Latest Latvia News

Diplomat tapped as Latvia's new foreign minister as incumbent quits following flights scandal

Apr. 13, 2024 11:20 AM EDT

HELSINKI (AP) — The head of Latvia’s government tapped an experienced diplomat to become the Baltic nation’s new foreign minister after the incumbent stepped down earlier this week amid a criminal probe over alleged misuse of government funds. The ruling center-right New Unity...

Latvia's foreign minister will step down after a probe over his office's use of private flights

Mar. 28, 2024 12:12 PM EDT

HELSINKI (AP) — Latvia’s top diplomat said on Thursday he will step down in the wake of a criminal probe over the use of expensive private flights by his office when he acted as the Baltic country’s prime minister between 2019-2023. Following a meeting with Prime Minister Evika...

Latvia starts criminal proceedings against an EU Parliament lawmaker suspected of spying for Russia

Mar. 16, 2024 11:38 AM EDT

HELSINKI (AP) — Latvia´s state security service has started criminal proceedings against an European Parliament lawmaker and a citizen of the Baltic country who is suspected of cooperating with Russian intelligence and security services, according to Latvian media reports Saturday. ...

Latvia extends an entry ban on Russian tourists until March 2025 citing Moscow's war in Ukraine

Feb. 27, 2024 11:41 AM EST

HELSINKI (AP) — Latvia’s government has extended restrictions on the entry of Russian citizens into the Baltic country until next year, citing Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine which officials say is “still posing a threat to the internal security of Latvia.” The...

EU Parliament probes a Latvian lawmaker after media allegations that she spied for Russia

Jan. 30, 2024 13:23 PM EST

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Parliament has opened an investigation into news reports that a Latvian member of the assembly, Tatjana Ždanoka, has been working as a Russian agent for several years, officials said Tuesday. The president of the European Union’s legislative body,...