Weekly Latvian news digest

Celebrating 34 years of freedom since the end of Soviet occupation! | 2025 digest index

Thursday, December 25 – Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Latvia—2025 Year in Review

2025 was a pivotal period for Latvia, defined by the completion of the high-tech Russian border fence, a significant overhaul of the national tax system, and pivots in security policy and social legislation. Latvia has solidified its position as a "front-line state" of the West while navigating complex internal economic shifts and cultural milestones.

Latvia’s international agenda was dominated by the "Security First" doctrine, leading regional initiatives to fortify the EU’s eastern flank.

• The Iron Curtain Rebuilt: On December 30, 2025, Latvia officially completed the physical construction of a 280km Russian border fence. Costing approximately €146 million, the barrier is being equipped with high-tech sensors and AI-driven surveillance to be fully operational by 2026. Simultaneously, the government implemented strict restrictions at borders with Belarus and Russia, limiting entry to motor vehicles to counter "hybrid warfare".
• Diplomatic Milestones: In a historic victory, Latvia was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term with 178 votes. Domestically, the 20th Anniversary Rīga Conference hosted leaders like Roberta Metsola↗ to discuss the "Peace through Strength" strategy.
• NATO and Military Shifts: Sweden sent its largest NATO deployment to date to Latvia in January. The nation also saw the full operationalization of a Canada-led NATO Brigade Combat Team and conducted Namejs 2025,"↗ the largest military exercise in decades.
• Tactical Withdrawals: In a controversial move, the Saeima voted to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty↗ (anti-personnel mines), citing the necessity of landmines as a deterrent against Russia.
• Support for Ukraine: Latvia opened a Ukrainian pilot training hub and led EU efforts to use immobilized Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction.

Political life in 2025 was marked by a transition from the Siliņa government to a new coalition led by Prime Minister Andris Sprūds, focusing on technocratic governance and social welfare.

• The 2025 Tax Overhaul: Effective January 1, Latvia replaced its complex tax system with a fixed monthly non-taxable allowance of €510 for all workers. The new PIT structure includes 25.5% for income up to €105,300, 33% for income above that, and a 3% surtax for earnings exceeding €200,000.
• The Istanbul Convention Crisis: In October, the Saeima voted (56–32) to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention on preventing violence against women, making Latvia the first EU member to do so. This sparked massive protests, including a gathering of 10,000 people in Riga’s Dome Square.
• Integration and Identity: The mandatory transition to Latvian as the sole medium of instruction in state-funded secondary schools was fully implemented. Additionally, legal enforcement of language requirements led to exit deadlines for hundreds of Russian citizens residing in Latvia.
• Public Health: New laws banned tobacco and nicotine sales to those under 20 and restricted alcohol sales after 8:00 PM on weekdays.

Latvia achieved a "last mile" milestone in energy independence while advancing massive transport projects.

• Energy Independence: In February, Latvia successfully "de-synchronized" from the Russian-controlled BRELL grid, integrating with the Continental European system. By November, the country celebrated a full year with zero natural gas imports from Russia.
• Rail Baltica Progress: Despite budget overruns, 2025 saw the start of full-scale construction on the mainline near Iecava and the Salaspils Multimodal Terminal. The Riga Central Hub and Airport sections also saw intensified activity.
• Economic Vitality: GDP growth was estimated between +1.0% and +2.1%, with inflation hovering around 3.4% to 3.6%. A "Latvian Economic Resilience Tax" (LERT) was debated to fund defense and energy subsidies.
• Connectivity: flydubai launched direct flights between Dubai and Riga in December, and the capital saw its first tram line extension (Route 7) in 40 years.

Latvia's cultural and scientific achievements provided a significant boost to national pride.

• And the Oscar Goes To...: In March, Gints Zilbalodis’s film “Flow” made history as the first Latvian motion picture to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
• Tradition and Heritage: The XIII Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival drew tens of thousands to Mežaparks in July. September focused on the 160th anniversary of poet Rainis↗, culminated by the "Path of Light" festival.
• Regional Culture: Cēsis served as the "Latvian Capital of Culture 2025," hosting art and medieval festivals.
• Space and Tech: Riga hosted the Big Data from Space 2025 conference. Latvia also approved plans to join the Artemis Accords for space exploration. The world's first green data center powered by biomass gasification opened in Liepāja.

2025 was a standout year for Latvian athletes across multiple disciplines.

• Hockey "Giant-Killers": The year began with a historic upset at the World Junior Hockey Championship, where Latvia defeated Canada 3–2 in a shootout.
• Basketball Mania: Riga co-hosted FIBA EuroBasket 2025, with the national team performing strongly on home court. The men's 3x3 team also secured a European Championship gold medal.
• Global Podiums: Anete Sietiņa won a silver medal in javelin at the World Athletics Championships. Latvian duo Gustavs Auziņš and Kristians Fokerots became U21 Beach Volleyball World Champions without dropping a set.
• Motorsports: The motorcycle Speedway Grand Prix of Latvia↗ returned to Riga in August.

In Memoriam: The nation mourned the loss of poet and diplomat Jānis Peters↗↗lv and politician Ziedonis Čevers↗↗lv, both instrumental figures in the restoration of Latvia's independence.

As the days once again get longer, a new year begins and Latvia awaits the melting of winter snows.

Pavasaris, Latvian spring
1947 Trimdinieka kalendārs /1947 Exile's Calendar

Ar to noslēdzam šī gada atskatu. Paldies, ka bijāt kopā ar mums — tiksimies 2026. gadā! This concludes our year in review. Thank you for being with us — see you in 2026!