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Latvia

Latvia is a country located in the Baltic region of northern Europe, bordered by Estonia, Russia, Lithuania and Belarus. Its capital and largest city is Riga.

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All Content on this topic

A mobile phone shows the Vinted logo in the foreground and a pair of shoes in the backgound

Vinted second-hand platform slapped with hefty fine

Second-hand retailer Vinted was fined over €2 million after European customers accused it of data privacy shortcomings.
BusinessJuly 4, 2024
DW Dokumentationen | Lettland: Überbleibsel der Sowjetunion

Latvia: Remnants of the Soviet Union

Karosta, Latvia, is a former restricted area of the Soviet Union where many Russians stayed behind.
SocietyJune 11, 202405:10 min
Artillery shells in a factory

Baltics join the ammunitions race

The Baltic states are setting up their own ammunition factories to be ready in case of a potential attack from Russia.
PoliticsJune 7, 2024
British NATO troops in Lithuania in 2023 preparing for a possible Russian invasion scenario

NATO is moving to a war footing, says Latvian FM

Ukraine can still win the war against Russia if the West steps up its game, the Baltic country's top diplomat tells DW. 
PoliticsMay 15, 202426:06 min
Girls sitting in the classroom

Latvian schoolchildren singing their protest

Schoolchildren across Latvia are protesting with song - they don't want the government to close schools in smaller towns
EducationMay 2, 202404:35 min
DW "Global Us" Sendungslogo Composite

Education for All! But how? - Global Us

Illiteracy, outdated learning concepts, teacher shortage. How can the education crisis worldwide be solved?
EducationApril 26, 202426:06 min
European Commission chiefg Ursula von der Leyen (L) and Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo hold a joint press conference at the Lappeenranta airport, eastern Finland, on April 19, 2024

Finland urges EU to help end migrant influx from Russia

Helsinki has accused Moscow of weaponizing migration to settle a score with the new NATO member.
MigrationApril 19, 2024
Manganknolle

Latvia mulls ban on manganese cargo to Russia

An EU ban to supply Russia with manganese ore used in the arms industry could hurt Latvia more.
BusinessApril 15, 202403:55 min
A woman with bushy, reddish hair and wearing a patterned brown and white jacket, Latvian MEP Tatjana Zdanoka, addresses a plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels in December 2020

Latvia probes EU lawmaker for Kremlin spying

The investigation comes weeks after a report claimed to show communications between her and Kremlin handlers.
CrimeMarch 16, 2024
Oleg Vinogradov, an ethnic Russian born in Latvia, talks to DW’s Fanny Facsar

Latvia fears Putin could target unhappy Russian minority

Media and language restrictions stoke resentment among the Baltic state's large ethnic Russian population. DW reports.
ConflictsFebruary 26, 202404:18 min
Agnese Logina, Latvian Culture Minister

Latvia 'taking steps to strengthen mediascape'

In an interview with DW, Latvian Culture Minister Agnese Logina expressed concern over Russian disinformation.
PoliticsFebruary 19, 202406:01 min
A close-up image of whiskey being poured into a glass

How Latvia became the whisky hookup for sanction-hit Russia

Latvia has become the go-to EU stopover to ship alcohol to Russia. Does that square with a tough line on Putin?
BusinessFebruary 15, 2024
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is seen speaking on stage

Scores of European decision-makers on Russia's wanted list

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is the highest-ranking politician on the Russian Interior Ministry's wanted list.
PoliticsFebruary 14, 2024
A group of people swim in a hole in the ice

In Latvia, ice baths are a weekly tradition

Diving into ice-cold water boosts the body's immune system, and the spirit in times of crisis.
LifestyleFebruary 5, 202404:10 min
Türkei | Viele Erdbebenopfer fühlen sich allein gelassen

Focus on Europe — Spotlight on People

In Turkey, many are still living in emergency shelters after the devastating earthquake a year ago.
SocietyFebruary 1, 202426:04 min
Tarmo Peltokoski wears a black T-shirt and waves a conductor's baton

Star conductor Tarmo Peltokoski takes on Wagner

At just 23, Tarmo Peltokoski has found success conducting the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra.
MusicJanuary 22, 202404:39 min
DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

Euromaxx - Lifestyle Europe

Young star conductor Tarmo Peltokoski, Germans on vacation, and the right sauce for every pasta.
LifestyleJanuary 19, 202426:06 min
Arturs Aukons starts swimming in a lake amidst pieces of ice.

Latvia: Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas

DW has met with a family from the Latvian capital, Riga, that likes to spend Christmas out of town.
ReligionJanuary 6, 202402:19 min
Ludmilla Sokol, a Russian citizen living in Latvia, sitting at a desk

Putin claims discrimination of Russian minority in Latvia

How Putin is trying to turn Latvia's new language laws into pro-Russia propaganda.
ConflictsDecember 25, 202303:07 min
Euromaxx Sendung

One day in Riga: Insider tips

Euromaxx reporter Hannah Hummel finds out what no one should miss in Riga.
TravelNovember 22, 202305:02 min
DW | SHIFT, Līva Kalnina

More money: Having success from home

A good internet connection is necessary: working from home provides independence and flexibility.
Digital WorldNovember 20, 202302:53 min
DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

Euromaxx - Lifestyle Europe

Glass beads for Christmas ornaments, Germans on Sunday and insider tips for Riga.
LifestyleNovember 17, 202326:06 min
DW | SHIFT, Gleichberechtigung

Wanted: Women! Start your career in tech

What skills are required for a career in the tech industry? Women are particularly in demand.
Digital WorldNovember 3, 202312:36 min
external

Massive increase in people smuggling at EU's eastern border

With illegal crossings into the EU on the rise, Latvia is intensifying its border patrols.
MigrationOctober 31, 202303:20 min
Thumbnail Euromaxx 21.10.23

Wine tips from one of the world's best wine sommeliers

DW visits top wine luminary Raimonds Tomsons to get some expert advice.
LifestyleOctober 24, 202304:35 min
DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

Euromaxx - Lifestyle Europe

New Grand Show in Berlin's Friedrichstadt-Palast, Photographer Iwan Baan and the best sommelier in the world.
CultureOctober 20, 202326:06 min
Members of the Latvian National Guard drive down a street in a military vehicle. More military can be seen in the background.

Latvia boosts military as Russian threat looms

Sharing a border with Russia, Latvia has seen a surge in citizens joining the National Guard to get military training.
SocietyOctober 6, 202302:57 min
A man puts a new vehicle registration plate on his car

Baltic states shut borders to Russia-registered cars

The ban, which came in response to updated EU guidlines on sanctions, could widen to include other countries.
PoliticsSeptember 13, 2023
Litauen Sumskas Grenzübergang Belarus

Belarus increasingly isolated as tensions rise at EU border

EU nations neighboring Belarus are ramping up border security, arguing Wagner mercenaries pose new threats.
PoliticsAugust 22, 2023
Krisjanis Karins in front of assorted European flags

Latvian prime minister announces resignation

Krisjanis Karins has said he and his government will submit their resignation to Latvia's president later this week.
PoliticsAugust 14, 2023
Videostill | Fokus Europa | Ukraine

Focus on Europe - Spotlight on People

New soldiers near the frontlines are not safe from Russian attacks, so Ukraine is training them.
SocietyAugust 3, 202326:05 min
DW Reporter Lettand Riga Sängerfest

Latvia: Revolution through song

Songs are integral to Latvian identity. Now the country is celebrating a major choir festival.
SocietyJuly 29, 202312:36 min
Choir singers in traditional attire perform at Latvia's Song and Dance Festival

Latvian Song and Dance Festival concludes

For some participants, the songs and dances are deeply personal. DW's Juri Rescheto reports.
CultureJuly 10, 202303:24 min
Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto and his Latvian counterpart Edgars Rinkevics (in the picture) meet in Helsinki, Finland on November 9, 2021.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics sworn in

In his swearing-in speech, the new president pledged to uphold his country's support for Ukraine against Russia.
PoliticsJuly 8, 2023
DW Euromaxx l Ligo, St. Johannis, Lettland

Latvian midsummer night: the Līgo festival

All of Latvia celebrates Līgo. The shortest night of year is marked with song and dance
CultureJuly 4, 202303:28 min
Newly elected Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, centre, gestures as he walks outside of the parliament building after lawmakers elected him in Riga

Latvian Foreign Minister Rinkevics chosen as president

Edgars Rinkevics has ascended from foreign minister to president following a parliamentary vote.
PoliticsMay 31, 2023
Two soldiers standing near a truck in the snow with military equipment on it

Estonia, Latvia want to buy German Iris-T air defense system

Estonia and Latvia are planning to jointly buy German Iris-T anti-aircraft missile systems to protect their airspace.
PoliticsMay 21, 2023
Video screens in the equipment room at the TV center of Public Television of Russia

Latvia battles to curb Russian media influence

Latvia is fighting the spread of Moscow's disinformation. With a large Russian-speaking community, this is a tough task.
SocietyMay 15, 2023
Members of Latvian National Armed Forces during Crystal Arrow 2022 exercise on March 7, 2022 in Adazi, Latvia.

Latvia reintroduces compulsory military service

Compulsory military service has returned. But a visit to a Riga skatepark shows many young Latvians are not convinced.
PoliticsApril 7, 2023
The Russian and Olympic flags

Paris 2024 Olympics: Europe's politicians against Russia

Many European politicians are considering boycotts of the 2024 Olympics, if Russian and Belarusian athletes take part.
SportsFebruary 9, 2023
A fire at the Edge Autonomy drone factory in Marupe, Latvia

Fire breaks out at US-owned drone factory in Latvia

Large plumes of black smoke were seen at the "Edge Autonomy" drone production plant on the outskirts of Riga.
CatastropheFebruary 7, 2023
Explosion at gas pipeline in Lithuania

Lithuania gas pipeline explodes, nearby village evacuated

The explosion occurred in northern Lithuania, with no victims reported so far.
CatastropheJanuary 13, 2023
A man in a red coat and dark hair, standing outside in the winter

Refugee status in Latvia elusive for Russians fleeing draft

DW speaks with a former Russian policeman who was eventually granted refugee status in Latvia.
ConflictsJanuary 13, 202303:34 min
The logo of TV Rain

Dutch regulator grants Russian TV Rain broadcasting license

The Russian independent station TV Rain received a five-year broadcasting permit in the Netherlands.
MediaJanuary 10, 2023
TV Rain editor-in-chief Tikhon Dzyadko during a channel broadcast

Latvia revokes license of Russia independent channel TV Rain

Latvia's media watchdog has accused the broadcaster, which relocated from Russia, of breaking the law.
PoliticsDecember 6, 2022
Migrants and refugees line up along the borders of Belarus

Amnesty reports alleged migrant abuse in Latvia

Riga slammed a report by the watchdog detailing human rights violations as "bogus accusations."
PoliticsOctober 13, 2022
Latvian Prime Minister Arturs Krisjanis Karins reacts at "New Unity" party headquarters while addressing fellow party members

Latvia reelects incumbent Karins

Latvia's election is likely to be a death knell for the Russian-friendly opposition party, Harmony.
PoliticsOctober 2, 2022
Dismantling of the Soviet WWII victory monument, in Riga

Latvia removes Soviet-era monument in Riga

Latvia dismantled a Soviet-era monument in its capital city despite protests from the ethnic Russia minority.
PoliticsAugust 25, 2022
People waiting outside of a bus with their backpacks and luggage

Could Russians be blocked from Schengen Area?

As calls grow for the EU to ban Schengen visas for Russians, Russian tourists use Finland as their gateway to the West.
ConflictsAugust 13, 2022
Pipes are seen at a gas transmission point

Russia's Gazprom stops gas supplies to Latvia

The energy giant accuses the EU member state of violating conditions for gas withdrawal.
PoliticsJuly 30, 2022