AGP Executive Report

Rally Estonia: Toyota driver Sami Pajari delivered a gravel masterclass to win Rally Estonia and claim his maiden World Rally Championship victory, taking 12 of 18 stages and finishing 19.5s ahead of Oliver Solberg, with Latvian Mārtiņš Sesks finishing seventh in Rally1. Latvia Security: Latvia has boosted protection around critical infrastructure sites after intelligence warnings about possible Russian attacks in the Baltic region, including extra measures at Incukalns gas storage and a hydroelectric dam upstream from Riga. EU Media Freedom: A new EU rule-of-law report is being criticized for downplaying threats to press freedom and media pluralism, with the European Federation of Journalists urging EU institutions to take a closer look. Latvian Arts & Culture: Latvia’s Tet will stop providing terrestrial TV services from 1 January 2027, citing market changes and tender conditions. Weekend in Latvia: LSM rounds up things to do, including the Cēsis 820 city festival and Valdemārpils’ “Feel Valdemārpils!” beach-and-town event.

Sports: Slovenia and Serbia set up the FIBA U20 EuroBasket 2026 title clash after both won their semi-finals in Ljubljana, with Slovenia rallying past France and Serbia edging Spain. Environment & Latvia: A growing EU debate is heating up as nine member states—including Latvia—ask Brussels to ease cormorant culling rules after the bird’s comeback turned into “overabundance,” with fishers calling it a “chainsaw massacre.” Latvia & Daily Life: Latvian mycologist Diana Meiere warns mushroom pickers not to eat slightly old or damaged specimens and to avoid plastic bags that make mushrooms spoil faster. Rally Estonia: Sami Pajari dominated day one, winning all seven stages to lead Rally Estonia, while local crews fight hard in WRC2. Security: Latvia has increased protection at critical infrastructure sites after intelligence fears Russia may plan a hybrid attack in the Baltic region. Film: Estonia/Colombia director Carlos E. Lesmes is in postproduction on the long documentary “Beautiful Stupid Thing,” a multi-generational migration story. Music: Fear Factory says a new single is coming in August ahead of their next studio album.

World Cup Football: Didier Deschamps faces his final match as France take on England in the third-place playoff, with Kylian Mbappé paying tribute and Thomas Tuchel insisting England and France “don’t want to play this game” but must chase the last objective. Latvia Security: Latvia has boosted protection at critical sites like the Incukalns gas storage and a hydro dam near Riga after warnings Russia may seek a “quick win” via hybrid threats, with NATO air defense and allied troops requested. Rally Estonia: Sami Pajari swept all seven stages on Friday to seize a big lead, putting the spotlight on Latvia’s wider motorsport buzz around the home event. Nature & Food Safety: A Latvian mycologist warns against picking slightly old or damaged mushrooms and says plastic bags speed spoilage—plus a reminder to only collect what you truly know. EU Environment Debate: Nine EU countries, including Latvia, are pushing to ease cormorant culling rules after the bird’s numbers rebounded, reigniting the “chainsaw massacre” fight between fishers and conservationists. Local Culture & Weekend Plans: Latvia’s weekend calendar includes Cēsis 820 celebrations and a Valdemārpils city-and-beach festival. Music: Fear Factory confirmed a new single in August ahead of their next album, with Riga listed among upcoming dates.

Rally Estonia: Sami Pajari absolutely dominated day one, sweeping all seven Friday stages to seize the lead and set up a huge WRC weekend in Tartu. Latvia Security: Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs says Latvia has boosted protection at critical sites like Incukalns gas storage and a Riga-area hydro dam after warnings of possible Russian hybrid attacks, with NATO support requested. Film & Festivals: Croatia’s Pula Film Festival crowned Honey Bunny with multiple Golden Arenas, including Best Croatian Film and major acting/screenplay wins. TV Change: Latvian operator Tet will stop terrestrial TV services from 1 January 2027 after deciding not to join the next tender. Sports Governance: The IOC defended its provisional lifting of the Russian Olympic Committee suspension, despite EU pressure from countries including Latvia. Local Weekend Culture: Latvia’s Cēsis 820 anniversary festival and Valdemārpils’ beach-town event are among the standout things to do this weekend. Music: Fear Factory teased new music, with a first single due in August and a Riga show listed for early September.

Latvia Security Update: Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs says Latvia has boosted protection at critical sites like the Incukalns gas storage and a hydro dam near Riga after intelligence warned Russia may be planning a hybrid attack. TV & Media: Latvian operator Tet will stop terrestrial TV services from 1 January 2027, citing market changes and tender conditions. Film Spotlight: Croatia’s Pula Film Festival crowned Honey Bunny with the Big Golden Arena plus major acting and writing prizes, while The Thing to Be Done took top director honors. Local Culture & Weekend Plans: Latvia’s festival calendar is packed, with Cēsis 820 and Valdemārpils’ “Feel Valdemārpils!” among the weekend highlights. Music News: Fear Factory teased new music—its first single from the upcoming 11th album is set for August, with a Riga show listed for 3 September. Sports (Latvia-linked): Glentoran’s European run ended after a two-leg exit, while Latvia’s Kristers Tobers is back in training as Aberdeen manage his return from a long injury spell.

EU–Pacific Film Diplomacy: The EU kicked off its “Powering Pacific Potential” campaign at the European Film Festival in Fiji, using cinema and ads to spotlight Global Gateway investments in infrastructure, trade, energy and education. Fact-Check & Politics: A viral claim that Ukrainians “never wanted” NATO was rated mostly false, with polling showing support staying high even after 2014 and rising above 70% after Russia’s full-scale invasion. Olympics Row: The IOC defended its provisional move to lift the Russian Olympic Committee suspension, after nine EU states (including Latvia) urged the EU to cut funding to federations that readmit Russians and Belarusians. Latvia in Sports News: airBaltic is reportedly seeking short-term financing from bondholders ahead of a planned August 3 meeting, while Riga’s NORDSPACE secured EUR 1.2m for smart storage expansion at Jūrkalnes Street 62. Arts & Culture: The 73rd Pula Film Festival wrapped with “Honey Bunny” among the big winners, and Riga made the cut in a Europe-wide “fairytale destinations” ranking. Local Sports: Bohemians advanced in the Conference League, and Linfield and Glentoran were knocked out in European qualifiers.

Olympics Politics: The IOC defended its provisional move to lift the Russian Olympic Committee suspension, after nine EU countries (including Latvia) urged the EU to cut funding to federations that readmit Russian and Belarusian athletes. Baltic Security: Lithuania’s president said intelligence points to possible limited Russian “kinetic” attacks on critical infrastructure in the Baltics or Poland, while Latvia’s president warned Russia may use sabotage and hybrid tactics to test NATO unity. Local Sports: Latvian defender Kristers Tobers’ Aberdeen injury nightmare appears over, with Stephen Robinson confirming he’s back in training after a knee injury and infection. Basketball: FIBA Europe Cup draw results set the 2026-27 season groups, with Latvian club Tartu Ulikool Maks & Moorits listed among the teams. Arts & Culture: Riga makes the cut in a Europe-wide “fairytale destinations” ranking, while the circumpolar art show Qillaniq opens at Canada’s National Gallery with a bold, protest-tinged edge. Travel Picks: A new Europe fairytale list highlights places like Germany’s Eltz Castle and Riga’s debut. Business/Arts Space: NORDSPACE secured EUR 1.2m financing for a smart storage expansion in Riga’s Jūrkalnes Street area. Music Spotlight: Napalm Death becomes the first grindcore band to play NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert.

Vocational vs general education: A new Eurobarometer survey finds three-quarters of EU citizens view upper-secondary general education more positively than vocational training, with Latvia among the least convinced. EU sports funding row: Nine EU countries, including Latvia, are urging the EU to cut funding to the IOC and other federations after the IOC provisionally lifted the Russian Olympic Committee suspension. Latvia’s conscription update: Latvia’s Cabinet approved draft changes to the State Defence Service, including a new pre-registration option for 17-year-olds turning 18 soon. Riga football spotlight: Glentoran head into the second leg of their UEFA Conference League qualifier against RFS with confidence despite a 2-1 first-leg loss. Riga arts & culture: A major biennial juried exhibition is set to open in August with 100+ works selected from 400+ entries. Latvian language policy: A proposal would stop Russian-language broadcasts in Latvia’s state media. Sporting entertainment: Wimbledon mixed doubles champions Jelena Ostapenko and Marcelo Arevalo win the title. Fairytale travel buzz: Europe’s best fairytale destinations list spotlights places like Eltz Castle and Mont-Saint-Michel.

Latvian Military Service Update: Latvia’s Cabinet approved draft changes to the State Defence Service (VAD) rules, aiming to streamline selection and improve social guarantees, including a new option for 17-year-olds to pre-register and volunteer before turning 18. Olympic Politics in Focus: Nine EU countries, including Latvia, urged the EU to cut funding to sports bodies like the IOC after the IOC provisionally lifted the ROC suspension, arguing it risks normalising Russia’s war. Baltic Security Warnings: Lithuania’s president said intelligence points to possible limited Russian “kinetic” provocations targeting critical infrastructure in the Baltics or Poland, while Latvia’s Edgars Rinkēvičs warned Russia may test NATO’s Article 5 and response mechanisms. Arts & Exhibitions: A biennial juried exhibition will open in August with 100+ artworks selected from 400+ entries, spanning painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and woodworking. Art+Film Gala: Vija Celmins (born in Riga) and Denis Villeneuve will be honored at LACMA’s 2026 Art+Film Gala. Language Policy: A proposal would stop Russian-language broadcasts in Latvia’s state media.

Latvian Arts & Culture: Vija Celmins (born in Riga) and filmmaker Denis Villeneuve are set to be honored at the 2026 LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles on Nov. 7, with Gucci as presenting sponsor. Local Creative Scene: The Craven Arts Council and Gallery will open its biennial Bank of the Arts National Juried Exhibition in August, featuring 100+ works selected from 400+ entries, with a juror talk and award announcements planned. Film & Festivals: Frontières’ 2026 genre market is packed with standout projects, from zombie rom-coms to folk horror and vampire tales, as submissions hit record levels. Sports & Society (Latvia-linked): A TARGET football project pairing Latvia and Ukraine aims to challenge gender stereotypes and widen opportunities for women and girls. Textiles & Sustainability: Latvia is grappling with textile waste as recycling know-how lags behind the scale of fast-fashion consumption. Border & Security (regional impact): Lithuania’s incoming interior minister says border checks with Latvia could return as a “nuclear option” if migrant flows rise. EU Sports Funding Pressure: Nine EU countries, including Latvia, are pushing the European Commission to cut funding to sports bodies like the IOC after Russia/Belarus athletes were readmitted.

Sports & Culture Policy: Latvia joins Estonia and other EU states in pushing the European Commission to cut funding for the IOC and other sports bodies after the IOC provisionally lifted restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes, with the letter also targeting World Aquatics and the International Fencing Federation. Local Sports for Social Change: Latvia and Ukraine’s TARGET project uses football to challenge gender stereotypes, with Latvia focusing on boosting female participation and coach education. Arts & Film Industry: Frontières 2026 at the Co-Production Market is packed with genre standouts, from zombie-romcom “Cold Feet” to folk horror “Cher,” plus a half-bodied Filipino vampire project. Music: Bryan Adams announces a 2027 Australia and New Zealand run of the “Roll With The Punches” tour, with Natalie Imbruglia as support. Latvia Environment & Waste: Textile waste remains a major problem in Latvia, with experts warning recycling still isn’t keeping up with fast fashion. Travel Inspiration: A roundup of fairytale-like European destinations highlights places like Eltz Castle and Mont-Saint-Michel.

World Cup Buzz: Atlanta is beefing up security for the England v Argentina semi-final, with extra police across the city’s high-traffic entertainment areas. Semi-Final Preview: France face Spain in a clash of firepower and stubborn defense, with stats painting Spain as the tournament’s toughest nut to crack. Latvian Arts Picks: Riga’s cultural calendar gets a boost with recommendations including Emily D’Angelo’s “Pleasantly Haunted” premiere at Hanzas perons and a jazz quartet show at Airīte station. Music & Culture: The European Commission is recommending cutting Venice Biennale funding over Russia’s pavilion, while Cyprus’ summer festival guide highlights everything from world music to ancient drama. Fashion & Environment: Textile waste is flagged as a growing problem in Latvia, with experts urging people to buy less and think harder about what they wear. Local Lifestyle: In Estonia, blueberry foragers are turning to social media sales for better prices, skipping wholesale deals. Sports Business: Futureal Energy Partners expands in Latvia’s battery storage market with two Riga projects. Film Craft: A spotlight on film editor Yuntong Hazel Dai explores how editing shapes emotion and storytelling, including for vertical drama formats.

Latvia & Riga Arts Picks: LSM’s cultural editor highlights this week’s Riga events, including a Hanzas Perons premiere by mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo (“Pleasantly Haunted”) and a jazz quartet concert at Airīte station in Saldus district. Youth Entrepreneurship: GEN-E 2026 wrapped in Riga (July 7–9), bringing 1,000 young founders from 40+ countries under the “Beyond Borders” theme, with Latvian and European leaders on hand. Basketball (Local Spotlight): FIBA Europe Cup 2026-27 seedings are out, with Latvian teams VEF Riga and Valmiera Glass VIA listed among the groups. Sports (Latvian Win): Jelena Ostapenko and Marcelo Arevalo won Wimbledon mixed doubles after a comeback. Transport Tragedy: A fatal train accident in Riga caused cancellations and delays on the Riga-Dubulti line. Crypto Regulation: Paybis reports that after MiCA’s July 1 deadline, many European users still don’t know if their exchange is compliant.

South China Sea Diplomacy: Japan and 13 other countries, with the EU, marked the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitration ruling by reaffirming it is “final, legally binding, and definitive,” while China insists its governance “never ceased” and summoned Japan’s envoy. Riga Tragedy: A fatal train accident in Riga left a person dead and disrupted the Riga–Dubulti service, with police investigating. Latvian Energy Business: Futureal Energy Partners bought two Riga battery storage projects (Bolderaja and Bisuciems), totaling 45 MW/120 MWh, aiming for operations in November. Latvian Arts & Music: Riga hosts the International Trombone Festival (July 29–Aug 1) with 500+ participants, plus major concerts and masterclasses. Film Festival Spotlight: Cinehill Film Festival 2026 named Montenegro its partner country, bringing contemporary Montenegrin features, docs and shorts to Croatia (July 21–26). Sports (Latvia in focus): Jelena Ostapenko and Marcelo Arevalo won Wimbledon mixed doubles after a comeback, with Ostapenko taking her first Wimbledon title.

Wimbledon Glory: Jelena Ostapenko and Marcelo Arevalo stormed back to win the Wimbledon mixed doubles title, beating Storm Hunter and Marc Polmans 4-6, 7-5, 6-2—Ostapenko’s first Wimbledon crown and Arevalo’s first Grand Slam win. Riga Arts & Culture: The International Trombone Festival lands in Riga from July 29 to August 1, bringing 500+ trombonists, masterclasses, concerts and an instrument exhibition. Contemporary Art: Latvian galleries and artists will take part in ArtVilnius’26 (Oct 1–4) in Vilnius, with ISSP Gallery and MareunRol’s among the returning names. Jazz Calendar: Saulkrasti Jazz Festival 2026 runs July 15–18, spotlighting drumming with guests Nicolas Viccaro and Enterpley, plus Latvian big-band performances and youth masterclasses. Music Scene: “La-Di-Da-Di” indie garden festival in Mežaparks wrapped with a set by British band caroline, after two days of local and international acts. Local Sports: RFS secured a one-goal advantage for the next leg of their European tie after a win over Glentoran, with Riga set for the reverse fixture next week.

Wimbledon Glory for Latvia: Jelena Ostapenko and Marcelo Arevalo stormed back to win the Wimbledon mixed doubles title, beating Australia’s Storm Hunter and Marc Polmans 4-6, 7-5, 6-2—Ostapenko’s first Wimbledon crown and Arevalo’s historic first for El Salvador. Music in Pärnu: The Pärnu Music Festival kicks off with Neeme Järvi and runs through a packed 10 days of premieres, international stars, and Latvian soloists. Riga’s Trombone Takeover: The International Trombone Festival lands in Riga July 29–Aug 1 with 500+ participants, masterclasses, concerts, and big names from across Europe. Jazz Calendar: Saulkrasti Jazz Festival 2026 (July 15–18) spotlights drumming with Nicolas Viccaro and Enterpley, while M/Darbnīca’s “Young and Talented” competition gives emerging players a shot at Riga Music Week and an international tour. ArtVilnius’26: Latvian galleries and artists are set for the Oct 1–4 contemporary fair in Vilnius, including ISSP Gallery and MareunRol’s. Local Culture Talk: LAMPA Conversation Festival hosts Valdis Zatlers and international experts on “Light through the Crack” to tackle polarization through dialogue.