AGP Executive Report

Heat & Health: Latvia is still in the grip of extreme heat, with orange alerts in place and forecasts of tropical nights and highs up to +31 to +35°C, while brief rain and thunderstorms may start to return later in the week. Urban Nature & Climate Resilience: Riga is getting a new “Riga’s Atlantis” mural in the tunnel between Central Station and Central Market, inspired by the city’s canal ecosystem and linked to the EU “Urban ReLeaf” climate-adaptation project. Waste Rules for Textiles & Food: Estonia is moving toward extended producer responsibility, pushing textiles, footwear and food producers to finance collection, recycling and waste reduction, with textiles targeted from 2028. Energy Transition Push: The EU has approved a major energy storage target, aiming to raise annual deployment from about 12 GW (2025) to roughly 45 GW (2026–2028) to cut gas exposure and better use renewables. Water Security: Cyprus recorded the EU’s highest water scarcity level, while Latvia remains among the least stressed—highlighting how uneven water pressure is across the bloc. Circular Economy in Practice: A new report ranks Europe’s cleanest bathing waters for 2026, as heat drives more people to swim in lakes and rivers.

Extreme Heat Alert for Latvia: The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre warns of very intense heat this weekend and into Monday, with orange warnings nationwide as temperatures may reach +31 to +35°C and “tropical nights” keep lows above 20°C; UV levels stay high, and health officials urge hydration, sun protection, lighter clothing, and extra care for children, older people, and pets. Heatwave Strikes Across Europe: A record-shattering heatwave is also hitting much of Europe, driving power outages, wildfire risks, and disruptions to transport and public services. Water Safety Under Pressure: With hot weather drawing more people to lakes and rivers, Latvia’s rescue services report drownings in recent days and stress supervision, safer swimming choices, and avoiding risky behavior near water. Clean Water Gap Mapped: A global data roundup highlights that over 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, underscoring how infrastructure and governance shape everyday health. Water Scarcity Spotlight: Cyprus tops EU water scarcity figures, while northern countries like Latvia show very low exploitation rates—an EU push now targets stronger water governance and climate-resilient infrastructure. Energy Storage Deal in Latvia: Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Sunly plan four battery storage systems across Latvia (490 MWh total), supporting renewable integration in the Baltic region.

Extreme Heat in Latvia: Latvia’s meteorology centre has issued an orange alert for very intense heat on Sunday and Monday, with forecasts of +31 to +35°C in parts of the country and “tropical nights” that won’t cool down much. Public Health & Safety: Authorities warn the heat can strain cardiovascular and respiratory systems, urge more fluids, lighter clothing, night ventilation, and extra care for older people, infants and those with chronic conditions—plus heightened risk near water. Water Safety Tragedies: Recent days brought more drownings in Latvia, including a teenager recovered from a quarry in Grobiņa Parish, as officials link the toll to reckless behaviour and urge safer swimming and close supervision. EU Water Stress: Cyprus recorded the EU’s highest water scarcity level (WEI+ 75.3%), while northern countries like Latvia remain far lower—prompting calls for stronger EU water governance and climate-resilient infrastructure. Energy Transition in Latvia: Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Sunly plan four battery storage systems in Latvia (490 MWh total), with the first hybrid solar-plus-storage park in Valmiera targeted for 2027. Europe-wide Heatwave: Across Europe, record-shattering temperatures are driving health system strain, power outages and wildfire risks, with scientists warning extreme summers are becoming the new normal.

Heatwave Watch (Latvia): Latvia’s Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre has issued an orange extreme-heat warning for Sunday and Monday, with temperatures expected to hit 31–35°C in many areas and “tropical nights” where it won’t cool below 20°C; officials urge extra hydration, limiting sun exposure, and extra care for older people, infants, and people with chronic conditions. Wildlife & Water Safety: With hot weather driving more people to lakes and rivers, Latvia’s rescue services warn that accidents rise fast; during the recent holiday period, multiple drownings were reported, and authorities stress safe swimming areas and close supervision of children. Baltic Sea Climate Signal: A new look at the Baltic Sea shows winter ice is shrinking fast—maximum ice cover has dropped about 30% over the last century, with severe ice winters becoming rarer—changing conditions for species that rely on sea ice. Energy Transition (Latvia): Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Sunly signed contracts to build four battery storage systems in Latvia, totaling 490 MWh, with the first hybrid solar-plus-storage park planned to start operating in Valmiera in 2027. Recreational Water Quality (Europe): A new European Environment Agency report finds 96% of monitored bathing waters meet minimum EU standards and 85% are rated “excellent,” with only 1.5% classified as poor.

Extreme Heat Alert: Latvia’s meteorologists issued a yellow warning for Saturday and an orange warning for Sunday and Monday as temperatures climb to 30–35°C, with tropical nights and added strain on heart and breathing health. Public Safety on Water: With hot weather drawing people to lakes and rivers, Latvia’s rescue services report drownings during the holiday period and urge safer swimming habits, especially around children and when alcohol is involved. Heatwave Across Europe: A wider European heatwave is breaking records, stressing emergency services and raising wildfire risks, with Latvia expected to feel the warm surge over the weekend. Energy Transition in Latvia: Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Sunly signed contracts for four large battery storage systems in Latvia, aiming to strengthen renewable integration in the Baltic region. Packaging Rules Pushback: Eight EU member states, including Latvia, are asking the Commission for clearer guidance on the upcoming packaging and packaging waste regulation, warning businesses face unrealistic investment demands without stable obligations. Baltic Sea Climate Signal: A report highlights how Baltic Sea winter ice cover has shrunk sharply over the last century, affecting ecosystems like ringed seals.

Extreme Heat Alert: Latvia is bracing for a weekend heatwave, with temperatures rising to 30–35°C across most of the country and “tropical nights” where temperatures won’t drop below 20°C in many places; Sunday and Monday are forecast to be the hottest June days on record, with thunderstorms more likely on Monday. Wildfire & Health Pressure Across Europe: A widening heatwave has shattered records in parts of Europe, straining emergency services and boosting wildfire risks, with authorities expanding heat alerts. Baltic Sea Climate Signal: New reporting highlights how Baltic Sea ice is shrinking fast—about 30% less ice cover over the past century—changing ecosystems that depend on sea ice. Water Safety in Latvia: With hot weather drawing people to lakes and rivers, Latvia’s rescue services report drownings over the holiday period and warn against risky swimming, especially for children and anyone tempted to enter cold water suddenly. Energy Transition in Latvia: Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Sunly signed contracts for four large battery storage systems in Latvia (490 MWh total), supporting renewable integration. Local Environment Governance: Latvia’s Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre also issued guidance on heat precautions, while State Forests remind people not to swim in active quarries due to dangerous underwater conditions.

Extreme Heat Alert: Latvia’s Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre has issued an orange warning for very intense heat, with temperatures expected to reach 31–35°C and higher strain on heart and respiratory health; residents are urged to hydrate, ventilate at night, limit sun exposure, and keep pets supplied with water. Water Safety: With hot weather drawing more people to lakes and rivers, Latvia’s rescue services report multiple drownings over the holiday period and warn against risky swimming, alcohol, and unsupervised children. Baltic Sea Climate Signal: A new look at the Baltic Sea shows winter ice cover has shrunk by about 30% over the last century, with fewer severe winters—an ecosystem shift tied to rising greenhouse gases. Energy Storage Push: Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Sunly signed contracts for four battery storage systems in Latvia totaling 490 MWh, with the first hybrid solar-plus-storage park planned for Valmiera in 2027. Weather Disruptions Abroad: Thunderstorms disrupted flights at Edinburgh Airport, including diversions involving Riga, highlighting how stormy conditions can quickly cascade into travel and logistics. Packaging Rules Clash: Eight EU countries including Latvia are asking the Commission for clearer implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, warning businesses can’t invest without stable, predictable obligations.

Heat & Public Safety: Latvia is bracing for a weekend heatwave, with temperatures climbing to around +30–32°C and even +33–35°C in the south, followed by muggy conditions and possible storms—while authorities also warn about drowning risks after multiple fatalities during the Midsummer holiday. Outdoor Water Warning: Latvian State Forests (LVM) urges people not to swim in active mineral quarries, where underwater depths and unstable banks can be deadly. Riga & Environment Governance: A new SKDS survey shows several Riga City Council leaders’ approval ratings fell in the first half of the year, including the chair of the Housing and Environment Committee. EU Packaging Rules: Latvia and seven other EU states are asking the European Commission for clearer, more predictable implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation from August 2026. Weather Tech for Forecasting: ECMWF’s Machine Learning Project adds Latvia’s meteorology centre (LEGMC) and Slovenia’s agency, boosting regional forecasting collaboration. Aviation Sustainability Spotlight: Riga Airport won an ACI Europe award for best performance in the 5–10 million passenger category, citing operational and sustainability improvements.

Heatwave Watch for Latvia: LSM’s weatherman says a hot air mass will reach Latvia from Saturday, with highs around +24 to +29°C and Sunday–Monday pushing +27 to +32°C (up to +33–35°C in the south), mostly dry and sunny before muggy conditions and thunderstorms return on Tuesday. Public Safety in Water: Latvian State Forests warns people not to swim in active mineral quarries, where quarry lakes can look calm but have unstable banks and unpredictable depths (up to 10m). Midsummer Tragedy: During the holiday weekend, Latvia’s rescue service reported multiple drownings, with seven bodies recovered by Wednesday morning and eight total over the weekend. Riga Airport Sustainability Nod: Riga International Airport won an ACI Europe award for best airport in the 5–10 million passengers category, with judges citing passenger experience and environmentally friendly upgrades. Climate Tech for Forecasting: ECMWF’s Machine Learning Project adds Latvia’s LEGMC (from Jan 1, 2026) plus Slovenia and Morocco, aiming to speed up smarter weather and climate forecasting. Baltic Sea Strategy Update: Finland’s evolving Baltic Sea strategy highlights how the region’s environment and sustainable development are now tied closely to national security and resilience.

Drowning Tragedies: Latvia’s Midsummer holiday has turned deadly, with rescuers recovering seven bodies over the weekend and warning that warm weather and risky swimming habits keep drowning among the most common holiday tragedies. Heat & Rain Outlook: Forecasts point to warm, mostly cloudy conditions with only brief showers in some eastern areas, while Midsummer Day and Night look set to clear at times and stay mostly dry—though temperatures can climb toward the low 30s later in the month. Biodiversity Watch: Latvian Fund for Nature monitoring continues as rare eagle owlets leave their nests; researchers band and fit transmitters to track populations and improve protection. Local Restoration Pause: The Lūznava Wooden School restoration—aimed at a socially inclusive cultural tourism centre—has been put on hold, leaving the long-empty building still used as a warehouse. Circular Farming Innovation: Latvia is linked to EU-wide efforts to cut reliance on conventional fertilisers, with projects turning recycled and circular resources into next-generation bio-based fertilisers and microbial solutions. Airport Sustainability Spotlight: Riga International Airport is among Europe’s top performers in 2026 ACI awards, recognised for environmental and ESG performance alongside passenger service.

Midsummer weather in Latvia: The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre says Midsummer’s Day will be mostly cloudy with brief showers in parts of the east, then clearer later. UV levels will reach moderate to high, with highs around +19 to +23°C (Rīga +22 to +24°C). Midsummer Night forecast: Another update says Jāņu Night is expected to be rain-free across Latvia, with only a few light showers possible in Kurzeme and mild evening temperatures around +14 to +17°C. Airport sustainability awards: ACI EUROPE named Riga International Airport a winner in the 5–10 million passenger category at its 2026 Best Airport Awards, alongside other European leaders for digital transformation and eco-innovation. Renewables snapshot: A new Netherlands energy breakdown reports 23% of gross final energy consumption from renewables, with biomass and solar as the biggest contributors. Carbon fund push: Eastern and Central European countries, including Latvia, are urging the EU to strengthen the modernisation fund as the ETS is revised. Wildlife moment: Latvian Fund for Nature eagle owlets have left their nests; researchers band and attach transmitters as the young birds start life on the ground and in branches.

Baltic Weather Watch: Latvia’s Midsummer week is shaping up mostly dry and warm, with forecasts pointing to sunny conditions at the start, then a hotter stretch and possible heat wave later in the week; Safety Alerts: the State Fire and Rescue Service reports multiple drownings over the weekend and urges extra caution around water during holiday weather; Wildlife Update: Latvian Fund for Nature’s eagle owl livestream shows owlets leaving nests, with banding and transmitters used to track and protect the birds; Energy Transition: Eastern and Central European countries, including Latvia, are pushing the EU to strengthen the carbon “modernisation fund” as the ETS review deadline approaches; Renewables Snapshot: a Netherlands data release highlights renewables’ growing role in energy use, with biomass and solar leading; Cruise Disruption: Norwegian Sun’s Baltic sailing hit a snag after propulsion problems forced a cancelled Stockholm-area port call, while the ship still reached Tallinn and earlier stops including Riga.

Climate Perception Gap: A new World Risk Poll 2026 graphic shows many people underestimate how much others also see climate change as a serious threat, with the “climate perception gap” positive in many countries. Latvia Weather Watch: Forecasts for Midsummer point to mostly dry, warm conditions, with Midsummer Night expected to be largely rain-free and only some showers possible on Jāņi Day, plus fog risks in places. Summer Safety: Latvia’s fire and rescue service reports multiple drownings over the weekend and warns that warm weather plus alcohol, unfamiliar spots, and unsupervised swimming keep tragedy risks high. Wildlife Update: Eurasian eagle owlets have begun leaving their nests in Latvia; researchers band and fit transmitters to support population protection. Energy Transition Debate: Latvia and other Eastern/Central European states urge the EU to strengthen the carbon “modernisation fund” as the ETS is revised. Renewables Snapshot: Netherlands data highlights renewables’ growing role, with biomass and solar leading shares in energy consumption.

UN Security Council Push: A senior UN official urged the Council to restart diplomatic efforts for a full Ukraine–Russia ceasefire, citing heavy civilian harm and recent missile and drone strikes, including damage to historic sites. EU Climate Funding: Eastern and Central European governments, including Latvia, asked the EU to boost its carbon “modernisation” funding so poorer members can keep transitioning to cleaner energy as the ETS is revised. Latvia Water Safety: Latvia saw four drownings in four days, with rescue services warning that warm weather and holiday crowds raise risks—especially when swimming alone or under alcohol. Midsummer Weather: Latvia’s Midsummer week starts mostly dry and sunny, with temperatures around +21 to +26°C, while forecasts also flag fog and the chance of storms later around Līgo and Jāņi. Wildlife Monitoring: Eagle owlets from a Latvian livestream have left their nests; researchers band and fit transmitters to support future protection work. Gulf of Riga Wind Grid (Region): Estonia’s plan for the Gulf of Riga offshore wind transmission corridor is open for public input, including an underground coastal section to reduce environmental and development impacts.

Wildlife & Conservation: Latvian eagle owlets from a livestreamed nest have left their nests; ornithologists are now banding and fitting transmitters as the chicks spend about a month on the ground and in branches before learning to fly. Weather & Heat Risk: Midsummer week kicks off warm and sunny, with forecasts of +21 to +26°C and mostly dry conditions, but thunderstorms and fog are possible around Līgo Day and Jāņi Night. Public Safety: Latvia’s holiday season drowning statistics are again a concern, with rescue services urging safer swimming areas, no alcohol in the water, and constant supervision of children. Energy & Climate Infrastructure: Estonia has published a plan for the Gulf of Riga offshore wind farm grid connection, including an undersea cable and coastal underground section, with public consultation running until late July. Biodiversity Law: Estonia’s Supreme Court ruled a 2020 wolf hunting quota unlawful because the Environmental Board failed to properly account for the Bern Convention’s strict protection rules. Energy Finance: Latvia’s Latvenergo is issuing 300 million euros in green bonds, backed by hydropower and renewables. Nature & Water Access: U.S. Seabees and divers built a more durable boat ramp near Camp Turtle in the Baltic, improving Latvian access for training and operations in the region.

Extreme Weather Alert for Midsummer: Latvia’s Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre warns the longest day of the year will be hot, with temperatures around +25 to +29°C and thunderstorms in many areas, locally intense with hail and gusts up to 20 m/s—Rīga may reach +27 to +29°C. Energy Costs Watch: Conexus Baltic Grid plans higher natural gas transmission tariffs from 1 October, with an estimated ~7% rise in the first stage and a shift toward a capacity-based model in 2027; the company says the impact on total bills should be small. Offshore Wind Grid Plan: Estonia has published the route plan for the Gulf of Riga offshore wind farm transmission line, including subsea and underground sections near the coast, with public consultation running until 26 July 2026. Wildlife Law Update: Latvia’s region is watching a major European court-style precedent: Estonia’s Supreme Court struck down a 2020 wolf hunting quota as unlawful for not properly accounting for the Bern Convention. Local Climate & Nature: Norfolk Healthy Produce says “Norfolk Purple” tomato seedlings sold in Latvia were unauthorized, urging regulators and condemning unapproved distribution.