AGP Executive Report

Riga Drone Reality Check: Riga City Council now says official shelter capacity in a drone threat is far lower than earlier claims—about 52,000 people across 146 shelters due by Aug/Sept, with schools prioritising children once the school year starts. Local Politics: Aleksejs Rosļikovs was kicked out of Riga City Council after missing over half of meetings, vowing to “return” Latvia to the people. Culture & Arts: Roger Ballen is coming to Latvia—an ISSP lecture plus a Mark Rothko Art Centre retrospective. Travel Business: Join UP! is shifting from a classic tour operator to a vertically integrated “Travel Universe” model. Sports & Lifestyle: Hyrox World Championships prep is underway in Riga, while Museum Night returns May 23 with nearly 250 venues. EU/World Context: NATO training near Russia’s doorstep continues as drone alerts keep disrupting daily life across the Baltics.

Baltic Drone Jitters: Latvia’s airspace scare has ended, but the drone’s fate is still unclear, leaving families and schools to remember how fast life can change—kindergarteners in Daugavpils were told to sleep in corridors under the “two-wall principle” while authorities kept monitoring. EU Demographics Watch: Eurostat projections show the EU’s population will keep shrinking and ageing, but Cyprus is expected to buck the trend for longer thanks to migration. Culture Under Pressure: Cannes 2026 is packed with wartime-themed films, with directors using history to ask what happens to people when societies slide toward authoritarianism. Travel & Leisure: Azamara Cruises announced a bigger, more immersive 2028 plan, including its first full Asia season and 12 maiden ports. Latvia Governance: Saeima approved early citizenship for two foreigners, while Riga City Council revoked a council mandate after the member fled to Belarus.

Baltic Airspace Tension: A suspected drone incursion in Latvia’s east has ended for now, but its whereabouts remain unclear, leaving residents and schools to remember how fast daily life can flip—especially after earlier alerts disrupted exams and forced the “two-wall principle.” Human Trafficking Sentencing: Two men from Latvia and Uzbekistan are set to be sentenced in Ireland next month over labour trafficking, money laundering and forgery, with victims describing conditions like “a slave trade.” Belarus War Fears: New analysis points to Belarus’s role in Russia’s northern pressure, including recent nuclear drills that keep the “could Belarus enter the war?” question alive. Energy Storage Push: Slovenia-based NGEN secured €70m from the EBRD to expand battery storage across Poland, Romania, Latvia and Slovenia, aiming to stabilise grids and boost resilience. Diplomacy & Media: EU officials reject Moscow’s claims about Baltic drone activity as “utter nonsense,” while Russia’s foreign ministry attacks Latvian outlet The Insider over alleged “provocations.” Culture: Riga Art Week gets a new solo exhibition—South African artist Shana de Villiers’ “I want to Be Glue!”—opening 27 May.

Baltic Security Shock: Lithuania’s drone scare hit a new level as Vilnius residents were told to shelter, airspace over the airport was closed, and leaders were moved to safe locations after a suspected drone was detected near the Belarus border—NATO jets scrambled but the object was not found, and officials say the origin is still unclear. EU Response: EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called Russia’s threats against the Baltics “completely unacceptable,” saying a threat to one member is a threat to the whole bloc, while Kaja Kallas dismissed Moscow’s claims that the Baltics enable Ukrainian drone operations as “utter nonsense.” Latvia Disruption: In Latvia’s Latgale, exams were disrupted and schools shifted students to safer areas during the airspace alerts, with local officials now pointing to gaps in shelter readiness. Culture & Travel: Riga’s “Flow” characters are set to return to more city spots, and Jūrmala’s Resort Festival brings a full day of music, family activities and an evening beach concert on 30 May.

Baltic Drone Panic: Lithuania’s PM Inga Ruginienė apologised after communication failures during a May 20 drone alert that sent Vilnius leaders and residents into shelters, shut Vilnius airport airspace, and even halted train traffic—though the suspected drone was never found and may have crossed on or crashed inside Lithuania. EU Response: EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen called Russia’s threats “completely unacceptable,” saying a threat to one member is a threat to the whole bloc. Latvia Disruption: In Latvia, air-hazard warnings also disrupted exams in Latgale, with some tests paused or moved and schools using internal shelter protocols. Culture Watch: Meanwhile, Riga-shot Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Cannes film “Minotaur” is drawing major attention for its sharp look at corruption and war. Regional Update: The week also included Latvia’s party-funding spending scrutiny and a new EBRD managing director for the Baltics.

Baltic Security Shock: A NATO jet shot down a suspected Ukrainian drone over Estonia after it violated airspace, and Latvia followed with renewed drone alerts that disrupted exams and daily life. Education Disruption: Latvia’s 9th-grade Latvian language exam was suspended in several regions due to the air hazard, with written parts rescheduled and oral exams continuing where possible. War Watch: Russia has launched three-day nuclear drills as concerns grow about wider spillover into NATO-border areas. Local Life & Travel: Latvia’s summer swim scene gets a boost—new Blue Flag spots include Riga’s Daugavgrīva and Limbaži’s Vārza. Culture Spotlight: Cannes buzz continues with Andrey Zvyagintsev’s “Minotaur,” a Latvia-shot co-production, while Latvia’s film community also celebrates “The Inspector’s Debt” winning a major competition. Money Quiz Win: Greek students swept the European Money Quiz in Brussels; Latvia placed second.

Airspace Disruptions: Latvia’s 9th-grade Latvian language exam has been suspended in multiple regions after an air hazard warning, with written parts paused and make-up dates set while oral exams may still go ahead. Security & NATO: Estonia reported a NATO jet shot down a stray drone over Lake Vörtsjärv, while both countries issued drone alerts that also disrupted daily life. Baltic Sea Safety: Portsmouth divers and international partners destroyed a historic World War-era explosive on the “very dark seabed” in the Gulf of Riga during Exercise Open Spirit. Sports Spotlight: Latvia’s men’s and women’s national beach volleyball teams won at home in the CEV Beach Volley Nations Cup, booking spots for the July finals in Budapest. Culture & Summer: Blue Flag swimming areas were announced for Latvia’s summer, including new additions in Riga and Limbaži. Memory & Rights: Ukraine marked 82 years since the Crimean Tatar deportation, as Russia’s “constant terror” continues to be reported.

DOJ “Slush Fund” Storm: Democrats accuse Trump’s Justice Department of creating a $1.776bn pay-off scheme for allies, after court filings and a “settlement” plan that critics call cartoonishly corrupt. EU Diplomacy Debate: Angela Merkel says Europe isn’t using its diplomatic muscle enough in talks with Russia—deterrence isn’t enough without real engagement. Latvia & the Region: Latvia’s pre-school education looks solid in EU comparisons, while Latvia’s “internet space” is described as comparatively civilized. AI Race in Brussels: Leaders at the Brussels Economic Forum push for a faster European AI strategy to avoid falling behind the US and China. Culture & Travel: EXPLORA III announces its maiden voyage for August, and Baltic short films keep gaining co-production momentum. Sport & Community: The Rimi Riga Marathon drew a record 46,313 runners from 116 countries. Latvia in the Spotlight: The Bank of Latvia releases the “Bridal Crown” silver coin, and Supernova’s secret jury is revealed.

Baltic Cinema Spotlight: At Cannes’ Marché du Film, Baltic Shorts’ panel says the region’s short-film “golden age” is powered by smarter co-production networks and talent pipelines, not just standout scripts. AI Race in Europe: The Brussels Economic Forum put AI at the center of Europe’s competitiveness debate, with leaders warning the continent risks falling behind the US and China unless it invests faster while keeping its democratic values. Ukraine Remembrance: Ukraine marks the Day of Struggle for Crimean Tatar rights, recalling the 1944 deportations and the scale of the tragedy. Latvia in Focus: A Latvian central bank bridal crown collector coin is set for release, while Supernova’s secret jury is revealed and the Rimi Riga Marathon draws record international participation. Disinformation Watch: Estonia is still dealing with a Narva-linked pro-Kremlin narrative that spread from social media into mainstream coverage. Everyday Life: A landlord debate on rent hikes and eviction rights shows how housing pressure is hitting families.

Riga Marathon buzz: Tens of thousands of runners flooded the Latvian capital for the Rimi Rīga Marathon, with 46,313 participants from 116 countries and record registration—Kelvin Kiptoo Kororia won the men’s marathon in 2:08:58, while Ethiopian athletes swept the women’s top spots. EU justice push: A Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine is moving from plan to reality, with 36 countries backing it and calls to keep Ukrainian victims at the center. Ukraine war pressure: Kyiv and Moscow traded heavy drone and missile strikes again, with reports of major casualties and renewed vows of retaliation. Latvia in the spotlight: A study on migration and education flags Latvia among countries where university-educated migrants are proportionally more common than locals. Local culture: Skrunda marked 30 years as a city with a long-running boat parade turning boats into “birthday cakes” and celebration venues.

Baltic spotlight on NATO and drones: Poland is warning that Russia and Belarus are “pushing” illegal migrants toward NATO’s eastern flank, with Warsaw saying the pressure is now reaching as far as the US. Ukraine war escalation: Kyiv says it’s “entirely justified” to strike back at Russia’s oil and military targets after fresh attacks on the capital, while Russia’s record drone assault on Moscow left deaths and damage, including a refinery target. Latvia in the mix: A new study finds migrants in several EU countries—including Latvia—are more likely to be university-educated than locals, adding fuel to the debate on migration and skills. Culture & community: Skrunda marks 30 years as a city with a river boat parade, and Riga’s Rimi Marathon draws record international turnout. Creative industry buzz: Adwards 2026 celebrates top Baltic work, with standout campaigns winning for impact and storytelling.

Eurovision Fallout: UK’s “Look Mum No Computer” landed in the nul-points zone again, scoring just 1 jury point and getting zero from the public, while Bulgaria’s DARA stormed into the Grand Final with “Bangaranga” and is already a top contender. Latvia & Baltic Life: Riga’s marathon is set to welcome 45,000+ runners from nearly 120 countries, and Rīga Art Week returns late May. Construction & Careers: Moldova’s Centre of Excellence in Construction drew hundreds of teenagers to an admissions open day, spotlighting training across roads, ventilation, architecture and more. Politics & Security: Latvia’s wider regional backdrop stays tense after drone-related disruption and government shake-ups, while Ukraine’s capital continues to face deadly strikes. Culture & Ideas: A new survey finds professional visual artists overwhelmingly dislike generative AI, fearing lost income and job security.

Latvia’s Airspace Alert Eases: Latvia’s National Armed Forces says the latest possible airspace threat in the eastern border region has ended, with NATO Baltic air policing jets activated and schools initially cancelling classes in Rēzekne, Balvi, Ludza and Krāslava before normal work resumed. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met Estonia’s president and leaders in Tallinn, focusing on IT, tourism, investment, cybersecurity and defence, while also briefing on the West Bank situation. Ukraine War Fallout: Kyiv again took heavy hits from missiles and drones, with officials reporting dozens of casualties and damage to civilian sites, as Ukraine signals it will retaliate against Russian energy and military targets. Baltic Business Buzz: The Baltics earned fresh attention on Europe’s fintech map, highlighted by the second Baltic Fintech Awards in Riga. Culture & Sport: Riga’s marathon is set to draw 45,000+ runners worldwide, while Rīga Art Week returns late May and Tartu hosts a street-dance competition this Saturday.

Ukraine War Update: Russia’s latest barrage on Kyiv killed at least 24 people, with dozens more hurt, as Zelenskyy said Ukraine is “entirely justified” to strike back at Russian oil, military production and those behind war crimes. International Justice Push: Thirty-six countries signed up for a special tribunal to prosecute Putin for the crime of aggression, with the Hague set as the base—called a “point of no return” by Ukraine’s foreign minister. Latvia & Region: A drone-related airspace alert in Latvia’s eastern municipalities has ended, with NATO Baltic air policing jets activated and schools back to normal. Eurovision Buzz: Bulgaria’s DARA qualified for Saturday’s Grand Final with “Bangaranga,” while Switzerland failed to reach the final. Culture & Arts: Rīga Art Week returns late May, and Tartu hosts a major street-dance competition this Saturday. Sports: Rimi Rīga Marathon expects a record turnout, with 45,000+ runners from nearly 120 countries. Arts & Tech: A new survey finds 99% of professional visual artists strongly dislike generative AI, fearing lost income and job security.

Ukraine War: Russia hit Kyiv with hundreds of drones and missiles, killing at least 24 people (including children) and damaging homes and civilian sites, while Ukraine struck back with a large long-range drone attack that reportedly hit Russia’s Ryazan oil refinery. Latvia Security: Latvia’s eastern airspace alert has ended after suspected drone activity, with NATO Baltic patrol jets activated and local institutions returning to normal. Latvian Politics: Prime Minister Evika Siliņa says she will resign after coalition tensions over the defence minister’s handling of a drone incident—talks on an interim path are expected. Eurovision: Bulgaria’s DARA qualified for Saturday’s Grand Final with “Bangaranga,” while Latvia and several others were eliminated in the second semi-final. Culture & Community: Rīga Art Week returns at the end of May, and Tartu hosts a major street-dance competition this Saturday at Kammivabrik. Sports: Rimi Rīga Marathon is set for a record turnout, with 45,000+ runners from nearly 120 countries. AI & Arts: A new survey finds professional visual artists overwhelmingly dislike generative AI and fear it’s replacing their work.

Latvia’s Political Shake-Up: Prime Minister Evika Siliņa has resigned after coalition partners refused to back her dismissal of Defence Minister Andris Sprūds over a drone incursion, leaving her without a parliamentary majority and pushing talks toward an interim government ahead of October elections. Ukraine War Update: Russia hit Kyiv for hours with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, killing at least 16 people, including two children, as Kyiv’s leaders say Moscow is escalating rather than seeking an end. Anti-Corruption Push: In Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, prosecutors opened 120+ budget-related criminal cases this year, including alleged misuse tied to repairs and insulation, plus an international operation with Latvia and Lithuania targeting fraudulent call centers. Eurovision Buzz: Eurovision’s grand final is set in Vienna with 25 finalists, but the contest remains politically charged after Israel-related boycotts. Local Governance & Youth: Latvia will let 18-year-olds without secondary education serve on municipal election commissions, with changes expected to take effect in 2027. Business & Culture: Graanul Invest appoints energy veteran Lars Christian Bacher as CEO, while Baltic Awards 2026 names its laureates.