AGP Executive Report

Teenage Espionage: A Financial Times investigation says Russia and Iran are recruiting minors online for spying and sabotage, including a 17-year-old Dutch gamer accused of using a “sniffer” device to target law-enforcement networks. Riga Business & Culture: The EBRD’s Board of Governors meeting and Business Forum kick off in Riga (June 5–7), with sessions on Baltic competitiveness, resilience, digitisation and support for Ukraine—plus events at venues like Dailes Theatre. Arts Spotlight: “Ragtime” is still drawing Broadway crowds nearly 30 years after its debut, with audiences responding to it as a contemporary story. Latvian Art Scene: Riga Art Week’s “Kimmel” hosted the Latvian Young Art exhibition, and the first Young Art Auction let buyers bid on works by artists under 40. Music & Events: Saulkrasti Jazz Festival returns July 15–18 with a rhythm-focused programme and the Baltic Drummers League. Local Governance: Latvia’s pre-election campaign period for Saeima elections begins June 7, with KNAB reminding parties to label paid political advertising and avoid hidden campaigning. Media Leadership: Latvia’s NEPLP chair role changes hands as Aurēlija Ieva Druviete is elected chair.

Broadway Buzz: “Ragtime” is still pulling crowds nearly 30 years after its Broadway debut, with audiences now reading it as a more contemporary story than a period piece. Streaming Hit: Apple TV’s new 10-part “Cape Fear” adaptation is already a global smash, climbing high on the service in dozens of countries after the first episodes. Latvia & Armenia Trade: Latvia is preparing to receive a shipment of Armenian flowers after Russia expanded bans on Armenian imports, while the EU backs an aid package for affected sectors. Pre-Election Rules: Latvia’s Saeima pre-election campaign period begins, with KNAB stressing clear labeling of paid political ads and crackdowns on hidden campaigning. Riga Culture Calendar: Riga Art Week included a Young Art exhibition and Latvia’s first Young Art Auction, giving buyers a chance to bid on works by artists under 40. Music & Events: Saulkrasti Jazz 2026 runs 15–18 July, spotlighting rhythm with masterclasses and the Baltic Drummers League. Live in Riga: Dutch star Andre Rieu is set to return to Riga in summer 2027 with a romantic, music-and-film themed programme.

Latvian Culture Calendar: The Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum’s Grand Fair 2026 hits June 6–7 with 500+ artisans and a special ceramics focus, while June 7 brings a free Choir Singalong with Picnic at Mežaparks Grand Stage. City Celebrations: Daugavpils marks its 751st birthday from June 5–7 with concerts, markets, and events for all ages. Riga Art Scene: During Riga Art Week, the Kimmel quarter hosted Latvian Young Art (26 artists), and June 3 saw the first Young Art Auction in Latvia—50 works by artists under 40, with selections made by curator Raivis Alksnis. Music & Live Shows: Dutch star André Rieu is set to return to Riga in summer 2027 at Xiaomi Arena with a romantic, film-music and waltz-heavy programme. Jazz Spotlight: Saulkrasti Jazz 2026 (July 15–18) promises rhythm-focused lineups, masterclasses, and the Baltic Drummers League.

Music & Festivals: Saulkrasti Jazz Festival returns for its 28th edition (July 15–18), with a rhythm-focused programme across four stages, including Baltic Drummers League competition and Latvian drummer Kristaps Škapars. Live Music: Dutch violinist and conductor Andre Rieu is set to perform in Riga at Xiaomi Arena on June 3, 2027, with a romantic mix of opera, film music, classics and waltzes. Film & TV: Fantasia International Film Festival (Montreal, July 16–Aug 2) unveils a second wave of premieres for its 30th edition, highlighting the Apple TV “Cape Fear” series finale and titles like “Nightborn.” Arts & Culture: Riga Art Week’s “Kimmel” hosted the Latvian Young Art exhibition, and the first Young Art Auction took place June 3 with 26 artists under 40. Media & Streaming: Prima Group names Jan Wykrytowicz Chief Streaming Officer from June 1 to push prima+ and other digital products. Local Governance (Media): Latvia’s Saeima approved a new NEPLP leadership: Aurēlija Ieva Druviete becomes chair, with Ieva Kalderauska as vice-chair. Sports (Latvia in spotlight): Latvia is drawn into Group J for the 2026 World Cup of Darts, alongside Trinidad and Tobago and Italy.

Rīga Arts & Culture: The EBRD’s 35th Annual Meeting and Business Forum is set for 5–7 June in Rīga, with discussions across venues including Dailes Theatre and the Latvian National Museum of Art, and a focus on Baltic development, support for Ukraine, competitiveness, resilience, digitisation and human capital. Venice Biennale Fallout: More than 100 artists say they’ll pursue legal action after the Venice Biennale Foundation kept them on the ballots for the “Visitors’ Lions” awards despite withdrawal requests, escalating a dispute tied to the Biennale’s handling of the International Criminal Court controversy. Latvian Media Branding: Latvian Public Media (LSM) is rolling out a unified brand and visual identity across LSM.lv, with TV and radio changes planned gradually over about two years. Film & Festivals: Fantasia International Film Festival (Montreal) has unveiled a second wave of titles for its 30th edition, including the big-screen series finale of “Cape Fear.” Local Gallery Spotlight: “Tieton Creates” opens at Boxx Gallery (June 6–28) featuring 15 new-to-the-space local creatives and makers. Sports (Latvia in the mix): Latvia is drawn into Group J at the 2026 World Cup of Darts alongside Trinidad and Tobago and Italy.

Film Festival Buzz: Fantasia International Film Festival’s 30th edition (Montreal, July 16–Aug 2) drops a second wave of premieres, including the big-screen return of Apple TV’s “Cape Fear” series finale. Baltic Business & Media: LSM is rolling out a unified brand and visual identity after the Latvian TV and Radio merger, aiming for one recognizable public media voice across platforms. Arts & Culture Spotlight: Riga Photography Biennial 2026 is set to wrap with a Chekhov Theatre Gallery closing exhibition featuring Ieva Epnere’s solo show. Music & Live Shows: “Seven in Seven” highlights the week’s regional gigs, including Violet Grohl at World Stage Live and Mekons at the Latvian Society. Sports (Latvia in the mix): FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2026 details are out, with Latvia in Group B (Aug 7–15 in Oradea), plus the U16 Women’s EuroBasket in Pitesti (Aug 14–22) where Latvia also appears in Group B. Fashion/Commerce: Printful launches new guides for sustainable clothing brands and eco-friendly fabrics, aimed at lowering risk for creators.

Latvian Film Spotlight: “Ulya” — a Cannes-premiered Latvian biopic about basketball legend Uļjana Semjonova — is getting fresh attention, including behind-the-scenes coverage of the creative team and its coming-of-age story set in late-1960s Latvia. Riga Photo Biennial: Ieva Epnere’s solo exhibition opens June 9 at the Chekhov Theatre Gallery as part of Riga Photography Biennial 2026, turning her father’s apartment into a living archive of memory and time. International Arts & Culture: The Venice Biennale is facing legal threats from 100+ artists over alleged mishandling of “Visitor Lion” award withdrawals, after a jury resignation sparked wider protest. Sports (Latvia in the mix): Latvia is listed among teams for the FIBA U16 Women’s EuroBasket 2026 in Pitesti (Aug 14–22) and the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2026 in Oradea (Aug 7–15). Baltic Business/Tech: Polestar expands into Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with new retail spaces planned for Riga and charging access across the region. Local Safety Note: An air threat warning for Alūksne municipality was issued early Wednesday and later lifted, with NATO jets scrambled.

Latvian Film Spotlight: Cannes-premiered “Ulya,” a biopic of basketball legend Ulyana Semjonova, is getting fresh attention with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the Latvian creative team and photographer Agnese Zeltiņa, while reviews highlight its haunting, black-and-white approach to identity and belonging. Riga Arts & Culture: The Chekhov Theatre Gallery opens Ieva Epnere’s solo show “Tuesday” on June 9, running until Sept 27, as part of the Riga Photography Biennial 2026. Fashion & Sustainability (Global, with local relevance): Printful released two new resources for aspiring sustainable brands—one on starting a sustainable clothing label and another on eco-friendly fabrics for print-on-demand. Sports (Latvia in the mix): Latvia is listed among teams for FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket 2026 in Stockholm (Aug 1–9), with the tournament’s group breakdown including Latvia in Group D. Community & Safety: Latvia’s early warning system test had a hiccup—one emergency siren in Kurzeme didn’t work, and some residents reported delayed or missing cell alerts. Local Sports Business: Life Time Grand Prix 2026 wildcard spots were decided, with Latvian rider Martins Blums earning a place after strong gravel results.

Local Alerts: Latvia’s early warning system scare in Alūksne is over after a potential air threat alert was issued at 4:59 a.m. and stood down around 6:20, with NATO jets scrambled. Public Safety Tech: A nationwide siren and cell-broadcast test found one of 160 sirens failed in Kurzeme, while officials say phone settings and updates can affect who receives alerts. Latvian Film Spotlight: “Ulya,” a Latvian-set biopic about basketball legend Uļjana Semjonova, premiered at Cannes and is now reviewed for its haunting black-and-white look and focus on identity. Riga Photo Biennial: Ieva Epnere’s solo exhibition “Tuesday” opens June 9 at the Chekhov Theatre Gallery, turning her weekly visits to her father’s apartment into a memory-driven photo series. Culture in Liepāja: Tickets are on sale for the opera “Sun & Sea” (April 8–11, 2027), a climate-crisis-themed contemporary production making its first Latvian appearance. Sports—Youth Basketball: FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2026 details are out, with Latvia in Group D in Trentino (July 15–Aug 2). International Arts: The Sydney Film Festival kicks off with documentary “Silenced,” and the Palm Springs International ShortFest reveals a 329-film lineup.

Latvian Film Spotlight: Cannes Un Certain Regard premiered “Ulya,” a biopic of basketball legend Ulyana Semjonova, and Latvian photographer Agnese Zeltiņa shared behind-the-scenes moments from the premiere. Riga Photography Biennial: The Chekhov Theatre Gallery will host Ieva Epnere’s solo exhibition “Tuesday,” running June 9–Sept 27, built around weekly visits to her father’s apartment and memory through light and objects. Opera in Liepāja: Ticket sales opened for “Sun & Sea” (Saulė ir jūra), a climate-crisis themed contemporary opera that will stage in Liepāja Concert Hall in April 2027 as part of Liepāja’s European Capital of Culture year. Sports & Culture: Latvia’s choir scene gets a closer look, showing how traditional singing brings together people across languages and backgrounds. Film Awards Abroad: Lithuania’s “The Visitor” swept major Silver Crane Awards, while Karlovy Vary unveiled its 60th-edition competition lineup including “Hijamat.” Tech/Defense (Latvia-linked): Drone training for combat is highlighted, with Latvia-based Drone Force — Europe stressing sports pilots must relearn slow, patient targeting.

Startup & Networking: HIPTHER is giving 50 free delegate passes to members of Estonia’s Eestistartup for “HIPTHER Baltics & Nordics: Tallinn 2026,” with a packed agenda on AI, fintech, digital identity and investment. Music & Culture: The “Sail of Hope” bard festival returns for its 12th edition near Lake Sevan, bringing singer-songwriters from Armenia and neighboring countries, with applications open until June 10. Space & Ambition: France has signed a two-mission deal with Vast for flights to the ISS and Haven-1, aiming for the first crewed commercial space station launch in 2027. Art & Exhibitions: Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre marks its 5-year anniversary with new shows, including photography and solo exhibitions, plus a 4D multimedia fountain moment. Film Awards: Germany’s Lola Awards crowned “Sound of Falling” as the big winner, sweeping major categories including screenplay and cinematography. Sports (Latvia in focus): Latvia’s basketball 3x3 star Karlis Lasmanis says the FIBA 3x3 World Cup title is the one missing goal for the team. Hockey (Latvia region): Helsinki and Riga have been awarded the 2030 IIHF Men’s World Championship. Media & Policy: Latvia’s NEPLP chair Ivars Āboliņš is stepping down to become parliamentary secretary at the Ministry of Culture. Tourism Impact: Latvia’s Restaurant Association warns that chaotic messaging about airspace threats is already hurting bookings and hospitality revenues. Community & Belonging: A new piece highlights how choir music helps Latvians of different backgrounds feel together.

German Film Awards (Lola Awards): Mascha Schilinski’s Cannes Jury Prize winner Sound of Falling dominated Berlin’s 76th Deutscher Filmpreis, taking 10 of 11 nominations, including Golden Lola for Best Feature, plus major craft wins. Venice Biennale Spotlight: Ukraine’s pavilion is drawing intense attention, with artist Zhanna Kadyrova’s suspended “Origami Deer” setting a tense, construction-site mood as the Biennale’s Ukraine focus grows. Travel Behaviour Crackdown: The UK’s “One Too Many” campaign is back for 2026, warning passengers that disruptive conduct can mean fines, bans, and even prison. Music Tour News: A$AP Rocky adds seven more dates to his European “Don’t Be Dumb” tour, extending the leg into October due to demand. Latvia Arts & Culture: Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre marks its 5-year anniversary with new exhibitions and a 4D multimedia fountain show. Local Media/Politics: NEPLP chair Ivars Āboliņš steps down to become Parliamentary Secretary at Latvia’s Ministry of Culture. Sports (Latvia in the mix): Karlis Lasmanis keeps chasing Latvia’s missing 3x3 World Cup gold ahead of Warsaw 2026. Community & Safety: Latvia’s restaurant industry warns that chaotic messaging about drone threats is already hurting tourism bookings.

Baltic Defence Update: Estonia has started installing stationary drone-detection systems along its border with Russia, with more coverage planned by year-end—an escalation that comes as Latvia has already faced drone incursions and resignations tied to the fallout. Regional Security: Russia is pushing a case at the UN’s top court over alleged crackdowns on Russian-speakers in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, while NATO and EU leaders keep warning that drone incidents are getting more dangerous. Latvia in Focus (Sports): Norway’s Michael Brandsegg-Nygard helped drive a 2-0 win over Latvia at the IIHF World Championship, sending Norway into the semifinals. Film & Streaming: “Arco” (now on Hulu) is getting renewed attention as a feel-good animated sci-fi about time travel and family imagination. Cosplay Buzz: JO☆STARS will perform at the World Cosplay Summit 2026 in Nagoya, with ticket sales starting June 6. Local Tragedy: Three Latvian climbers died on Alaska’s Mount McKinley/Denali during a fall; one was rescued and operations shifted to recovery.

Drone Defense Upgrade: Estonia has installed its first stationary systems to detect and monitor drones along the border with Russia, with more sections to be covered by year-end. Baltic Tensions: Russia says it will take Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to the UN’s top court over alleged crackdowns on Russian-speakers, as Moscow pushes its case through the International Court of Justice. Latvia in the Spotlight: Latvia’s earlier drone incident near Rezekne still echoes in the region’s security debate. Sports—Hockey: Canada powered past the U.S. 4-0 to reach the IIHF World Championship semis, setting up a Finland clash; Latvia’s presence continues to be felt as Norway advanced with a win over Latvia. Culture—Music & Film: A Latvian ministerial reshuffle brings Nauris Puntulis back as Culture Minister, while Cannes buzz continues with coverage of the 2026 festival’s standout movies and a streaming spotlight on the animated sci-fi Arco. Tragedy—Mountaineering: Three Latvian climbers died and one was rescued after a fall on Alaska’s Denali/Mount McKinley region, with recovery efforts shifting after the incident. Cosplay—Global Event: JO☆STARS is set to perform at the World Cosplay Summit 2026 in Nagoya, with ticket sales starting June 6.

Latvia in the spotlight on security policy: Estonia, Latvia and other countries backed a new underwater critical infrastructure defence framework, GUIDE, launched at the Shangri-La Dialogue, aiming to protect energy and telecom links from disruption. Regional arts & culture: Nauris Puntulis returned as Latvia’s Minister of Culture after a parliamentary vote, bringing his rock-and-opera background back to the role. Local creative scene: An upcycled piano now decorates a bus stop in Iisaku, painted by local children to mark 600 years of the town’s recorded history. Media & business: Havas Latvia named Mārtiņš Kairovs as Country Manager from June 1, succeeding Ivo Rundans. Sports (Latvia-linked): Latvia’s presence at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup is confirmed in Pool B (Warsaw, June 1–7). International entertainment & sport watch: Canada face Finland in IIHF Worlds semis, while the Cannes-to-streaming animated film “Arco” lands on Hulu.

Latvia in the spotlight: Nauris Puntulis has returned as Latvia’s Minister of Culture after a parliamentary vote, bringing him back to the role he held from 2019 to 2023; he’s a former Pērkons rock band singer and now leads the culture portfolio in the new Andris Kulbergs-led government. Arts & culture on the move: Riga’s summer calendar gets a boost with a Hippie and Punk Festival in the Lastādija Cultural Quarter, plus the 5th Grand Concert at Mežaparks featuring Intars Busulis, Laima Vaikule, Žoržs Siksna and more. Film to stream: “Arco” is now on Hulu, a feel-good animated sci-fi about a boy who steals a time-traveling cape—an easy watch for festival-favorite animation fans. Music review: A Latvian accordionist and US bass-baritone team up for a Schubert “Winterreise” styled concert, swapping piano for accordion in a cabaret-like approach. International backdrop: A Russian drone crash into a residential building in NATO-member Romania injured two and triggered strong NATO/EU condemnation, underscoring how the Ukraine war’s risks keep spilling across borders.