Latvia: Riga City Council to borrow EUR 8.9 million for transport infrastructure development

To contribute to implementation of investment projects in Riga’s transport infrastructure, the municipality’s interim administration decided to borrow EUR 8.9 million from the State Treasury, as confirmed by Riga City Council. This money is planned to be used on reconstruction of Ieleja Street and Asnu Street, outline red lines for parking areas along streets, cycling…

Latvia: alcoholic beverages output down ion H1 2020

In the first half-year of 2020, a total of 23.346 million liters of alcoholic beverages (aside from beer) was produced in Latvia, down by 8.9% YoY, according to information from the State Revenue Service (VID). Additionally, small alcoholic beverage producers with valid licenses issued under beneficial conditions produced 35,000 liters of alcoholic beverages in the…

Latvia: GDP to drop in 2020

Latvia’s GDP may decline by 7% this year, but if a second wave of COVID-19 comes, the country’s GDP may drop by 9%, as detailed in Finance Ministry’s macro-economic development scenario. The macro-economic scenario will be used as foundation for the state budget of 2021 and medium-term budget content in 2021-2023. The base scenario details…

Latvia: unemployment up in Q2 2020

In April-June, unemployment rate comprised 8.6%. Compared to the previous quarter, rate of unemployment has risen by 1.2%, but during a year – by 2.2%. In the result of Covid-19 crisis, the number of unemployed increased. In Q2, the number of unemployed persons aged 15-74 comprised 83.5 thousand, up by 22 thousand YoY and by…

Latvia: Augstsprieguma tikls to reduce transmission tariffs and raise transmission capacity maintenance fee

Latvian electricity transmission network maintenance company AS Augstsprieguma tikls (AT) plans to reduce transmission tariffs and increase the transmission capacity maintenance fee, according to the tariff project published in Latvian Herald. The tariff project has been submitted to the Public Utilities Commission (SPRK) for approval. Representatives of AT say transmission tariff changes directly affect only…