AGP Executive Report

Heat & Weather Watch: Latvia broke heat records on Sept 9, with stations in Mērsrags, Priekuļi and Rūjiena setting new highs and Jelgava equalling +27.3°C; forecasters expect a cooler, wetter Thursday with rain and possible thunderstorms. Climate Risk & Resilience: Nepal’s Rasuwa flood death toll has climbed to 1,369, with 5,132 still missing; rescue work is now focused on hydropower tunnels while recovery planning and temporary housing needs ramp up. Transport & Environment: Rail Baltica regional train procurement failed after no compliant bids, pushing a new tender; the project is meant to enable faster, more comfortable and greener rail travel. Energy Transition: Latvia’s heating season outlook shows moderate tariff increases, but fuel-price pressure (woodchips and gas) could still raise heating costs. Biodiversity & Nature Culture: The international MAMA “Mother Nature” art exhibition opened in Madrid, linking art with environmental protection and continuing a tour that already included Riga. Local Infrastructure: Riga’s bus station has a new majority owner, RIVARO Holding, which plans passenger-focused upgrades like ticketing and digital information systems.

Grain Transit Dispute: Latvia’s stevedoring industry warns the Saeima against a rushed ban on importing and transiting Russian and Belarusian grain, saying it could trigger claims worth “several hundred million euros” and disrupt a wider global food supply chain. Weather Watch: Latvia is heading into a warm, even hot Wednesday (up to +27°C inland, around +26°C in Riga) but rain returns soon—brief showers and possible thunderstorms Wednesday, then more prolonged rain and heavier downpours in the east Thursday and across many areas Friday. Energy & Climate Tech: The Ministry of Climate and Energy expands household support for solar and battery storage, raising grant coverage for eligible families and increasing the minimum battery size to help households store more of their own power. Data Centres & Power Use: “Tet” plans to open a new Salaspils data centre (DC7), designed to keep running for at least 48 hours on backup power, highlighting the growing electricity demand behind Latvia’s digital growth. Regional Infrastructure: Rail Baltica faces higher costs and delays as EU budget talks continue, with the project’s funding heavily tied to EU transport money. Baltic Energy Alliance: Major Baltic energy players form a regional initiative to pool expertise and pursue EU funds for cross-border offshore wind, LNG/bio-LNG, hydrogen, and critical infrastructure protection.

Household Energy Support: Latvia’s Ministry of Climate and Energy has expanded its solar and battery rebate scheme, boosting grants for eligible families (up to 85% of costs for solar with the Goda ģimene card) and raising the minimum eligible battery size from 5 kWh to 10 kWh, with €85m total funding and about 15,700 projects already backed. Weather Watch: After a drier start, rain and thunderstorms return across Latvia, with more prolonged rainfall expected later in the week and temperatures easing from the low 20s toward the mid-teens. Heat Prices Risk: Heating suppliers say tariffs may rise moderately for the coming season, but higher woodchip and natural gas costs could push prices up, with forecasts for October heat tariffs in major cities already trending higher than last year. Solar & Grid Resilience in the Baltic: A new Baltic Energy Initiative brings together energy firms across nine countries to pursue EU funding and strengthen offshore wind, LNG/bio-LNG, hydrogen, and critical infrastructure protection. Local Food: Demand for Latvian-grown watermelons is rising, with growers reporting a good harvest and more sales directly from farms.

Renewables Push: Latvia’s Ministry of Climate and Energy expanded its household solar and battery support, raising the grant share for eligible families (up to 85% for solar) and increasing the minimum battery size to 10 kWh, with €85m total funding and thousands of projects already backed. Energy Cooperation: Latvenergo helped launch the Baltic Energy Initiative, bringing together major energy firms across nine countries to pursue EU funds for offshore wind, LNG/bio-LNG, hydrogen, carbon transport and storage, plus stronger protection of critical grids. Weather Watch: After a warmer, mostly dry start, Latvia is set for more rain and cooler conditions later this week, with possible heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Local Mobility: Tartu dropped plans to subsidize an early-morning bus to Riga, citing budget pressure, while Elron is set to add a morning rail link in the first half of next year. Food & Farms: Latvian-grown watermelons are selling well, with growers reporting a gradual but encouraging harvest and more direct purchases from farms. EU Integrity Debate: A report scrutinizes the EU’s €6bn innovation push, alleging waste and conflicts in Knowledge and Innovation Communities.

Solar Push: Latvia expanded its household renewable support, raising grants for solar PV up to 85% for Goda ģimene card holders and boosting battery eligibility from 5 kWh to 10 kWh, with €85m total funding and thousands of projects already backed. Recycling Upgrade: CleanR Industry will invest €3.3m to modernize Riga’s separately collected packaging sorting center, automating lines to improve material separation and send more recyclables back into secondary raw materials. Weather Watch: Latvia is set for a brief, sunnier start before rain returns—forecasts warn of thunderstorms, gusty winds, and widespread wet conditions later in the week after September already exceeded monthly rainfall norms in several areas. Baltic Energy Security: Major Baltic energy players formed the Baltic Energy Initiative to pursue EU-backed cross-border projects, with offshore wind, LNG/bio-LNG, hydrogen and—crucially—critical infrastructure protection against physical and hybrid threats. Airport Expansion: Riga Airport began the next phase of its €98m terminal expansion, adding about 20,000 m² of passenger space and modernizing check-in, security, baggage and public areas.

Heavy Rain & Flood Risk: Latvia is bracing for persistent rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds, with a yellow alert in Kurzeme and parts of Vidzeme and warnings of local flooding and rising river levels. Water Quality Alert: Lake Saldus has again recorded elevated E. coli levels, so swimming is restricted for now while authorities check for possible sewage sources and river-related pollution. Recycling Upgrade in Riga: CleanR Industry will invest €3.3m to modernize a separately collected packaging sorting center, automating lines to improve material separation and boost recycling output. Waste & Recycling Growth: CleanR Grupa reported 13% turnover growth in the first half of 2026 and continued investment in equipment, including CNG-powered waste extractors and container infrastructure. Baltic Offshore Wind Watch: Poland’s Baltic Power started feeding electricity to the grid, but regional offshore wind rollout still faces financing, permitting and grid-connection delays. Local Food & Farming: Latvia’s apple harvest is looking good, though growers still have late varieties to bring in as weather and pests continue to shape yields.

Heavy Rain & Flood Risk in Latvia: A yellow alert is in force for heavy rain and thunderstorms across Kurzeme and much of Vidzeme, with gusty winds and rising river levels that could trigger local flooding and waterlogged streets. Bathing Water Warning: Lake Saldus has again recorded elevated E. coli levels, so swimming is restricted for now while authorities inspect possible pollution sources, including checks for unauthorised sewage and river runoff. Waste & Recycling Upgrade: CleanR Industry will invest €3.3m to modernize Riga’s separately collected packaging sorting center, aiming for more automation, better material separation, and more recyclables sent back as raw materials. Riga Airport Expansion: RIX has started preparations for a €98m energy-efficient terminal extension, adding about 20,000 sq m and new passenger flow areas plus upgraded access and parking. Baltic Offshore Wind Watch: Baltic offshore wind is growing, but integration and delivery delays remain a challenge as the region struggles to close the gap between targets and actual rollout. Climate Disaster Link to Nepal Floods: Nepal’s foreign minister framed the Bhotekoshi floods as a warning sign of worsening Himalayan climate risk, calling for early-warning systems and disaster-resilient rebuilding. airBaltic Interim Financing: Latvia’s airline secured terms for up to €257m in interim financing to fund its restructuring, pending bondholder approval.

Climate & Extreme Weather: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flash flood keeps worsening, with the death toll now reported at 1,294 and thousands still missing, while officials and diplomats frame it as a warning sign of rising Himalayan climate risks and the need for early-warning and resilient rebuilding. Water Quality & Public Health: Latvia’s Lake Saldus has a renewed bathing restriction after another E. coli contamination spike, with local authorities checking possible sewage sources and river carry-in. Severe Weather in Latvia: A yellow alert is in place for heavy rain and thunderstorms across Kurzeme and parts of Vidzeme, with gusty winds and flood risk as river levels keep rising. Waste & Recycling: CleanR Industry will invest €3.3m to modernize Riga’s separately collected packaging sorting center, aiming for more automation, better material separation, and higher recycling output. Renewables & Energy Security: Baltic offshore wind is growing, but integration and delivery delays remain a challenge as regional generation targets outpace current deployment. Transport Infrastructure: Riga Airport begins the next phase of its €98m energy-efficient terminal expansion, adding capacity and upgraded access, roads, and green areas.

Climate Risk & Flood Response: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flash flood is being framed as a warning sign of worsening Himalayan climate impacts, with Nepal’s foreign minister urging climate justice, early-warning systems, and disaster-resilient rebuilding as the death toll and missing numbers remain severe. EU Humanitarian Aid: The EU approved further NPR 89 million for Nepal flood-affected communities, including shelter, cash support, water and sanitation, and mental health help, while member states (including Latvia) send in-kind supplies. Local Water Safety: Latvia’s Health Inspectorate again restricted swimming at Lake Saldus after renewed E. coli contamination, with authorities checking possible pollution sources. Weather Watch: Latvia faces heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds this weekend, with local flooding and rising river levels possible. Waste & Recycling Upgrade: Riga’s CleanR Industry will invest €3.3m to automate a packaging sorting center to improve material separation and boost recycling output. Baltic Offshore Wind: Poland’s Baltic Power begins feeding electricity to the grid as offshore wind scales up, but integration and delivery pace remain key hurdles. Riga Airport Expansion: RIX launched the next phase of its €98m terminal expansion, adding an energy-efficient extension and upgraded access and public areas. EU Health Snapshot: Eurostat reports Latvia has an obesity rate of 24.6%, the second-highest in the EU.

Hybrid security and climate risk collide in the headlines: Germany says it has evidence linking Russia to a drone attack on Leipzig-Halle Airport, while Berlin also pushes tighter EU tourist-visa limits for Russians after alleged sabotage. Energy resilience under pressure: Police in Germany report suspected rocket-launch devices near a regional electrical substation, with timers reportedly found but not triggered. Baltic clean power, practical hurdles: Baltic offshore wind is growing, but grid connections, permitting and financing remain bottlenecks as the region falls short of its 2030 ambition. Latvia’s recycling push: CleanR Industry will invest €3.3m to automate Riga’s separately collected packaging sorting center, aiming for cleaner material separation and less waste sent to energy recovery. Waste and air travel infrastructure: Riga Airport begins the next phase of its €98m energy-efficient terminal expansion, adding capacity and new passenger and security facilities. Public health and weather alerts: Lake Saldus swimming is restricted again after renewed E. coli contamination; meanwhile Kurzeme and parts of Vidzeme face heavy rain and thunderstorms with flood risk. Climate disasters abroad with lessons for Europe: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flash floods are being framed as a warning sign of worsening warming-driven hazards, as the EU adds NPR 89m in humanitarian aid and member states send supplies.

Climate Disaster & Humanitarian Response: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flash flood keeps worsening in scale, with reports of 1,294 deaths and thousands still missing, as rescue teams focus on trapped workers in hydropower tunnels and poor weather slows operations; EU Aid & Solidarity: the EU announced further NPR 89 million (plus earlier funding) for Red Cross-led relief in Nepal, including shelter, water and sanitation, healthcare and cash support, while Latvia and other states send in-kind supplies; Local Water Safety: Latvia’s Health Inspectorate again restricted swimming at Lake Saldus after renewed E. coli contamination, with local authorities checking possible sewage sources and river inflow; Waste & Recycling Upgrade: Riga-based CleanR Industry will invest €3.3m to modernize and automate its separately collected packaging sorting center to improve material separation and recycling output; Energy & Infrastructure: Riga Airport starts the next phase of its €98m, energy-efficient terminal expansion, adding about 20,000 sq m and upgrading access roads and green areas; Offshore Wind Outlook: Baltic offshore wind is growing, but grid integration and permitting/financing delays could slow delivery toward regional targets.

Flood & Climate Risk: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flash flood is being framed by Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal as a warning sign of rising Himalayan climate risks, calling for climate justice, early-warning systems and disaster-resilient rebuilding. Water Safety: Lake Saldus has a renewed bathing restriction after tests found elevated E. coli levels again, with local authorities checking possible sewage sources and river inflow. Severe Weather Watch (Latvia): A yellow alert is in force for heavy rain and thunderstorms across Kurzeme and much of Vidzeme, with gusty winds and flood risk as river levels keep rising. Weekend Forecast: Latvia is set for more rain, thunderstorms and strong winds, with cloudy conditions and temperatures staying in the mid-teens. Local Impact: An auto sprint round in Talsi was postponed due to flooded track conditions after days of rain. EU Environment & Data Privacy: An EU court ruling limits public access to minority shareholders’ personal data, affecting how personal information can be published. Infrastructure & Energy: Riga Airport begins the next stage of its passenger terminal expansion, adding new capacity and energy-efficient facilities.

Climate & Weather Watch (Latvia): Latvia is heading into a wetter, windier early-September stretch, with cyclones bringing repeated rain bands, local thunderstorms, and gusty coastal winds; forecasters also warn of fog and heavy downpours around Knowledge Day. Flood Response (Nepal/China): The EU is adding NPR 89 million (EUR 2.5 million) in humanitarian aid for Nepal’s flash-flood disaster, supporting up to 20,000 people with shelter, cash help, water and sanitation, healthcare, and mental health support; satellite mapping is also being used. Disaster Risk (Nepal/China): Authorities say the death toll has passed 1,000, with thousands still missing, as China warns of ongoing “major risk” from further glacier collapses and landslides, including potential barrier-lake hazards. Local Environment (Riga): Reports highlight high pollution at some Riga bathing sites, raising fresh concerns for water quality. Energy & Environment (Latvia region): Electricity prices in the Baltics are under pressure from gas costs and grid limits, with interconnection bottlenecks affecting how wind and solar translate into lower prices. Public Safety (Latvia): Latvian police warn fraudsters are targeting relatives of missing people in Nepal with promises of paid help and even “clairvoyant” services.

Weather Watch: Latvia is heading into a wetter, windier early-September stretch as cyclones keep rain bands crossing the country, with gusty coastal winds and cooler temperatures. Flood Aftermath & Rescue: Nepal’s Himalayan disaster is still unfolding, with officials reporting over 1,000 deaths and thousands missing, while rescue teams race to reach workers trapped in hydropower tunnels after a glacier collapse. Local Safety & Fraud: Latvian State Police warn that scammers are targeting relatives of missing people in Nepal with promises of “latest” information and even clairvoyant help—authorities say assistance from state bodies is direct and never paid. Health Risk: H5N1 has been detected on a US mink farm for the first time, raising concerns about how the virus could evolve in densely farmed animals. Arctic Security: Denmark has deployed conscripts to Greenland for an Arctic military exercise, underscoring rising attention to the region amid climate and security pressures. EU Travel Rules: From Sept 7, the EU’s Entry/Exit System will tighten for Brits traveling into Europe, ending summer relaxations that were meant to reduce queues.

Nepal Flood Aftermath: Rescue teams in Nepal and China are racing to reach hundreds of hydropower workers feared trapped in tunnels after last week’s glacier-triggered floods; officials report deaths have passed 900 in Nepal with thousands still missing, while China warns of ongoing glacier-collapse and landslide risks. Public Safety & Health: Latvia is bracing for autumn-style weather—rain bands, heavy downpours and thunderstorms are expected to cross the country, with fog possible in mornings. Baltic Environment & Energy: High electricity prices are being linked to grid limits in the Baltics, with natural gas costs and reduced interconnection capacity affecting regional power exchange prices. Local Guidance: Latvian State Police warn of fraud targeting relatives of people missing in Nepal, urging people to rely only on official Foreign Ministry updates and never pay intermediaries. Arctic Security: Norway’s PM Jonas Støre will join EU leaders at an Arctic security summit in Rovaniemi, as climate change and regional tensions keep the Arctic in focus.

Arctic Security Meets Climate: Latvia’s PM Andris Kulbergs is set to join EU leaders at the Arctic Security Summit in Rovaniemi (Sept 13–14), as Russia’s war, NATO uncertainty and climate change push the Arctic higher on Europe’s security agenda. Heavy Rain, Fog, and Thunder in Latvia: Autumn weather is moving in fast. Forecasters warn of rain bands crossing Latvia, local fog, gusty winds near the coast, and heavy downpours with thunderstorms—especially around Knowledge Day and into the weekend. Public Health Watch: Latvia’s infectious disease tularemia is rising, with the SPKC linking risk to ticks, mosquitoes, horseflies, contaminated water/food, and animal contact—no person-to-person spread. Himalayan Flood Disaster: Nepal and Tibet are still reeling after a glacier-triggered flood, with deaths now reported above 900 in Nepal and continued missing persons on both sides, while rescue teams face mud, swollen rivers, and unstable terrain. Local Water Safety: Latvia is also seeing concerns about high pollution at some Riga bathing sites, adding another reason to watch conditions before swimming.