AGP Executive Report

Energy & Heating: Riga’s “Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks” plans to start the heating season next week, with the first 10 buildings already connected ahead of schedule and, for the first time, no building facing delays over unpaid debts. Weather Watch: Latvia is heading into a changeable stretch: light rain and gusty westerly winds are expected early in the week, with temperatures mostly around +11…+17°C, then cooler nights and a new cyclone later bringing rainier conditions. Climate Policy Debate: Lithuania is reviving calls to end the twice-yearly clock changes across the Baltics and Nordic region, arguing for a permanent time system instead of seasonal switching. Renewables Storage: Finland is building a “sand battery” heat-storage system for district heating, using excess renewable power to store heat in a large insulated silo—another sign of growing interest in practical energy storage. Urban Nature: A guide on choosing street trees stresses matching species to local conditions so roots and pavement don’t clash, helping cities expand greenery without damaging infrastructure. EU Budget Focus (Agri): 17 EU leaders urge the next long-term budget talks to prioritize agriculture, linking farm funding to broader resilience and competitiveness goals.

Baltic Weather Watch: Latvia is heading into a more unsettled start to the week as a large cyclone moves in from the northwest, bringing intermittent rain, gusty winds near the coast (up to ~19 m/s), and cooler nights with frost possible later in the week. Renewables & Storage: Finland’s Polar Night Energy is building a “sand battery” heat-storage system for district heating, using renewable power to store heat in inert sand—an approach aimed at smoothing renewables’ ups and downs. EU Water Quality: A new study finds Europe’s rivers are improving since 2015, but not fast enough for 2030 targets; only Slovenia is on pace, while other countries lag or even worsen. Cross-Border Clean Energy: The European Commission approved three new cross-border renewable projects under CB RES status, including wind and solar-to-heat links and upgrades to district heating using heat pumps. Latvia’s SAF Supply Chain: NorSAF will partner with Nova Pangaea Technologies to produce ethanol from locally sourced wood waste to feed Latvia’s sustainable aviation fuel facility. Animal Health Cooperation: Georgia’s delegate Lasha Avaliani joined WOAH’s Europe conference in Riga, focusing on disease control, early warning, and emergency preparedness for transboundary animal outbreaks.

Severe Weather Watch: A large cyclone is approaching Latvia from the northwest, bringing cloudy skies, intermittent rain and drizzle, and gusty winds (up to ~19 m/s), with more changeable conditions expected through the week. Renewables Storage: Finland’s Polar Night Energy is building a “sand battery” heat-storage system (2,400 tons of local sand/soapstone) to store renewable power as heat for district heating—an approach that could help smooth wind/solar fluctuations. Cross-Border Clean Energy: The European Commission added three projects to the EU cross-border renewables list (CB RES), making them eligible for Connecting Europe Facility Energy support: Ukraine–Romania wind (650 MW), Poland–Germany wind+solar for heat (180 MW), and an Austria–Germany geothermal district heating upgrade. Baltic Marine Pollution: A new EU study says rivers are getting cleaner, but not fast enough for 2030 targets—only Slovenia is improving at the required pace. SAF Supply Chain in Latvia: NorSAF will partner with Nova Pangaea Technologies to build an ethanol plant in Latvia using locally sourced wood waste to supply sustainable aviation fuel. Animal Health in Riga: Georgia’s environmental deputy minister Lasha Avaliani took part in WOAH’s Europe conference in Riga, focusing on disease control, biosecurity, and emergency preparedness for sheep and goat plagues.

Baltic Energy & Climate Policy: The European Commission added three cross-border renewable projects to the CB RES list—Ukraine–Romania wind (650 MW), Poland–Germany wind+solar with industrial heat use (180 MW), and Austria–Germany geothermal district heating—making them eligible for Connecting Europe Facility Energy support. Water Quality: A new EU study finds Europe’s rivers are improving since 2015, but only Slovenia is cleaning up fast enough to hit 2030 targets, with other countries lagging or even worsening in places. Latvia’s SAF Push: NorSAF will partner with Nova Pangaea Technologies to build an ethanol plant in Latvia using locally sourced wood waste to supply sustainable aviation fuel, aiming to reduce Europe’s reliance on imported feedstocks. Animal Health in the Region: Georgia’s environment official Lasha Avaliani joined a WOAH Europe conference in Riga focused on disease control, early notification, and biosecurity to prevent transboundary outbreaks. Weather Watch: Latvia is set for a mostly dry, sunny stretch with highs around +15 to +20°C, followed by cooler, cloudier conditions and rain as a cyclone moves in.

Baltic Energy & Industry: NorSAF and Nova Pangaea Technologies will build an ethanol plant in Latvia using locally sourced wood waste to supply sustainable aviation fuel, aiming to cut Europe’s reliance on imported feedstocks. EU Renewables: The European Commission added three cross-border projects to the CB RES list—WIND (Ukraine–Romania), DEPLoy (Poland–Germany), and ZEGA-LINNK (Austria–Germany)—unlocking Connecting Europe Facility Energy support. Water Quality Watch: A new study finds Europe’s rivers are improving since 2015, but not fast enough for 2030 targets; only Slovenia is on track. Latvia Environment Policy: Latvia’s parliament approved tighter rules limiting Russian-language content on public broadcasters to emergencies, state of exception, and targeted counter-disinformation. Animal Health in Riga: Georgia’s delegate Lasha Avaliani joined WOAH’s Europe conference in Riga, focusing on disease control, biosecurity, and emergency preparedness. Security & Environment Link: NATO tested a new air defence framework over Lithuania and Latvia, including a U.S. B-1B, as Baltic drone and missile threats remain a concern.

Cross-border renewables: The European Commission added three projects to the CB RES list, making them eligible for Connecting Europe Facility Energy support—Ukraine–Romania on 650 MW onshore wind (WIND), Poland–Germany on 180 MW wind+solar feeding district heating (DEPLoy), and an Austria–Germany geothermal heat network upgrade (ZEGA-LINNK). Baltic water quality: A new study says Europe’s rivers are improving since 2015, but not fast enough for 2030 targets; only Slovenia is on the needed pace. SAF supply chain in Latvia: NorSAF will partner with Nova Pangaea Technologies to build an ethanol plant using locally sourced wood waste to supply Latvia’s sustainable aviation fuel facility. Marine pollution risk: The US Coast Guard says it has stopped oil shipments to Cuba, warning of serious environmental threats from illicit fuel transfers. Latvia’s election backdrop: Latvia’s public debate is still shaped by security concerns, including drone intrusions and hybrid threats, as the country heads to the polls. Weather: Latvia sees warm, mostly dry autumn days around +20°C, with rain and cooler conditions moving in next week.

SAF Supply Chain Boost: NorSAF and Nova Pangaea Technologies will build an ethanol plant in Latvia using locally sourced wood waste to feed the Baltic region’s sustainable aviation fuel push, aiming to cut Europe’s reliance on imported feedstocks. EU Renewables Push: The European Commission granted cross-border renewable projects CB RES status—WIND (Ukraine–Romania wind, 650 MW), DEPLoy (Poland–Germany wind+solar, 180 MW), and ZEGA-LINNK (Austria–Germany geothermal heat network)—making them eligible for Connecting Europe Facility Energy support. Water Quality Reality Check: A new study says European rivers are improving since 2015, but only Slovenia is cleaning fast enough to meet 2030 targets. Latvia Weather Watch: Latvia starts the week with dry, sunny spells and fog in mornings, then turns cooler with rain moving in early next week. Baltic Sea Pollution Concern: Reporting highlights how drugs and pollution reaching the Baltic Sea are harming marine ecosystems and wildlife. Animal Health Cooperation: Georgia’s delegate Lasha Avaliani joined a WOAH Europe conference in Riga focused on disease control, biosecurity, and emergency preparedness for outbreaks. Riga Public Life: Riga Contemporary Art Space opens “Always the Sun,” a Greek artists’ exhibition exploring how light and climate shape culture and city life.

Baltic Air Defence Drills: NATO tested a new integrated air and missile defence framework over Lithuania and Latvia, with a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer joining Eurofighters and other jets for the first time, alongside ground and refuelling assets. SAF From Local Waste: NorSAF and Latvian Nova Pangaea Technologies plan an ethanol plant using locally sourced wood waste to feed sustainable aviation fuel targets that are set to rise sharply under EU rules. Animal Health in Riga: Georgia’s environment deputy Lasha Avaliani took part in WOAH’s Europe conference in Riga, focusing on stronger disease control, early warning systems, and emergency preparedness for sheep and goat plague. EU Renewable Cross-Border Projects: The EU added three new schemes to its cross-border renewables list—Ukraine wind, a Polish-German wind/solar-plus-heat project, and an Austria-Germany geothermal district heating network—making them eligible for CEF Energy support. Latvia Weather Outlook: After a warm, dry start to the weekend with highs up to around +20°C, cloud and rain return next week as temperatures cool. Animal Welfare Enforcement: Dundaga’s PVD rescued 40+ dogs kept in cramped outdoor cages and started administrative proceedings for animal cruelty.

Renewables & Cross-Border Energy: The EU added three new cross-border renewable projects to its CB RES list—650 MW onshore wind in Ukraine (WIND), a wind-plus-solar scheme on the Polish-German border (DEPLoy), and an Austria–Germany geothermal district heating network (ZEGA-LINNK)—making them eligible for Connecting Europe Facility Energy support for studies and works. Weather Watch (Latvia): After a warm, dry stretch with highs up to +20°C, clouds and light rain return from Sunday, and next week brings broader rain and cooler conditions. EU Enforcement: The European Commission took action in infringement cases, including referring Bulgaria to the EU Court of Justice over incomplete transposition of the electricity internal market rules, with gaps tied to network access, generation authorisation, and flexibility requirements. Baltic Sea Environment: A focus on pollution reaching the Baltic Sea highlights how contaminants and drugs affect marine ecosystems and wildlife. Animal Welfare: Latvia’s Food and Veterinary Service rescued 40+ dogs from cruel conditions in Dundaga, starting administrative proceedings for animal cruelty. Cybersecurity (Latvia): CERT.lv reports repeated attacks on municipal surveillance and smart building systems, with links to Russia suspected.

Public Media Rules: Latvia’s parliament approved tighter limits on Russian-language content on public broadcasters, allowing it only in emergencies, state of exception, or to counter disinformation that threatens democracy and the state. Cybersecurity & Cities: CERT.LV warns of repeated attacks on municipal surveillance systems, cameras and smart building controls, with links to Russian networks but no direct connection to election systems. Animal Welfare: Dundaga’s Food and Veterinary Service rescued 40+ dogs kept in cramped outdoor cages with poor care; administrative proceedings for animal cruelty are underway. Baltic Sea Pollution: New reporting highlights how drugs and pollution reaching the Baltic Sea are harming the ecosystem and marine wildlife. Weather Watch: Early October brings fog and mild days, then more widespread rain systems and gusty winds later next week. EU Funding for Sustainability: The EU set €402m for Creative Europe 2027, steering support toward digital transformation and environmental sustainability alongside culture and media. District Heating & Water: A Latvian metering firm discusses what EU rules from 2027 mean for remote reading, leakage reduction and efficiency in heat and water networks.

Baltic Sea Pollution: New research flags pharmaceutical pollution in the Baltic Sea, with medicines like paracetamol, ibuprofen and carbamazepine detected in the semi-enclosed waters—raising alarms for marine wildlife and ecosystem health. Local Environment & Health: The same work points to wastewater releases and long-lasting compounds, noting impacts such as reduced filtering in blue mussels and hormone-related effects on species. Riga Water Quality: Riga’s Blue Flag season is reported as a success, with four bathing areas flying the flag (including first-time Daugavgrīva), tied to water quality, safety and environmental education criteria. Animal Welfare: Latvia’s Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) rescued 40+ dogs from cruel conditions in Dundaga, starting administrative proceedings for animal cruelty. Weather Watch: Early October brings sharp swings—calm, mostly dry days with fog and frost risk, then rain systems moving in from Sunday. Tech for Sustainability: Latvian IoT firm Metbox highlights how EU metering rules from 2027 could push district heating and water operators toward better monitoring and leakage reduction.

Animal Welfare: Latvia’s Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) in Dundaga rescued 40+ dogs from cruel conditions in cramped outdoor cages, with some severely emaciated; administrative proceedings for animal cruelty are underway. Baltic Sea Pollution: New research flags pharmaceutical pollution in the Baltic Sea, with medicines like paracetamol, ibuprofen and carbamazepine detected and concerns that synthetic estrogens and diclofenac can disrupt marine wildlife. Water & Heat Infrastructure: A Latvian metering firm, Metbox, explains what EU rules from 2027 mean for district heating and water operators, as remote metering and leakage reduction tighten. Weather: Latvia heads into early October with fog and light rain possible, then a new precipitation system may bring rain across much of the country. Local Environment & Recreation: Riga’s Blue Flag swimming season is deemed a success, with four bathing areas flying the flag after meeting water quality, safety and environmental education criteria. Cyber & Public Safety: CERT warns of repeated attacks on municipal surveillance and smart building systems, with links to Russia suspected.

Baltic Sea Pollution: Researchers across Sweden, Finland, Lithuania and Latvia report pharmaceutical pollution in the Baltic Sea, finding everyday medicines like paracetamol, ibuprofen and carbamazepine—raising alarms for marine wildlife and ecosystem health. Local Water Quality & Recreation: Riga’s “Blue Flag” season is declared a success, with four bathing areas flying the flag (including first-time Daugavgrīva) after meeting strict water quality, safety and environmental information criteria. Weather Watch: Latvia is heading into more clouds and light rain, with fog likely in the mornings and temperatures around +14 to +19°C, then a new rain system expected early next week. Cyber & Public Infrastructure Security: CERT.lv warns of repeated attacks on municipal surveillance and smart building systems, with experts linking activity to Russia and noting up to five cases across regions. Food Safety Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Latvia expand phytosanitary and food safety cooperation, including training on digital monitoring and lab diagnostics at BIOR. Waste & Cities: World Cleanup Day 2026 spotlights “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities,” focusing on cutting food waste and improving waste prevention and separation.

Baltic Sea Pollution: Researchers warn that pharmaceutical pollution is reaching the Baltic Sea ecosystem, with medicines like paracetamol, ibuprofen and carbamazepine detected across semi-enclosed waters, adding to risks from diclofenac and synthetic estrogens that can disrupt wildlife. Public Health & Environment: The findings point to the need for action beyond wastewater treatment, including how medicines are prescribed, used and returned. Riga Water Quality: Riga’s Blue Flag season is being hailed as a success, with four bathing areas flying the flag (Vecāķi, Vakarbuļļi, Bābelītī and Daugavgrīva for the first time), after meeting strict water quality and safety criteria. Weather Watch: Latvia is set for more clouds and possible light rain with local thunderstorms, plus fog in mornings, while temperatures hover around +14 to +19°C before autumnal cooling begins. Telecom Safety: Bite Latvia will stop selling prepaid SIMs from 1 October to reduce phone fraud and limit anonymous SIM circulation. Energy Costs Ahead: Reports note heating costs could rise this winter as fuel prices and system pressures feed into household bills.

Urban Cleanliness & Heritage: Riga has started cleaning the Freedom Monument, using SIA “Wenda Wash” for the technically complex, multi-material restoration ahead of 18 November; the contract is €17,762.80 (VAT included) and work may take several weeks depending on weather and material sensitivity. Water Quality & Recreation: Riga’s “Blue Flag” season is being hailed as a success, with four bathing areas flying the flag (Vecāķi, Vakarbuļļi, Bābelītī and first-timer Daugavgrīva), meeting strict water, safety, service and environmental education criteria. Baltic Pollution Watch: Researchers are tackling pharmaceutical pollution in the Baltic Sea, arguing the problem can’t be solved only at shorelines and needs action across the medicine life cycle. Waste & Cities: World Cleanup Day 2026 in Shaoxing put food waste prevention and better resource management at the centre of cleaner-city efforts. Energy & Costs: Record diesel prices are rippling through Europe’s economy, raising freight costs and squeezing farmers and businesses. Weather: Latvia heads into late-September with mild highs near +20°C, but fog and patchy rain/thunder are possible as autumn gradually takes hold.

Public Sector Tech Scrutiny: European civil groups demand EU governments scrap Palantir contracts, citing its use in surveillance and AI warfare and warning about corporate capture of democratic services. Baltic Energy Security: Euronews reports the EU is heading into winter with low gas storage after hot, dry weather and LNG disruptions tied to the Iran conflict, raising fears of supply and price shocks. Baltic Sea Pollution: Researchers across Sweden, Finland, Lithuania and Latvia say pharmaceutical pollution in the Baltic can’t be fixed only at shorelines, urging changes from prescribing to drug return systems. Latvia’s Heating Pressure: Latvia faces higher heating costs this winter, with forecasts pointing to noticeable price rises amid fuel and energy market strain. EU Rules on Repair: The European Commission starts infringement steps over the right-to-repair rules, including extending coverage to indoor heating appliances—aimed at cutting waste and emissions. Latvia Weather Watch: Forecasts point to a mostly dry week with mild daytime temperatures, cooler nights, and occasional light rain early on. Riga Waterfront Money-Laundering Probe: LTV De Facto reports a convicted money-launderer is among investors in the “Riga Waterfront” scheme, linked to an underground banking system investigation.