Latvia News: Development Plan, Community Support & Weather Updates – March 3, 2026

More than half of the goals outlined in Latvia’s National Development Plan 2021-2027 have been achieved or are on track, according to a self-assessment presented in Prime Minister Evika Siliņa’s annual report to the Saeima. The report acknowledges that Latvia has faced significant challenges during the plan’s implementation, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which impacted the country’s development and progress toward its objectives. These external factors continue to influence the plan’s success.

To strengthen community resilience and collaboration across Latvia, the Latvian Civic Alliance has launched the “Safe Communities” program. The initiative aims to facilitate people connect and cooperate, fostering cohesive and resilient communities and a safer living environment. Applications for the program are now being accepted, with five rounds of applications planned through 2028, aiming to include approximately 60 communities in each round and ensure balanced coverage across all Latvian regions. The program intends to support at least five communities in each Latvian district and state city by its completion.

The rate of young people aged 18 to 24 who have dropped out of education is nearly twice as high in rural areas compared to cities, according to data from the Central Statistical Bureau. In 2025, 7.1% of young people in cities had discontinued their education, while the figure was 12.5% in rural areas. The statistics indicate that young men are more likely to drop out of school, particularly in rural areas, while young women are less likely to do so in both urban and rural settings.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump told ABC News that a war with Iran could last another four or five weeks. Yet, Trump indicated that a prolonged military campaign is not in his interest, as polls demonstrate a majority of U.S. Citizens do not support attacks on Iran. A Reuters-commissioned poll found that only 27% of respondents supported a war with Iran, while 43% opposed it. At least 555 people have been killed in 130 Iranian cities in U.S. And Israeli attacks, the Iranian Red Crescent Society reported Monday.

While governments in many countries are considering restricting social media employ among teenagers by implementing age verification measures, scientists are urging a pause until privacy and security concerns are addressed, according to Politico. 371 security and privacy researchers from 29 countries have signed an open letter calling for a temporary halt to age verification for social media users, arguing that these measures are ineffective and pose serious risks. Scientists emphasize that implementing large-scale control mechanisms without a clear understanding of the potential consequences for safety, privacy, and individual freedom is dangerous and socially unacceptable.

Continuing with the news…

Police are seeking an indictment against a man responsible for fire safety at the “Atpūta” shopping center in Jēkabpils following a boiler explosion in January 2024. The man, born in 1977, has been identified as a suspect based on information gathered during the investigation. A criminal process was initiated two years ago following the explosion, investigating a deliberate violation of fire safety regulations resulting in severe consequences, punishable by up to five years in prison. State police have transferred the criminal case to the prosecutor’s office for prosecution.

The explosion at the “Atpūta” shopping center in Jēkabpils on January 17, 2024, resulted in the death of a 1969-born stoker.

Thematic workshops on wind farm development will begin today in Mežāre. European Energy group’s subsidiary, SIA “Supren,” is inviting residents of Mežāre and Vīpe parishes in Jēkabpils municipality, and Turku parish in Līvāni municipality, to participate in workshops to discuss initial site survey results and the potential impact of the planned wind farm. Experts will provide information about the wind farm development plans and encourage residents to ask questions and share their views to find solutions in subsequent stages. All meetings will be held at the Mežāre Community Center, starting at 6 p.m. Today, with additional sessions scheduled for March 17 and March 24.

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More than a third, or 37%, of Latvian residents surveyed plan to use their income tax overpayments for everyday expenses, according to a survey commissioned by Bigbank’s Latvian branch. This trend, according to Bigbank, suggests that the tax refund is not considered “extra money” for some, but rather a real relief for their daily budget. Seniors and households with lower incomes are most likely to use the funds for daily expenses.

The conflict in the Middle East is expected to drive up fuel and gas prices in Europe and Latvia, potentially leading to higher inflation than previously forecast. Līva Zorgenfreija, Swedbank’s chief economist in Latvia, told the LETA news agency that the conflict means higher energy prices worldwide, including in Latvia. Kārlis Purgailis, chief economist at Citadele Bank, noted that short-term fuel price volatility is expected, while a prolonged conflict could put upward pressure on inflation. Dainis Gašpuitis, chief economist at SEB banka, pointed out that the situation in the Middle East increases the risk of higher inflation and slower economic growth. Pēteris Strautiņš, chief economist at Luminor Bank, explained that fuel prices in Latvia are likely to increase, and that price increases are typically felt more quickly than price decreases.

The new municipal financial equalization model could provide slightly more funding for municipalities in Latgale, according to Aldis Adamovičs, chairman of the Latgale Planning Region Development Council and chairman of the Preiļi municipality council. He notes that the new model has been widely discussed at both the regional development center level and in Latgale municipalities, and has support in other regions of Latvia. Vitālijs Aizbalts, chairman of the Augšdaugava municipality council, emphasizes that the municipality supports the new model and appreciates the state’s approach to regional development issues. Guntars Skudra, chairman of the Rēzekne municipality council, also notes that the previous municipal financing model is outdated and changes are objectively necessary.

According to current epidemiological surveillance data, three cases of chikungunya virus have been confirmed in Latvia this year, according to the Disease Prevention and Control Center. Two of these cases were among family members, while one case is not epidemiologically linked to the others. All three patients were in the Seychelles during the incubation period. Since November 2025, 10 European countries have reported more than 70 travel-associated cases among travelers returning from the Seychelles. The emergence of chikungunya fever in the Seychelles corresponds to a broader regional spread in the Indian Ocean islands.

Chikungunya virus disease is a mosquito-borne illness prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Symptoms can appear several days after infection, even after returning home, and often include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint pain. Travelers experiencing illness during or after travel should seek medical attention, especially if they develop fever or joint pain.

The European Commission announced yesterday that it currently has no concerns about energy shortages in the European Union due to the conflict in Iran. Underground gas storage facilities in EU countries are filled to an adequate level, approximately 30% of their capacity, and no extraordinary measures are being taken.
The city of Utrecht in the Netherlands has officially stopped issuing fines to people experiencing homelessness for sleeping outdoors. The decision was made after lengthy discussions with a convincing majority of city council members. Most council members concluded that fines only worsen the situation of vulnerable people and effectively criminalize poverty. Currently, those sleeping on the streets are primarily offered assistance and shelter services.

Continuing with the news…

“Latvijas valsts meži” (Latvian State Forests) has begun eliminating the consequences of spruce bark beetle damage in the “Smeceres sils” ski and recreation area in Madona municipality to reduce safety risks from falling trees and limit the spread of the spruce bark beetle. The company states that forest harvesting operations will continue until mid-March, covering 25 hectares, with clear-cutting planned on approximately 6 hectares where damage is most severe. Sanitary and thinning felling will also be carried out in the remaining area, selectively removing damaged and hazardous trees. Young forest management is also planned to create a healthier and more resilient future forest.

Next week, on March 14, active residents and non-governmental organizations are invited to participate in the annual participation forum in Aizkraukle. Applications for the event can be submitted by completing an application form available on the municipality’s website. The forum will bring together community leaders, non-governmental organizations, municipal representatives, and residents to discuss community resilience, safety, and development opportunities in 2026.

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Due to the thawing and precipitation, gravel roads in Līvāni municipality are becoming slushy and losing their load-bearing capacity, worsening driving conditions. To prevent irreversible damage to the roads, mass limit signs have been installed on several gravel roads in Turku, Rožupes, Sutru, Rudzātu, and Jersikas parishes. A list of roads with restrictions can be found on the Līvāni municipality website. Temporary driving permits may be issued if necessary.

The Ministry of the Interior is proposing to introduce mandatory registration of prepaid SIM card users from October 1 of this year, while providing an exception for contracts concluded before that date. The ministry submitted amendments to the Electronic Communications Law for consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers today, which would require mandatory registration of end-users and SIM cards used for prepaid interpersonal communication services or internet access. Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis noted that user registration will reduce fraud. The minister emphasized that online fraud, including telephone fraud, is a serious problem and has been identified as one of the main threats to internal security at the European Union level.

The State Environmental Service is urging polluting activity operators and hydroelectric power station operators to strengthen preventive safety measures in connection with the increased risk of flooding. The Environmental Service has contacted operators of significant hydroelectric power stations and other high-risk facilities, informing them of the predicted hydrological situation and the need to prevent hazardous or polluting substances from entering the environment in the event of flooding. Floods can not only inundate areas but also cause disruptions to electricity supply and limit access to infrastructure, making it hard to monitor and control equipment, prevent accidents, and operate wastewater systems. Operators are urged to assess all risks in a timely manner.

Approximately 5,000 fourth-grade students from 160 schools across Latvia will participate in the international reading literacy study PIRLS this month. During the study, children will read literary and informative texts in a digital environment and answer questions about what they have read. Students, their parents, and teachers will also complete questionnaires providing information about reading habits, the learning environment, and attitudes toward reading. The previous study in 2021 showed a decline in Latvian students’ reading skills compared to 2016. However, Latvian students’ average scores have remained above the international average since the beginning of participation in 2001.

The U.S. Military reports that Iranian targets have been struck more than 1,250 times in the first 48 hours. The strikes were described by Secretary of State Marko Rubio as a proactive self-defense measure ahead of inevitable threats. The fourth day of the war between the U.S. And Israel against Iran is underway. The U.S. Is urging citizens to leave the Middle East. U.S. Central Command reports that airstrikes targeted command posts, ballistic missile launch sites, warships, submarines, and anti-ship missile batteries. Former U.S. President Donald Trump suggests the possibility of sending ground troops to Iran and warned that the strongest attacks are yet to approach.

France will increase its nuclear arsenal for the first time in decades, President Emmanuel Macron announced, but did not specify the extent of the increase. This is the first time since 1992 that France has increased the number of nuclear warheads. France is the only nuclear power in the European Union.

Continuing with the news…

Border guards in Augšdaugavas municipality have arrested one Israeli citizen for transporting people who illegally crossed the state border. While checking information about border violations, border guards stopped a “Renault Trafic” vehicle in Salienas parish, driven by an Israeli citizen. An inspection of the vehicle revealed seven people without valid travel documents, visas, or residence permits. A criminal process has been initiated against the transporter for providing a large number of people with the opportunity to illegally stay in Latvia. All persons have been returned to the border with Belarus.

Due to thawing and precipitation, slush has formed on gravel roads in Līvāni municipality, and the road surface is losing its load-bearing capacity, worsening driving conditions. To prevent irreversible damage to the roads, mass limit signs have been installed on several gravel roads in Turku, Rožupes, Sutru, Rudzātu, and Jersikas parishes. A list of roads with restrictions can be found on the Līvāni municipality website. Temporary driving permits may be issued if necessary.

And finally…

This winter in Latvia was the coldest since the winter of 2010-2011, according to data from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre. Although December was 3.2 degrees Celsius warmer than normal, the average air temperature in January and February was 5.7 and 5.2 degrees Celsius below normal, respectively, making the winter as a whole 2.6 degrees Celsius colder than the average for 1991-2020. 57 heat records were broken in December, and six maximum air temperature records were broken on the last day of February. The coldest temperatures were -32.5 degrees Celsius on the morning of February 17 and -32.8 degrees Celsius on the morning of January 31 at the Daugavpils observation station, while the highest temperature rose to +10.9 degrees Celsius in Jēkabpils on February 28.

December in Latvia was the fifth warmest on record since 1924. January became the 15th coldest on record and the coldest since 2010, while February was the 17th coldest on record and the coldest since 2012. The average air temperature in Latvia in February was -8.3 degrees Celsius. The thinnest snow cover was on the shores of the Gulf of Riga, and the thickest in Latgale, as well as in some areas of Selonia and Vidzeme. The maximum snow depth was 62 centimeters on February 14 in Dagda, and it was the thickest snow layer in the country since April 2013.