Latviaโs summer delights: white-sand beaches, historic hotels โ and a night of solstice revelry
Few foreign visitors venture much beyond Riga. They are missing out
๐ฑ๐ป Latvia
Involve young people in reshaping military service
The defense of our countries now hinges on younger generations. Let’s invite them to contribute their ideas.
Ukraine to withdraw from anti-personnel mines ban treaty, says Zelenskyy
The decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention follows similar decisions by Kyiv’s allies Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia – which also border Russia.
Worldโs cartoonists on this weekโs events
Drawing the top stories around the globe.
Rail Baltica could be used for defensive military purposes
Construction on the 870-km-long Rail Baltica through Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia is gathering momentum, as the line switches from the Russian broad gauge to the European standard gauge. The EU is covering a large part of the costs.
The winners and losers in Trumpโs NATO arms race
A POLITICO analysis reveals telling gaps between the big spenders near Eastern Europe and those further from Russia, who are still creeping toward a decade-old target.
Trump says US doesnโt have to meet NATO spending goal
The administration has demanded that allies commit to spending at least 5 percent of GDP on defense.
National Limits, European Claims: The Ultra Vires Conflict in EU Constitutional Law (part 1)
Dr Benedikt Riedl,
Mjur (Oxford), postdoctoral researcher
and academic assistant at the Chair of Public Law and Legal Philosophy (Prof Dr
Peter M. Huber, former Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court and former
Minister of the Interior…
Latvia ramps up crackdown on Russians with real estate purchase ban
Riga also wants prohibition on Kremlin soldiers from entering the Schengen Area.
Italyโs ex-PM Conte calls for NATO counter-summit
Left-leaning party representatives from 10 EU countries set to attend.
EU helping Europeans flee Israel using crisis clause, Kallas says
Israeli airspace is closed due to intense missile fire.
Latvia detains ex-MP in Russia probe
Aleksejs Rosฤผikovs was detained following a recent “unethical” outburst in parliament.
Europeโs frontier countries ready their hospitals for war
From stockpiling trauma kits for mass casualties to kitting out medics with body armor, wartime health planning is no longer hypothetical on NATOโs eastern flank.
Latvia bans MPs from traveling to Russia, Belarus
The Riga parliament overwhelmingly voted in favor of restricting travel for members of parliament and state officials, citing national security and safety concerns.
Baltic countries team up on mass evacuation plans as Russian threat grows
โClear procedures are crucial, as is the rapid exchange of information,โ says Lithuanian interior minister.
The Soviet Union occupies the Baltic States โ archive, June 1940
On 15 June 1940, the Red Army began the annexation of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia18 June 1940 Continue reading…
Could an alliance of eight small countries turn out to be Europeโs anchor? | Paul Taylor
Amid geopolitical storms and the rise of populism, the โNordic-Baltic eightโ is gaining clout as a bulwark of western resolveWith Europeโs political kaleidoscope spinning wildly in the populist winds, a group of northern countries is gaining weight as …
Latvian municipal elections show increasing political fragmentation
With the next parliamentary elections set for October 2026, the recent municipal results signal a growing momentum for the populist Latvia First party.
EU’s infant mortality rates paint an unexpectedly bleak picture across bloc
Romania, France and Spain have some of the highest infant mortality rates in the EU between 2023 and 2024, while Latvia and Sweden have the lowest rates.
EU clears Bulgaria to adopt euro in 2026
Sofia gets the green light despite rule-of-law and money-laundering concerns.
Shooting training at schools and dragon teeth at the border: Latvia is preparing for an emergency
To protect themselves from unpleasant surprises, Poland and the Baltic states are fortifying their EU external border with tank barriers and minefields. And Latvia has introduced โmilitary lessonsโ as a compulsory subject in schools.
EU farm ministers vow to fight Brusselsโ budget shakeup
โThe single fund would be the end,โ Portugal warns, as EU agriculture ministers resist a Commission push to overhaul farm and regional funding.
NATOโs Rutte embraces 5 percent defense spending goal
The new target is expected to be agreed at next month’s NATO summit.
EU countries urge crackdown on Hungary over Pride ban
The move comes as EU diplomats warn the bloc is inching closer to deploying its “nuclear option” against Hungary.
Council of Europe hits back at EU leaders calling to ease migrant expulsions
Secretary-General Alain Berset warned that courts must not be “weaponized” for political gain.
9 EU countries ask European court to ease expulsion of foreign criminals
Document spearheaded by Italy and Denmark also calls for an end to the exploitation of migrants by hostile states.
German troops start first permanent foreign deployment since second world war
Heavy combat unit of 4,800 soldiers and 200 civilian staff inaugurated in Lithuania on Natoโs eastern flankThe German chancellor has visited Lithuania to mark Berlinโs first permanent foreign troop deployment since the second world war, as he called on…
Poland hits a wall trying to curb Big Pharmaโs profits
The EU’s ‘competitiveness’ mantra appears to be swaying more countries to back the pharmaceutical industry.
Breaks in eastern Europe offer best value for Britons, cost survey finds
Post Office Money report finds Latviaโs capital most competitive on price
Beware unkempt tourists: Latvia tells citizens how to spot Russian spies
Security agency warns people in Baltic state to be wary of nosy small talk and tourists with specialist equipmentOne of Latviaโs intelligence services has warned its citizens that there may be Russian saboteurs and spies in their midst, and given them …
Ukraine war briefing: Trump calls for โideally a 30-day ceasefireโ backed with sanctions
Ukrainians record 734 attacks despite Putinโs claim of three-day halt to fighting; Britain further targets Russian oil โshadow fleetโ. What we know on day 1,171Donald Trump after a phone call with Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for โideally, a 30-day uncon…
Lithuania bans overflights for planes carrying Vucic and Fico to Moscow
“Security of all people travelling through Lithuania, including leaders, is our highest priority, so we took this decision,” Lithuania’s president said.
16 countries to ask EU for fiscal leeway to spend big on defense
Germany is the only one of Europe’s big five economies to take up the EU executives offer.
German Social Democrats pour cold water on French nuclear deterrent
German lawmaker Nils Schmid argues there is no need to open the subject as the U.S. has not said it would withdraw its nuclear umbrella.
Campaigners sound alarm as European nations move to exit landmine ban
Finland, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania cite rising threats from Russia to justify once again using one of worldโs most indiscriminate weaponsRights groups have expressed alarm and warned of a โslippery slopeโ of again embracing one of the world…
Europe shows withdrawal symptoms after 75 years of addiction to US troops
European capitals are divided on how to respond to a probable reduction of America’s military presence.
Weather tracker: Unseasonable warmth continues in eastern Europe
Heat spreads eastwards into the Baltics and western Russia, although colder air will sweep in by the weekendAfter a spell of record-breaking heat last week, eastern Europe and western parts of Russia will experience further unseasonable warmth in the n…
Europeโs Easter illusions on Ukraine
In todayโs edition of The Capitals, read about Trump and Meloni saying they โfully expectโ an EU-US trade deal, Poland boosting its troop presence and eyeing defence ties with Latvia, and so much more.
Poland boosts troop presence, eyes defence ties with Latvia
Warsaw hopes increased cooperation will aid sectors beyond defence.
Lithuania aims to deter Russia by upgrading โcriticalโ road and anti-border defenses
The project aims to make it easier to move troops and equipment between Poland and the Baltic countries.
Spain and Lithuania push to oust Ireland from leading eurozone talks
Carlos Cuerpo and Rimantas ล adลพius are considering running for the Eurogroup presidency.
Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy hails โgood progressโ on minerals deal talks
Ukrainian president says legalities almost finalised and officials signal US concessions in talks that are progressing โquite fastโ; deadly Shahed strike on Dnipro. What we know on day 1,149Minerals deal negotiators have made โgood progressโ, the Ukrai…
LIVE: News from the Capitals
The latest news from across Europe, all in one place
From drunk driving to skipping the seatbelt: Which EU country has the most reckless drivers?
A new study reveals alarming data on the state of driving in Latvia, Austria, and Greece.
Flow review โ Oscar-winning animation is a beautiful and painterly animal adventure
The wordless aftermath of a global catastrophe sees a cat team up with other creatures in tremendously imagined apocalyptic visionHumans are nowhere to be seen and the animals have taken over in this gorgeous animated adventure that was the dark horse …
The Italy-Albania protocol before the Court of Justice of the European Union โ hearing of the CJEU
Matteo Zamboni (human
rights lawyer working between Italy and the UK. He is a partner to the
Immigration Law and Policy clinic of Goldsmiths, University of London)
Photo: The towers of the Court of Justice in the Luxembourg fog (c)…
Europe looks to poach US researchers as Trump cuts funding
Twelve EU capitals want programs to bring over American scholars.
European leaders warn Putinโs talk of peace is a mirage
Allies voice deep skepticism as Trump and Putin hold a 90-minute call.
Northern Europe pushes EU to speed up Ukraine membership
Hungary’s Viktor Orbรกn has repeatedly sought to derail Kyiv’s accession.
European nations debate a return to conscription amid Trump turnaround on Russia
Spurred by the war in Ukraine and the prospect of US disengagement, European countries are debating a return to compulsory military service to counter Russian expansionism.ย Lithuania, Sweden and Latvia reintroduced conscription after Russia’s seizure …
Worldโs cartoonists on this weekโs events
Drawing the top stories around the globe.
Weโre all living longer, but Mediterraneans live longest in EU, says Eurostat
Figures show a stark east-west divide in life expectancy within Europe.
The depopulation of Ukraine
The war is exacerbating a demographics decline that had already started well before Putin ordered his troops across the border
LIVE: The Capitals
The latest news from across Europe, all in one place
ECB resistance wavers as pressure mounts to seize Russian assets
ECB President Christine Lagarde has reiterated the central bank’s cautious stance, but opposition is growing at the Russian frontier.
Germany splits with former frugal allies in push to boost EU military spending
Northern European countries traditionally unenthusiastic about higher spending are wary of Germany’s new-found desire to splash the cash.
Asylum seekers being forcibly expelled at EU borders, says top rights lawyer
Council of Europeโs Michael OโFlaherty urged leaders not to give in to populist rhetoric over migrationEuropeโs most senior human rights official has said there is evidence of asylum seekers being forcibly expelled at EU borders, as he urged mainstream…
Second crisis Ukraine summit planned for Wednesday
More EU leaders, plus Norway and Canada, are expected to attend, 48 hours after previous talks.
Latviaโs president: โNever stop panickingโ
Keep calm and carry on? Nah โ everybody panic, Edgars Rinkฤviฤs advises.
Latvia moves to ban tourist trips to Russia, Belarus
Riga wants to reduce the risks of human rights violations of Latvian citizens in those countries, and prevent their recruitment as spies.
Baltic states successfully plug in to European power grid
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania disconnected from Russia’s power network on Saturday morning and connected to the European grid on Sunday in a historic move.
Baltics disconnect from Russian grid: Decrease โvulnerability to Russian blackmailโ
Three Baltic nations โ Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania โ disconnected from Moscow’s power grid to join the EU’s electricity network in an attempt to decrease their “vulnerability … to Russian blackmail”, FRANCE 24 Chief Foreign Editor Rob Parsons said…
Baltic nations switch from Russian power grid to EU network
The three Baltic states on Saturday cut ties with Russia’s power grid to join the European Union’s network, the culmination of a years-long process that gained urgency with Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuaniaย โ all former Sovie…
Baltic states cut Russian electricity ties, ending decades of reliance
Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia all disconnected from the Soviet-era grid on Saturday morning and will merge with the European energy system on Sunday.
Baltic states cut ties to Russian power grid in historic switch away from Moscow
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania disconnected their electricity systems from Russia’s power grid on Saturday, the region’s operators said, part of a plan designed to integrate the countries more closely with the EU and boost security.ย
Baltic countries sever final power ties with Russia
Disconnecting from the Soviet-era grid faced an intimidation campaign โ but it’s Moscow that could be left in a precarious position.
Baltic states sever last power links to Russia
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania switch to EU network after 80 years with former Soviet ruler
No Sweden-Latvia underwater cable sabotage
Swedish prosecutors confirm no sabotage in the Sweden-Latvia cable break, attributing it to weather, equipment failures, and poor seamanship.
The post No Sweden-Latvia underwater cable sabotage appeared first on Euractiv.
Sweden intercepts Bulgarian ship over damaged Baltic cable
The Swedish coast guard seized a Bulgarian ship after a fibre-optic cable under the Baltic Sea linking Sweden to Latvia was damaged, officials said on Monday. Latvia sent a warship on Sunday to investigate the damage, while Swedish prosecutors opened …
Latvia changes prescription pricing model, reduces copayments, supports EU joint procurement
“The calculations have shown a possible drop in prices for patients in total for both prescription and over-the-counter medicines by up to 20%,โ Abu Meri told Euractiv.
The post Latvia changes prescription pricing model, reduces copayments, supports E…
Sweden seizes ship after suspected Baltic Sea cable sabotage
Prosecutors have launched an investigation after an undersea cable leading to Latvia was damaged.
Ukraine war briefing: Moscow claims control of Velyka Novosilka but Ukrainians say fight continues
Warehouse strike in Russia โdestroys 200 Shahed dronesโ; Ryazan oil refinery hit again, says Kyivโs military. What we know on day 1,069Russia on Sunday claimed its troops had captured Velyka Novosilka, a strategically important town in the Donetsk regi…
Damage to cable between Sweden and Latvia, von der Leyen calls ‘Infrastructure safety a priority’
Damage to cable between Sweden and Latvia, von der Leyen calls ‘Infrastructure safety a priority’
Von der Leyen pledges solidarity after Latvia-Sweden undersea cable damage
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliลa warned there is probably significant “external damage” to the cable
The post Von der Leyen pledges solidarity after Latvia-Sweden undersea cable damage appeared first on Euractiv.
Another undersea cable damaged in Baltic Sea, Latvia dispatches warship
Another undersea data cable, this time connecting Sweden and Latvia, has been severed in the Baltic Sea, officials from both countries said Sunday, and prompted Latvia to dispatch a warship near to where the incident had occurred.
Baltic undersea cable likely damaged by โexternal influence,โ Latvian broadcaster says
The Latvian Navy sent a patrol to inspect a vessel possibly involved in causing the damage and is contact with NATO allies.
Baltic Sea data cable damaged in latest case of potential sabotage
Disruption of line between Sweden and Latvia follows earlier incidents linked to Russia and China
Latvia investigating โsignificantโ damage to undersea fibre optic cable
PM says damage is probably result of external influence and vessel suspected of involvement is under investigationAn undersea fibre optic cable between Latvia and Sweden was damaged on Sunday, probably as a result of external influence, Riga has said, …
Ukraine war briefing: Moscow reports gains in Donetsk in westward advance
Russiaโs defence ministry says its forces now control two more settlements in eastern Ukraine; Kyiv says โheinousโ attack kills three in capital. What we know on day 1,061See all our Ukraine war coverageRussian forces took control of two more settlemen…
NATO to deploy drones, aircraft to counter wave of Baltic Sea cable attacks
Baltic Sea country leaders are meeting in Helsinki after a series of incidents involving energy and data cables.
5 green targets EU countries will (mostly) miss in 2025
EU countries are behind on most, if not all, their sustainability commitments.
Europeโs chance to secure peace in Ukraine
A coalition of willing NATO allies could physically step in to help secure a future demarcation zone between an independent Ukraine and a Russian-occupied one.
Worldโs cartoonists on this weekโs events
Drawing the top stories around the globe.
Britainโs Baltic defense club falls flat on military spending pledge
U.K. leader Keir Starmer says talking about extra defense spending is tough at the moment.
48 detained in crackdown on pro-EU protests in Georgia
Arrests follow mass protests of Caucasus countryโs decision to stall EU accession talks.
EUโs Russia sanctions deal collapses over business loophole spat
Latvia and Lithuania vetoed the package, objecting to the extension of a carveout that lets EU firms continue operating in Russia.
Virkkunen supports EU telecoms consolidation, gets mixed national responses
Representatives from Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands and Slovenia stated that they were not in favour of consolidation.
Ukraine sanctions Georgian officials over violent crackdown on pro-EU protests
Sanctions target “the part of the Georgian government that is surrendering Georgia to Putin,โ Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said.
Countries back Brusselsโ plan to ban outdoor vaping
But Hungary’s minister reminded countries that the move was nonbinding, as Germany and Greece abstained.
Baltic countries sanction Georgian officials after violence against protestors
New EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas says democratic backsliding in Georgia “will have direct consequences.”
Ukraine war briefing: US urges Zelenskyy to lower conscription age to 18
Biden administration readying another $725m in arms for Kyiv; Zelenskyy to approve tax increases for defence funding. What we know on day 1,009 A senior official in Joe Bidenโs administration has told the Associated Press that the US is urging Ukraine…
A very British omnishambles: how The Play That Goes Wrong conquered the world
This farce about a gaffe-laden am-dram whodunnit was born above a pub. How did it become one of Britainโs greatest ever exports, the toast of more than 50 countries? Our writer travels to Europe to solve the mysteryA bunch of twerps are floundering in …
Brewers to EU: When all else fails, try beer
New Brussels beverage featuring Ukrainian hops aims to promote European unity and multiculturalism.
Brewers to EU: When all else fails, try beer
New Brussels beverage featuring Ukrainian hops aims to promote European unity and multiculturalism.
Europeโs Trumpian nightmare
The return of the disrupter-in-chief would further destabilize an already weakened continent.
Worldโs cartoonists on this weekโs events
Drawing the top stories around the globe.
Sergey Lavrov to visit Malta next month, Russian media reports
Russia’s foreign minister is expected to travel to Malta for an OSCE meeting in December.
Former bank boss in Latvia jailed for ordering killing of whistleblower
LPB Bank owner Mihails Ulmans sentenced to 15 years over hit on lawyer who suspected money-laundering
The future EU commissionersโ promises: Everything you need to know
We pored over more than 400 pages of written answers so you donโt have to.
EU fisheries ministers call for seals, cormorants population control amid fish stock decline
Sweden leads the charge in reducing protections on these predators citing fish stock depletion.