Latest news in Latvia? September 22nd, 2026

Key news developments in Latvia for September 22, 2026:

• EU Sanctions Stance: Latvia has officially opposed and blocked a proposed European Union agreement aimed at lifting sanctions on Russian business figures, including Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. Riga reiterated that concessions regarding the European sanctions framework remain unacceptable.

  Meduza

• Artillery Procurement Shift: Following formal government decisions finalized this week, Latvia has dropped its previous plan to acquire Swedish Archer artillery systems and selected the Czech Morana 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers from Excalibur Army. The switch was driven by delivery timelines, competitive pricing, and higher domestic defense industry participation.

  Envanter Medya

• National Defense Exercises: Large-scale military movements continue across regional and national roads as the armed forces conduct the comprehensive Namejs 2026 exercise. Involving around 12,000 national and Allied personnel, the drills are currently focused on eastern border vigilance and countering drone threats.

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• Economic Outlook: The IMF published its concluding assessment for the 2026 Article IV consultations with Latvia, projecting moderate GDP growth alongside elevated spending pressures tied to defense commitments and energy transition needs.

  International Monetary Fund