AGP Executive Report

Biodiversity & Wildlife: Ten turtles were released into the Ruģeļi wetland in Daugavpils as part of a rewilding effort to restore a historical species that declined due to human pressure. Local Environment Policy: Riga is set to add and extend several cycle lanes, aiming for safer, more continuous connections across key streets. Marine & Fisheries: EU countries including Latvia are pushing to loosen culling rules for the recovering cormorant population, arguing numbers are now harming fish stocks and local economies. Weather: A cyclone is expected to bring a rain band across Latvia this weekend, with heavy downpours and thunderstorms in parts of the west and central regions. Agriculture & Pollution Risk: Latvia’s EPPO has indicted a farmer over suspected EU subsidy fraud tied to robotic milking equipment that was allegedly not installed properly and never used as claimed. Port Emissions: The Port of Riga’s pilot-boat service unit joined a Baltic project to cut CO₂ from pilot vessels using low-emission technologies and shared recommendations.

airBaltic Rescue Talks: Latvia’s PM says the government is negotiating with a strategic investor for struggling state carrier airBaltic to avoid a potential default, with a key condition to keep Riga airport as the airline’s hub. EU Enforcement: The European Commission has launched infringement steps against Latvia and other member states for not fully transposing EU directives, including the revised Single Permit rules for labour migration. Subsidy Fraud Case: Latvia’s EPPO has indicted a farmer over alleged EU funding fraud for robotic milking equipment—claimed gear was allegedly not installed, not operational, and supported by a fabricated video. Weather Watch: A cyclone is set to bring a rain band, heavy downpours and thunderstorms across Latvia over the weekend, with stronger southerly winds and cooler conditions afterward. Rewilding in Latgale: Ten turtles were released into the Ruģeļi wetland in Daugavpils as part of a five-year rewilding effort to restore declining local wildlife. Low-Emission Shipping: Riga’s port pilot services joined a Baltic project to cut CO₂ from pilot boats using low-emission technologies and digital monitoring. Cycling Upgrade: Rīga plans new and extended cycle lanes on Lāčplēša, Marijas and Šarlotes streets to improve safer connections. Energy & Heating Demand: Stores have set temporary purchase limits on fuel pellets as demand spikes ahead of winter, with industry saying supply should stabilize soon.

Weather Watch: Latvia is set for mostly dry conditions on Friday, with partly cloudy skies and only isolated, short-lived showers. Fog may form overnight, and temperatures should reach about +24 to +29°C inland, cooler by the coast. Weekend Shift: A cyclone will strengthen over the weekend, bringing a rain band from the west, heavier downpours and thunderstorms in parts of western and central Latvia, plus gusty southerly winds up to around 15 m/s. Biodiversity & Rewilding: Ten turtles were released into the Ruģeļi wetland in Daugavpils as part of a five-year rewilding effort, with animals raised in a zoo until they’re strong enough to survive predators. Low-Emission Shipping: Riga’s Port pilot services company LVR Flote joined a Baltic project (PILOTech) to cut CO2 from pilot boats using low-emission tech and digital monitoring. Cycling Safety: Rīga plans new and extended cycle lanes on Lāčplēša, Marijas and Šarlotes streets to improve continuity and safety for cyclists. Packaging Rules (EU): From 2030, some fresh fruits and vegetables under 1.5 kg won’t be individually wrapped in plastic across the EU, with producers and retailers adjusting ahead of the ban.

Port of Riga & Baltic shipping decarbonisation: LVR Flote has joined the PILOTech project to cut CO2 from pilot boats, testing low-emission tech with partners across Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Sweden. Riga cycling push: The city plans new and extended cycle lanes on Lāčplēša, Marijas and Šarlotes streets to improve safety and continuity. Biodiversity in action: Ten turtles were released into the Ruģeļi wetland in Daugavpils as part of a rewilding effort to restore older populations. Young farmers get financing: Nearly half (46%) of LANDE’s EIF-backed loans in Latvia and Lithuania went to farmers under 40, supporting generational renewal in agriculture. Latvia climate/energy governance debate: The National Alliance proposes merging three ministries into a single Ministry of the Economy, combining economic, energy and regional development policy. Weather watch: Mostly dry conditions are expected midweek, with fog locally; a weekend cyclone may bring rain and thunderstorms. Academic freedom concern: Researchers warn the Saeima may discuss the usefulness of certain Latvian Science Council-funded projects, raising worries about academic freedom.

Wildlife Rewilding: Ten European turtles have been released into the Ruģeļi wetland near Daugavpils as part of a five-year rewilding effort, with zoo-raised juveniles moved only once they’re strong enough to survive predators. Weather Watch: Latvia is set for mostly dry days with fog and light showers possible, but a weekend cyclone may bring widespread rain, stronger winds and a higher chance of thunderstorms. Baltic Sea Cleanup: Baltic Sea “beauty spots” are reportedly turning into rubbish dumps, adding to pressure on waste management and coastal protection. Textile Waste: Textile waste is flagged as a growing problem in Latvia, with new recycling capacity and facilities expanding across Europe. Forestry Land Deal: Latvia’s State Forests has bought back 5,000 hectares of forest land in Latgale from Swedish owners for €26 million. Public Attitudes on Energy: A Latvia survey finds cautious support for developing offshore wind, with people mainly wanting clarity on electricity prices and environmental impacts. Food & Exports: Latvia’s berry exports are growing, especially frozen blackcurrants, while foragers increasingly sell via social media for better prices. Transport & Infrastructure: Substantial works are completed on the facade and glazed roof of the new Riga Central Station southern section, with Rail Baltica construction nearing key milestones.

Rail Baltica / Riga Infrastructure: BERERIX has finished major facade and glazed-roof works on the new Riga Central Station, with 1,500 sq m of glazing and testing done in Italy for air/water resistance and durability in Latvia’s winters; Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas says all major works should wrap by end of August 2026. Packaging & Waste Policy: Estonia and other EU stores will stop individually plastic-wrapping certain fresh fruits and vegetables under new EU rules from Jan 1, 2030, with a finalized product list due by 2027; retailers warn of short-term costs and consumer price pressure. Latvia Environment & Weather: Fog and unsettled conditions are expected this week, with rain and strengthening winds over the weekend as a cyclone approaches, plus a higher chance of thunderstorms. Biodiversity & Food Exports: Latvia’s berry exports are rising, with frozen blackcurrants hitting record export value (over €860k last year) and growers pointing to strong demand abroad. Textile Waste: RTU research highlights textile waste as a growing problem in Latvia (slow to decompose and hard to recycle), urging people to buy less and think harder before purchasing. Offshore Wind (Public Opinion): A Latvia survey finds cautious support for developing offshore wind to avoid falling behind neighbors, with residents focused on impacts on prices, environment, and regional benefits.

Textile Waste & Recycling: Latvia’s textile waste problem is growing fast, with experts warning that clothes break down very slowly and are still hard to recycle—so the best “recycling” is buying less. Offshore Wind Debate: A new Latvia survey finds cautious support for developing offshore wind, but people want clear answers on electricity prices, environmental impacts, and local benefits. Weather & Storm Risk: Latvia is in for warm, mostly dry conditions with possible thunderstorms, plus a later cyclone bringing more rain and stronger winds. Baltic Sea Pollution: Baltic Sea “beauty spots” are turning into a load of rubbish, highlighting ongoing cleanup and waste-control needs. Forestry & Land Deals: Latvia’s State Forests has bought back forest land from Swedish owners for €26 million, adding 5,000 hectares in Latgale. Biodiversity Management: Latvia sets the 2026/2027 wolf hunting quota at 400 animals, split into two management units, saying hunting won’t worsen a stable wolf population. Workplace Safety: A Latvian Railways employee who fell into the Daugava was found on Zaķusala island; investigators will focus on whether safety precautions were followed. EU Digital Euro Pilot: The ECB selected 36 payment providers (including Latvia) for the digital euro pilot starting in late 2027, aimed at testing technical operations and user experience.

Digital Euro Pilot: The ECB has picked 36 payment service providers across the euro area, including Latvia-based participants, to test a digital euro beta starting in the second half of 2027 for 12 months—aimed at refining technical operations and user experience. Latvia’s Forests: Latvijas Valsts meži (LVM) bought nearly 5,000 hectares of productive forest in Latgale from Swedish owners for just over €26m, adding about 4,800 hectares of forest (mostly spruce, birch and pine) and strengthening long-term state forest management. Textile Waste: A Latvian Radio discussion highlights how textile waste is growing and hard to recycle, urging people to buy less and think more carefully about what they purchase. Offshore Wind Attitudes: A new LIAA survey finds Latvians are cautiously supportive of developing offshore wind, but want clear answers on electricity prices, environmental impacts and local benefits. Weather & Heat Risks: Latvia is set for warm, mostly dry conditions with possible thunderstorms, while Europe’s heat waves are driving demand for cooling and raising health concerns, especially for older people. Tourism Pressure on Waste Systems: On the Vidzeme coast, free A1 highway parking lots are again facing overflowing garbage bins and a lack of toilets during peak season, pushing visitors to use nearby forests.

Textile waste in Latvia: Riga Technical University warns that textiles are a fast-growing waste stream (about 3–5% of total waste) and break down very slowly, while recycling remains unclear—so the best “first step” is buying less and thinking harder before purchasing. Packaging rules coming: New packaging and packaging-waste regulation takes effect Aug 12, expanding what counts as packaging (including tea bags and mascara brushes) and tightening requirements on materials, “substances of concern,” and recycling/reuse. Forestry land swap: Latvijas Valsts meži (LVM) bought nearly 5,000 hectares of productive forest in Latgale from Swedish owners for €26.4m, adding high-quality timber resources and strengthening long-term state forest management. Wildlife management: Latvia’s State Forest Service set the 2026/2027 wolf hunting quota at 400 animals (up from 370), split into two management units with different hunting periods. Storm impacts: Severe thunderstorms in eastern/southeastern Latvia damaged the power grid and toppled trees, leaving thousands without electricity as repairs continued. Weather outlook: A warm, mostly dry week is expected, with only isolated showers early on and thunderstorms possible at the start. Blueberry market shift: In Estonia, foragers increasingly sell blueberries via social-media groups instead of wholesale, pushing prices higher—an angle that highlights how weather and market access shape local harvests.

Baltic Sea Waste: Latvia’s Vidzeme coast is seeing overflowing rubbish bins at A1 highway free parking lots near the sea, with locals saying visitors use nearby forests because there aren’t enough toilets. Packaging Rules: New Latvian packaging and packaging-waste regulation kicks in Aug 12, expanding what counts as packaging (including tea bags and mascara brushes) and tightening requirements for recycling and reuse. Forest Land Deal: Latvijas valsts meži (LVM) bought nearly 5,000 hectares of productive forest in Latgale from Swedish owners for just over €26m, including spruce, birch and pine, with parts inside protected nature areas. Storm Impacts: Severe thunderstorms hit eastern/southeastern Latvia, knocking out power for thousands and causing fallen trees and road disruptions. Energy Storage in Latvia: Futureal Energy Partners acquired two Riga battery storage sites (45 MW/120 MWh) from Aretis Group, aiming for operations in November. Smart Grid & Meters: A new report highlights how smart meters help manage variable renewables and reduce waste—key for grid stability as wind and solar grow. Weather Outlook: Forecasters expect a mostly sunny, warm and largely dry week, with only isolated showers early on. South China Sea (Latvia in focus): Latvia joined 13 countries reaffirming the 2016 South China Sea arbitration award as final and legally binding, urging peaceful dispute resolution under UNCLOS.

Weather Watch: Latvia is set for a warm, mostly dry week, with only isolated showers early on and thunderstorms possible at the start; highs are expected around +23 to +28°C, with coastal areas a bit cooler. Storm Impacts: Severe thunderstorms in eastern and southeastern Latvia damaged the power grid, toppled trees and left thousands without electricity, with outages peaking at about 9,300 customers and warnings staying in force. Severe Weather Alerts: An orange thunderstorm warning is active for south-eastern Latvia Sunday evening, with heavy rain, hail and gusts up to 20 m/s possible. Energy Storage Growth: Futureal Energy Partners bought two battery storage projects in Riga (Bolderaja and Bisuciems), totaling 45 MW/120 MWh, aiming to start construction in July and reach operations by November. Clean Tech Research: A new international project led by Aston University will test “magnetobots” using naturally magnetic bacteria to target solid tumours, including pancreatic, breast, lung and colorectal cancers. EU Funding Moves: The EU approved a new recovery and resilience plan for Hungary worth up to €10bn, with Latvia also seeing targeted plan amendments. Cybersecurity & Forests: Latvia’s state forestry company LVM says it’s still restoring IT systems weeks after a ransomware attack disrupted internal and customer services.

South China Sea Solidarity: Thirteen countries, including Latvia, backed the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling as “final, legally binding, and definitive,” urging China to comply under UNCLOS while warning against coercive actions. Severe Weather Watch: Latvia’s meteorology service issued an orange thunderstorm warning for south-eastern regions and a yellow alert for the north-east, with heavy rain, hail and strong winds possible Sunday evening. Baltic Energy Storage: Futureal Energy Partners bought two Riga battery storage sites (Bolderaja and Bisuļciems) totaling 45 MW/120 MWh from Aretis Group, aiming for operations in November. Grid Smarter, Renewables Faster: A new EU-focused look at smart meters argues they’re key for balancing wind and solar variability, with battery storage scaling still a major gap. Riga Housing Costs: Riga starts collecting management fees for municipality-owned apartments from July 1, potentially raising bills for tenants, including social housing residents. Latvia Weather Outlook: Forecasts point to drier, warmer conditions starting Sunday, with muggy air and possible showers or thunderstorms. Forestry Cyber Disruption: Latvia’s state forestry company LVM is still restoring IT systems weeks after a ransomware attack, leaving many customers without access to affected services. EU Water Rules Pressure: The European Commission is pursuing Slovakia over failures to properly transpose the Drinking Water Directive, including standards tied to pollutants like microplastics and endocrine disruptors. Energy Storage Market Context: The week also highlighted Baltic telecom and infrastructure moves, including new 5G spectrum in Lithuania and Latvia’s ongoing talks over Telia’s LMT and Tet ownership.

Energy & Grid Modernization: Europe’s renewables boom is forcing faster balancing of supply and demand, and smart meters are becoming a practical tool to cut waste and keep grids stable as wind and solar output swings with weather. Climate & Weather Impacts: Latvia is heading into a drier, warmer spell after rain, with muggy conditions and possible thunderstorms; meanwhile, South Estonia’s Tõrva saw severe flooding after heavy downpours overwhelmed the ground and rapidly pushed river levels up. Water Safety (EU rules): The European Commission has launched/continued infringement steps against Slovakia over proper implementation of the Drinking Water Directive, including protections against pollutants like microplastics and endocrine disruptors—relevant for the region’s tap-water standards. Forests & Resilience: Latvia’s state forestry company LVM is still restoring systems after a ransomware attack disrupted mapping and hunting services, showing how digital resilience matters for environmental management. Biodiversity & Food: Rain is also reshaping harvest quality—Latvian strawberries are starting earlier, while cherry crops face cracking and rot risk from persistent wet weather. Security & Environment Link: NATO upgraded Baltic air policing to air defense with a broader mandate, a reminder that regional safety planning increasingly intersects with how airspace and infrastructure are managed.

Flood Response in Focus: Estonia’s Environment Agency says Tõrva’s severe flooding was driven by exceptionally heavy rain over July 8–9, when 56 mm fell in a short period and the ground couldn’t absorb it fast enough—river levels peaked at 265 cm above the station’s zero level and at least eight people were evacuated. Latvia Weather Watch: Latvia is set for a drier, warmer start to the week with muggy conditions and possible thunderstorms; highs mostly reach +23 to +28°C, with humidity higher at the beginning and end of the week. EU Water Rules: The European Commission opened/continued infringement steps against Slovakia over incorrect transposition of the 2020 Drinking Water Directive, including rules aimed at protecting public health from pollutants like microplastics and endocrine disruptors. Power & Resilience Tech: Sadales tīkls is expanding drone inspections of power lines to speed up damage checks and reduce field work, planning drone-based inspections of about 10,000 km this year. Climate & Biomass Debate: UK think-tank Ember reports Drax’s biomass plant hit record emissions in 2025 and received record subsidies, while Drax disputes the accounting approach.

Climate & Weather: Latvia is heading into a drier, warmer spell after days of rain, with muggy conditions and scattered showers/thunderstorms possible as temperatures climb into the high 20s. Food & Farming: Rain is also reshaping harvests: strawberries are starting earlier and selling slightly cheaper, while cherry quality is suffering as fruit cracks and tastes watery. Water Quality: The European Commission opened an environment-focused infringement case against Slovakia over the Drinking Water Directive, including rules tied to microplastics and endocrine disruptors. Energy & Air Quality: A UK analysis says Drax’s biomass power station hit record emissions in 2025 and that most pellets come from abroad, including Latvia. Forestry & Security: Latvia’s state forestry firm LVM is still restoring systems after a ransomware attack. Local Environment Governance: Riga is set to start collecting management fees for municipality-owned apartments from July 1, likely raising bills for tenants. Power Infrastructure: Sadales tīkls is expanding drone inspections of power lines to speed up damage detection and reduce field work. Biodiversity & Nature Culture: A Riga jewelry pop-up exhibition “Beautiful Nature” explores nature themes through contemporary Latvian jewelry.

Baltic Air Policing Upgrade: NATO agreed to shift its Baltic air policing mission into an active air defence role, expanding pilots’ mandate to destroy aerial objects posing an immediate threat—faster response, broader flexibility, and a clear sign the region’s security posture is hardening. Rīga Housing Costs: From July, Rīga will start charging management fees for municipality-owned apartments, meaning higher bills for tenants and fresh pressure on socially vulnerable residents. Latvia Weather Watch: Forecasts point to a drier, warmer start to the weekend with muggy conditions and possible thunderstorms, after a wetter, stormier spell. EU Recovery Funding: The EU Council approved a revised recovery and resilience plan for Hungary worth up to €10bn, with payments tied to milestones—while targeted amendments also include Latvia. Energy & Environment: A new analysis says the UK’s Drax biomass plant hit record emissions in 2025, with a large share of feedstock linked to Latvia—fueling renewed debate over “green” subsidies. Forestry Cyber Disruption: Latvia’s state forestry company LVM is still restoring IT systems weeks after a ransomware attack disrupted services. Water Rules in Focus: The European Commission is pursuing environment-related infringement steps against Slovakia over the Drinking Water Directive, including issues tied to microplastics and endocrine disruptors. Food & Farming: Strawberry harvest in Latvia is starting earlier than last year, while rain is still damaging sweet cherries.