have now outlived three news services. Welcome (back) to our curated weekly news summary, kādreiz ar latvisku pielikumu — and occasionally featuring a photo from our Latvian travels.
Digest index
September
Week ending Friday, September 55 Sep '25A Canadian soldier goes missing; shortage of parts for Canadian military forces; enhanced border security and defense capabilities; positive construction and industry outlook; and other developments.
Week ending Friday, September 1212 Sep '25Latvia's heightened border and airspace security; planned mandatory military conscription for women; ongoing aid to Ukraine; a Canadian soldier's death; key international dialogues with Azerbaijan and Croatia; and updates on EuroBasket, futsal, and World Cup qualifiers.
Week ending Friday, September 1919 Sep '25NATO is testing a bus-sized airship for surveillance amid heightened tensions. Three Russian jets violated Estonian airspace, prompting an Article 4 request. This follows other incursions and Russia-linked arson plots across Europe, escalating fears of a wider conflict.
Week ending Friday, September 2626 Sep '25As new biometric border checks are set to roll out for travelers to Europe, the EU is also developing a "drone wall" in response to increased Russian aggression. Meanwhile, the Baltic states are making a name for themselves, with Lithuania emerging as a major hub for both life sciences and international film production.
October
Week ending Friday, October 33 Oct '25Latvia approved EUR 45 million for anti-mobility border ditches to strengthen its eastern frontier. A political crisis simmered after the Prime Minister reprimanded a minister over a vote to denounce the Istanbul Convention, sparking citizen protests. Positive developments include Rīga's historic 100,000th cruise passenger and Latvia maintaining a nearly top-tier 93.4% renewable electricity share.
Week ending Friday, October 1010 Oct '25This week in Latvia unfolded as one of transitions—political, social, and practical—as the government managed a crowded agenda while facing civil and coalition push-back. A sharp exchange at the cabinet table set the tone, exposing divisions over cultural policy and the state’s role in shaping public debate.
Week ending Sunday, October 1919 Oct '25From a shifting global passport ranking that sees the US fall out of the top 10 to political instability in Latvia where the public is calling for the government's resignation, this week's news spans local and international concerns.
A Latvian fake fuel scam reaches Spanish gas stations, an international giant acquires a beloved local ice cream business, and more.
Week ending Sunday, October 2626 Oct '25Latvia's parliament prepares for a historic vote on withdrawing from the Istanbul Convention, even as the nation moves to bolster its defenses with new German military systems. Rīga launches a count of its homeless population while major economic shifts see a Dutch firm becoming the country's largest forest owner and much more.
November
Week ending Sunday, November 22 Nov '25This week has illustrated a Latvia navigating complex security threats while engaging in profound internal debates about its societal direction as the Saeima voted to exit the Istanbul Convention, all against a backdrop of ongoing economic and demographic challenges.
Week ending Sunday, November 99 Nov '25The week was marked by significant developments in foreign policy, national security, and domestic affairs, with a recurring theme of regional solidarity and internal debate on the Istanbul Convention.
Week ending Sunday, November 1616 Nov '25Lāčplēša diena honors Latvia's fallen sons. 7 NATO ships arrive in Rīga after major cyber drills. Tensions grip the governing coalition following budget proposals. Latvia experiences a sobering population drop, €7M is pledged to Ukraine, plus new plans for autonomous "roboshuttle" transport in Rīga.
Week ending Sunday, November 2323 Nov '25Latvia’s leaders marked Independence Day with calls for unity and continued support for Ukraine. The nation saw a historic sports achievement as a beach volleyball pair reached the World Championship final. In other news, a court ruled against Latvia in a surveillance case, the economy saw stable unemployment, and a new prosecutor general was confirmed.
Week ending Sunday, November 3030 Nov '25Latvia is taking hardline national security measures, including drafting proposals to ban coach services and considering the dismantling of railway tracks to Russia, while its military retrieved surveillance balloons from Belarus. Domestically, the country grapples with a severe femicide crisis, massive agricultural losses from extreme weather, and political controversy over civil servant bonuses. Meanwhile, it celebrates achievements in foreign affairs with Ukraine, a major science innovation award, and the success of a Baltic business expo in Japan.
December
Week ending Sunday, December 77 Dec '25Baltic leaders met in Riga to reinforce security and support for Ukraine, while Latvia bolstered its own defenses with new air surveillance radars and the near-completion of its border fence with Russia. The country's 'A' credit rating was affirmed amid corporate shifts due to sanctions, even as key infrastructure projects like Vansu Bridge moved forward and Rail Baltica faced potential cuts. Public health raised concerns as influenza nears epidemic levels, but cultural spirit remained high with Riga's Christmas market ranking third-best in Europe.
Week ending Sunday, December 1414 Dec '25From high-stakes security talks in Rīga to scientific efforts to save bees, Latvia navigates a complex week at home and abroad. While leaders focus on regional cooperation and public safety, local communities grapple with energy projects and a sobering measure of life satisfaction.
Week ending Sunday, December 2121 Dec '25Merry Christmas! Priecīgus Ziemassvētkus! Latvia’s week was marked by decisive moves in politics, security, and innovation, from President Rinkēvičs proclaiming the 2026 state budget to signing up for the International Claims Commission for Ukraine and hosting a Christmas charity auction for humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, the country tackled public health and security challenges, celebrated economic and tech milestones—including a new hybrid energy park and supercomputer “Riga”—and prepared for cultural events like Eurovision 2025.
Week ending Sunday, December 2828 Dec '25Happy New Year! Laimīgu jauno gadu! Latvia concludes 2025 with poetic leadership messages of hope and free New Year’s Eve transport in Rīga to ensure safe celebrations. Key milestones include a €29 million rail project connecting the capital to its airport and €2 million in gingerbread exports. Despite a hurricane-force storm causing widespread damage, the nation bolstered security through a six-country drone coalition and extended border surveillance. Cultural highlights feature a 1,000 mini-mitten exhibition in Valmiera and the Berlin Philharmonic performing traditional Latvian dainas.
2025 Year End Review31 Dec '25Our recap of the major happenings of the year.
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