AGP Executive Report

Latvia in the spotlight: President Edgars Rinkēvičs is visiting the Vatican on 3–4 September, with meetings including an audience with Pope Leo XIV. EU security & visas: EU foreign ministers backed tighter Russian visa rules after the Leipzig airport drone incident, with Kaja Kallas saying tourist visas can be used for sabotage and pushing for bans on current/former Russian combatants. Latvian business: Riga-based Groglass is set to be sold to U.S. Apogee Enterprises for €62.5 million, with completion expected by November 2026. Local governance & services: Latvia’s Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC) says a data security incident exposed contact details for 697 licensed businesses and 34 officials; the affected system has been shut down. Elections countdown: With one month to go until the 3 October Saeima vote, election deadlines and key dates for postal voting and early voting have been published. Weather: Rainy, windy conditions are expected across Latvia in the coming days, with thunderstorms possible.

Leipzig Drone Fallout: Germany says Russia orchestrated an explosive-drone attempt at Leipzig/Halle Airport near a Ukrainian cargo plane on Aug. 4, using forensic links and intelligence; Berlin has raised its threat level and moved to close Russia’s consulate in Bonn and tighten entry steps. EU Visa Crackdown: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says there’s broad support for tougher Russian tourist visa rules, after reports a suspect used Italian Schengen documents; EU leaders also discuss new sanctions. Suspects Named: German media reports identify two suspects tied to the plot: a Russian-born man with a Latvian passport and a Belarusian man with a Russian passport, with DNA traces linked across Europe. Latvia Border Security: Latvia extended the Vilkatis operation against illegal migration on the Belarus border, citing hybrid pressure; more than 600 crossings were prevented and tunnels dismantled. Energy Watch: Electricity prices rose across the Baltics in August, with Latvia’s wholesale average at about €80/MWh. Local Defense Drills: Latvia launched Namejs’26, a national defense exercise running until Oct. 8 with 12,000 participants.

Leipzig Drone Case: Germany says Russia was behind an explosive drone attack at Leipzig/Halle airport on Aug. 4, with investigators identifying a suspect from Russia holding a Latvian passport and a man from Belarus; NATO’s Mark Rutte called Russia “increasingly reckless,” while the EU weighs sanctions and a response. EU Sanctions Push: EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas called the Leipzig incident “state sponsored terrorism” and said a new sanctions proposal covering 1,600 Russian-linked entities is advancing, with more possible. Latvia Court & Sanctions: Riga City Court released pro-Kremlin activist Viktor Gushchin from custody after nine months, replacing detention with police supervision and a travel ban. Security Drills: Latvia’s national defence exercise “Namejs 2026” starts Sept. 2, involving about 12,000 soldiers and reservists with NATO partners. airBaltic Reshuffle: airBaltic plans fewer summer 2027 routes, prioritising Riga as Tallinn and Vilnius networks shrink. Electricity Costs: Estonia’s power prices rose in August’s second half, with natural gas and grid limits with Latvia cited. Fraud Alert: Latvian State Police warn scammers are targeting relatives of missing people in Nepal with offers of paid “help.” Local Politics: Latvia’s Saeima election rules and process are explained ahead of the Oct. 3 vote.

Baltic Security & EU Response: Germany blamed Russia for a failed drone attack at Leipzig Airport, prompting EU and NATO solidarity pledges and talk of fresh sanctions, while Lithuania reported no new airspace incidents and Latvia issued alerts as NATO jets monitored drone incursions. Latvia Border Measures: The government approved expropriating small private plots to build a stronger Latvia–Belarus border strip with patrol and surveillance infrastructure. Public Media Accountability: Latvia’s public broadcaster LSM sanctioned top editors over storm coverage during Aug. 22–23, citing slow decisions and internal cooperation gaps. Economy & Tourism: Eurostat data show Latvia’s overnight stays fell 1% in the first half of 2026, while Estonia saw growth. Defence & Youth Service: Latvia opened voluntary applications for January 2027 conscription, offering higher monthly compensation for volunteers. Culture & Sports: Latvia’s tourist numbers dipped, while airBaltic’s 2027 summer plan puts Riga at the center; in sports, Latvia beat Israel in World Cup qualifiers. Global Disaster Link: After China’s Tibet mudslide, 261 foreigners from 23 countries—including 33 Latvians—remain unaccounted for.

Baltic Security Tensions: NATO scrambled fighter jets after drones approached or entered airspace over Latvia and Estonia early Sept. 1, triggering alerts in multiple regions; Estonia reported one drone turned back near Narva while another crossed deeper in the southeast, and Latvia issued warnings in Ludza and Alūksne before the threat lifted. Russia-Ukraine Fallout: Russia’s sixth straight day of strikes hit Kyiv and the surrounding region, killing at least 12 and injuring dozens, while a drone attack also sparked a fire at Russia’s Ust-Luga port. EU Decision-Making Fight: Eleven EU countries backed a five-point “handbook” to curb veto obstruction in foreign and security policy, including more “constructive abstentions.” Local Politics: Latvia’s National Alliance demanded answers from Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs after objections to an immigration restriction plan. Trade & Security Measures: Latvia banned imports of Belarusian and Russian books, clothing, toys and other goods from Sept. 1 to protect security interests and limit propaganda. Economy & Daily Life: Ikea announced €1.2bn in Europe-wide price cuts as households tighten spending; Latvia also faced dairy disruption after storm-related power cuts.

Latvia-Ukraine Security Talks: Ukraine and Latvia met to align on urgent needs, including air defence, drones and mid-range strike capabilities, with Riga reaffirming security support of at least 0.25% of GDP and noting €665m in aid since 2022. Russian Assets Dispute in EU: Belgium’s defence minister Theo Francken again shut the door on using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, warning Baltic states against pushing the issue and citing legal exposure concerns. CIA Moscow Trip Fallout: European officials are pushing back on fears that Russia is about to attack NATO, saying there’s no sign of direct confrontation even as defences are being strengthened. Nepal-Tibet Floods: The Himalayan disaster response continues as Nepal reports 939 dead and 3,925 missing, while China’s Tibet region says 16 dead and 546 missing; Latvia is among nationalities listed as unaccounted for. Latvian Economy: Latvia’s Q2 GDP grew 3.0% year-on-year, the fastest pace since early 2022, driven by household spending, investment and trade. Tech & Infrastructure: Tet’s new DC7 data centre in Salaspils earned Uptime Institute Tier III Facility certification, making it the only Latvian operator with two Tier III-certified sites.

Latvia–Nepal Disaster Update: Latvia’s Foreign Ministry says it is finalizing a procedure to send a consular staffer to Kathmandu as Nepal-Tibet floods leave 4,793 missing and 919 dead, with Latvia’s list including all 33 Latvian nationals reported missing by relatives; officials report one Latvian had incorrect data, another is safe, and information so far confirms three Latvians not injured, while no rescued cases are confirmed yet. School Year Politics: Coalition partners are split over Education and Science Ministry changes to student assessment for the new school year, including how centralised exam thresholds would work for passing grades. Defense & Air Defence: Ukraine is asking Latvia for rapid delivery of air-defence equipment, fibre-optic-controlled drones, unmanned ground vehicles and strike capabilities. EU Pressure on Patriot Stocks: The European Commission is expected to push countries with interceptor reserves—especially Spain and Greece—to transfer Patriot interceptors to Ukraine. Security & Health: Latvia reports rising tularemia incidence, and Estonia is moving Russian-server emails into quarantine—an extra cyberattack safeguard. Road Safety: State Roads urges drivers to slow down and plan ahead as children return to school and police step up checks near schools. Sports & Culture: Latvia’s Rainers Balodis wins silver at the PDGA World Championship; Latvia also hosts major pitching and film industry activity in the Baltic region.

Himalayan Disaster: Flash floods and a mudslide after a glacier collapse have killed at least 800 in Nepal and left nearly 3,000 missing, with China reporting 16 dead in Tibet and 546 missing on its side; among the unaccounted foreigners are 33 Latvian citizens, alongside Nepalis, Indians, Americans and Britons, as rescue teams race and Nepal begins mass burials of unidentified victims. Latvia in Focus: Latvia is also named among the missing foreigners in Tibet, while Latvia’s presence shows up in wider international response efforts and consular notifications. Defense & Security: Canada backs a new global Defence, Security and Resilience Bank to help allies rearm, with Latvia among supporters, but major economies like Germany and the UK have not yet committed. Sports: Latvia hosts Israel in World Cup qualifying basketball in Riga, with live coverage by Latvian Television. Culture: Latvia’s minority co-production “From Red Lights to Limelights” won an award at MakeDox in Skopje. EU Politics: Belgium rejects renewed EU moves to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, calling it non-negotiable.

Global Defence Finance: Canada backs a new Defence, Security and Resilience Bank to fund rearmament, with Latvia among pledged supporters, but key G7 states like Germany and the UK are still holding back—raising doubts about whether the bank can secure the top credit rating it wants. Himalayan Disaster: China and Nepal keep updating the toll from the Nepal–Tibet floods and mudslide after a glacier collapse: China says 16 dead and 546 missing on the Tibetan side, including 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries—among them 33 Latvians—while Nepal reports 734 dead and about 2,498 missing, with warnings that more flooding could follow. Local Life & Culture: Ahead of 1 September, Riga’s 825th anniversary kite festival “Fantadroms” promoted children’s independence with a simple message: kids should be able to prepare their own meal. Sports: Moldova won gold at the first Ne-Waza European Judo Championships in Riga, while airBaltic marked its 31st anniversary and 70 million passengers.

Ukraine–Latvia Defense Talks: Ukraine’s defense leadership met Latvia’s Raivis Melnis to push faster delivery of key gear, including ground robotic systems, fiber-optic drones, “middle strike” capabilities and air defense, with Latvia reaffirming security support at least at 0.25% of GDP. NATO Security Focus: European officials say they have no sign Russia is preparing a conventional attack on NATO or Baltic states, even as hybrid threats and sabotage concerns keep rising. CIA Moscow Mission Fallout: Reports say CIA chief John Ratcliffe’s secret trip to Moscow included discussions aimed at ending the Ukraine war and Iran-related tensions, while the Kremlin insists he met only Russian intelligence contacts—not Putin. Latvia in the Nepal Floods: After the China–Nepal mudslide, 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries were still unaccounted for, including 33 from Latvia. Local Life & Culture: Riga’s International Kite Festival drew crowds, and a Latvian long-distance walker says his global trek is helping manage mental health. Sports: Latvia’s taekwondo presence continues with Riga Open G1 plans, while Ukraine and Latvia’s defense cooperation stays in the spotlight.

Baltic Security: Poland’s PM Donald Tusk says Russia is seriously preparing for escalation, with the next 7–8 months “critical” for Ukraine and the region, after the CIA chief’s surprise Moscow trip raised fresh NATO concerns. Ukraine War: Russia hit a Kyiv-area ammunition depot in Bucha with drones, sparking a major fire and detonations; officials report deaths and injuries as air-raid sirens sounded repeatedly. Latvia Storm Aftermath: Days after a devastating Aug. 22 storm, Latvia still reports power outages for about 2,500 customers, with insurers logging thousands of claims and PM Kulbergs criticizing the crisis response. EU Sanctions Fight: Belgium says “the door is closed” on using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, pushing back against other EU states urging the European Commission to revive the plan. Disaster Watch: Nepal–Tibet flash floods leave at least 2,478 missing and 586 confirmed dead, with foreigners among those unaccounted for, including Latvian nationals. Local Diplomacy: Estonian President Alar Karis makes a farewell visit to Latvia, highlighting close ties between the two countries.

Storm Aftermath: Latvia is still dealing with power outages days after the Aug. 22 storm, with about 2,500 customers without electricity and insurers reporting thousands of claims as Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs criticized the crisis response for poor coordination. Baltic Security: Sweden will back Finland with Gripen jets and corvettes through at least end-2026, while Baltic Sea states are pushing for tighter coordination against hybrid threats, including drones and sabotage. EU Defence Funding: Latvia received its first payment under the EU SAFE defence instrument—€524.7 million—aimed at speeding up joint procurement and readiness on the eastern flank. CIA-Moscow Fallout: Ukraine says it received information from the US about CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s Moscow meetings, as Western reporting continues to fuel concern about possible Russian escalation toward NATO. Nepal-Tibet Disaster: Flash floods and landslides have killed hundreds and left thousands missing; reports say people from over 30 countries are unaccounted for, including Americans and other foreign workers. Latvia in Focus: Latvia’s military threat level remains unchanged, and the country also faces ongoing scrutiny over border pressure linked to Belarus.

Nepal-Tibet Flood Aftermath: Flash floods after a glacier collapse have killed at least 552 people and left more than 1,400 missing, with rescue efforts still hampered by bad weather and shifting casualty lists. Latvia in the Disaster: Latvia’s Foreign Ministry says it is tracking 39 Latvian tourists in Nepal; 34 are in two groups, and Nepal’s tourism authorities list six Latvians as missing, with no confirmed injuries so far. Baltic Security Signals: Latvia’s Constitution Protection Bureau (SAB) says Russia poses no direct military threat today, but its view of Latvia is increasingly like its pre-war view of Ukraine—raising longer-term risks. NATO Drone Pressure: Sweden will help Finland monitor and protect its territory with Gripen jets and corvettes, as drones have repeatedly violated airspace across the Baltics. US-Russia Tensions: Reports and commentary around CIA chief John Ratcliffe’s Moscow trip continue to fuel debate over whether Washington warned Russia against escalating against NATO allies. Local Economy & Transport: airBaltic marks 31 years and 70 million passengers; Girteka is shifting freight operations into Latvia and Romania with locally registered fleets and drivers.

Baltic Security: CIA chief John Ratcliffe made a rare, unannounced trip to Moscow, warning Russia against escalating against NATO allies—especially Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania—while also pressing Moscow to cut military/economic support for Iran; Latvia Response: Latvia’s PM said the country’s military threat level is unchanged and a withdrawn draft state-of-emergency measure for the eastern border region was revised after public concern; Russian Hybrid Warnings: Latvia’s foreign minister warned of Russian sabotage acts in Europe as Baltic officials step up defence preparations and urge faster action on resilience; Border Pressure: Latvia’s border guard chief said Belarusian services were likely aware of migrant tunnels under the fence, with another tunnel expected; Food Markets: Wheat prices jumped on escalation in the Ukraine war, with Baltic grain exporters seeing higher demand as Black Sea supplies are disrupted; Disaster Watch: Nepal–China flash floods and landslides have killed hundreds and left more than 1,400 missing, including large numbers of foreigners.

Latvia Security & Elections: Latvia’s election system check found vulnerabilities during Saeima preparations, with cybersecurity teams and SIA “Tet” running penetration tests and code reviews; one issue was flagged as critical and fixes were made before repeat testing. Russia-NATO Tensions: CIA chief John Ratcliffe’s surprise Moscow trip has sparked fresh Baltic alarm talk, but Estonia and Latvia say their Russia threat assessments are unchanged; Kremlin says Ratcliffe met Russian intelligence officials but not Putin, while Latvia’s PM Kulbergs urged calm, saying direct invasion risk is low. Ukraine Grain War: Latvia’s FM Baiba Braže said Russia is trying to “starve the world” by hitting Ukraine’s grain infrastructure, as EU partners push to protect exports ahead of winter. EU Sanctions & Ukraine Funding: Several EU states are urging the Commission to restart work on using frozen Russian central bank assets to finance Ukraine, after earlier legal roadblocks. Disaster Watch: Nepal–Tibet flash floods are now reported with at least 353 deaths and over 1,300 missing, including Latvians among those unaccounted for. Latvia in the News Abroad: A planned arson attack on Slovakia’s drone maker Skyeton led to charges involving two Latvians and a Ukrainian, with one Latvian detained in Germany.

Latvia’s Security & Defence: Estonia’s Wolfram Europa says it will invest €200 million in a new explosives and warhead complex near Jēkabpils, with construction starting later this year and production planned for 2027, aiming to boost Latvia’s defence-industry capacity and create 200 high-skill jobs. EU Budget & Eastern Flank: European Council President António Costa wrapped up a Baltic tour by pushing for the next EU budget to prioritize defence readiness, support for Ukraine and stronger protection of the Eastern flank, with Latvia arguing it needs around €7 billion to cover higher military spending and war-related economic losses. US–Russia Tensions, Latvia in the Middle: CIA chief John Ratcliffe’s unannounced Moscow trip—linked to a US C-17 flight that reportedly routed via Riga—has sparked speculation about talks with Russian intelligence, while Trump said the visit could “produce results” in efforts to end the Ukraine war and the Kremlin denied any meeting with Putin. Foreign Policy Dialogue: Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže discussed regional threats, including illegal migration and hybrid risks, with US Belarus envoy John Coale, who praised Latvia’s NATO commitments and defence spending. Migration Pressure: A report on Poland’s response to a Belarus-linked “migratory invasion” highlights how EU states are tightening border measures as hybrid pressure grows.