Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir attended an informal meeting of the Council of the Baltic Sea States foreign ministers in Warsaw, Poland.

Forest clearing has commenced at the future site of the Rail Baltic Pärnu passenger terminal, with construction slated to begin next year.

Hesburger, the largest fast-food chain in the Baltics and Finland, reported a more than 13% increase in sales revenue in Lithuania last year, reaching nearly 65.5 million euros.

French President Emmanuel Macron ordered today that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" be moved from the Baltic to the Mediterranean Sea because

Baltic Film Festival concludes in Boston, draws growing US audience  LRT

Drone manufacturing is rapidly developing in Europe and the Baltic states, with increasing adoption in civil sectors such as forest monitoring, logistics, construction control, and goods delivery, making them a daily tool for some businesses in Latvia.

Latvian researchers are conducting long-term studies in Greenland to understand how climate change affects glaciers, noting that processes there can influence the Baltic Sea coast despite the distance.

Vilnius "Hockey Punks – Mototoja" defeated Riga HK "MOGO/RSU" (Latvia) 3:0 (1:0, 0:0, 2:0) away on Saturday, achieving their loudest victory of the season in the Baltic Ice Hockey Championship.

Baltic Americans and supporters of the Baltic region are preparing to gather in Washington D.C. for Baltic Advocacy Days, where they will meet with staff from US Congressional offices to advocate for Baltic interests.

An Estonian passenger flying with airBaltic from Tallinn to Rome discovered her checked luggage was sent to a different country. airBaltic subsequently offered her 40 euros in compensation for the delayed bag.

Antanas Kandrotas-Celofanas, a Lithuanian politician previously convicted for financial crimes, spread dangerous misinformation on Facebook about Baltic states allegedly closing their embassies in Russia.

Latvia's State Environmental Service reminds the public that fishing from boats and other floating vehicles is prohibited in all Latvian waters from March 1 to April 30 due to fish spawning, with the exception of the Baltic Sea.

Baltic travel organizer Novaturo announced a 39% reduction in its unaudited net loss, bringing it down to 1.17 million euros.

In an interview, former Canadian Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff expresses concern about Russia's submarine cable activities in the Baltic Sea posing a threat to Spain's unprotected coast and states there is no justification for a US war against Iran.

A round-up of the main headlines in Sweden on February 26th, including Baltic Sea monitoring, youths detained after an Eskilstuna murder, prescription medication, and Karolinska Hospital's ranking.

Uldis Bluķis, a scientist and co-founder of 'Baltic Appeal to the United Nations,' has passed away at the age of 93 in New York state.

Re:Baltica is conducting an examination into Rheinmetall's deals concerning its expansion in the Baltic region.

Germany announced the reception of an Israeli-made Blue Whale underwater drone, intended for reconnaissance and detecting hybrid threats, following tests in the Baltic Sea.

The Prime Ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland have signed a declaration to strengthen cooperation in protecting external borders and combating hybrid threats.

The thick sea ice this winter has put Saaremaa shipbuilder Baltic Workboats (BWB) in a tough spot, delaying deliveries and potentially pushing one completion deadline back.

Frankenburg Technologies, a Baltic defense company specializing in short-range air defense systems, has successfully raised a 30 million euro Series A investment.

The Nordic and Baltic countries have issued a joint statement expressing their support for Ukraine.

Organizers of LOGIN, the largest technology and innovation festival in the Baltic States, have announced some of the speakers for this year's jubilee conference, including a director involved in world-renowned works.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Reform) is visiting Kyiv on Tuesday alongside Baltic and Nordic leaders to commemorate the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Unique ice formations, described as 'ice castles,' have appeared on the Baltic coast, a rare natural phenomenon not seen in a decade, captivating observers before changing weather causes them to disappear.

An article highlights Kaunas as a creative capital, detailing its historical architecture and modern energy, presenting it as a city worth exploring.

Latvian fact-checking project 'Re:Check' is investigating whether MP Edgars Tavars' claims about other Baltic states being more successful in eradicating phone scammers and reducing their gains are accurate.

Two individuals who became stranded on an ice floe in the Baltic Sea off Latvia were rescued by a ship crane after currents carried them several kilometers from the coast.

Nils Treijs' passion for skiing led to the creation of the only ski museum in the Baltics in his grandfather's hometown of Tirza, which also hosts the decade-old Mierlaiku skiing tradition.

Last week, Russian icebreakers appeared in the Baltic Sea near Estonia. Among them were one of the world's largest nuclear-powered icebreakers "Sibir."

The Turkish amphibious assault ship Anadolu, currently participating in NATO military exercises in the Baltic Sea, will be deployed to the Alliance's eastern flank for deterrence purposes.

The plant is being built on Poland's northern Baltic Sea coast.

Kremlin Mocks European 'Illusions' For Wanting Own Nuclear Umbrella Currently France and Britain are in talks to potentially extend their nuclear arsenals to protect Europe as a defense 'umbrella' - at a moment some officials have questioned the United States commitment to leading NATO. Politico wrote in the aftermath of the Munich Security Conference, "Multiple European countries are publicly backing talks on a homegrown nuclear deterrent to complement American atomic weapons following an erosion of trust in a Donald Trump-led US." Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin has issued the Kremlin's reaction to these latest developments, asserting that the British ‘nuclear umbrella’ will fail to provide extra security to other NATO members. Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin, via Al Jazeera screenshot. The diplomat's words were captured in an interview with Russian newspaper Izvestia on Tuesday. Kelin described that it is "obvious that the British 'nuclear umbrella' will not be able to provide any additional material security guarantees" to Europe. Moscow meanwhile continues to closely monitor the moves by "states pursuing an overtly anti-Russian policy" - he emphasized. "The possibility of the expansion of nuclear safeguards will be taken into account in our military planning as well as in further discussions of the strategic stability issues," the ambassador added. Kelin then took a swipe at Britain's hawkish stance in the context of the Ukraine war: "The strengthening of such potential apparently instills in London an illusory hope of leadership in ensuring European security," he said. Moscow's growing concerns over British policy is in part related to plans to purchase a dozen F-35 fighter jets from the US, capable of carrying missiles tipped with nuclear warheads. Additionally, when the tiny but outspoken Baltic states - directly on Russia's doorstep - try to tout NATO 'nuclear deterrent' talking points, it seems natural that Moscow would be extremely concerned:  Estonia isn’t ruling out joining early-stage talks on a common nuclear deterrent in Europe, Deputy Defense Minister Tuuli Duneton said in an interview. "We are always open to discuss" with partners, she said, while emphasizing the U.S. was still "committed to providing nuclear deterrence for allied nations." Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Siliņa echoed that. "Nuclear deterrence can give us new opportunities. Why not?" she said, while cautioning that any steps would have to be in compliance with "our international commitments." NATO top leadership has still signaled no change in direction on the conventional US nuclear umbrella, however. The United States nuclear umbrella, which has protected allies and cut down on the spread of nuclear weapons, is the "ultimate guarantor of freedom" in Europe, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte says. "The ultimate guarantor is the nuclear umbrella from the United States," Rutte… pic.twitter.com/8GCU5oc4O6 February 17, 2026 In the backdrop is the fact that that the landmark New START nuclear treaty between Washington and Moscow has ceased to exist as of this month. Russia is offering that it won't expand its arsenal so long as the US does the same. But this is still dangerous, uncharted territory. Tyler Durden Wed, 02/18/2026 - 04:15

A Venezuelan-Like Oil Blockade Against Iran Could Enable The US To Divide-And-Rule RIC Authored by Andrew Korybko, The cascading consequences of such a blockade, which might not ultimately be imposed due it entailing a high risk of war with Iran, could simultaneously weaken Russia, India, and China. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump 2.0 is considering imposing a Venezuelan-like oil blockade against Iran. It hasn’t yet done so due to concerns that Iran might attack the US’ regional military assets and/or seize its Gulf allies’ oil tankers, with either scenario destabilizing the global oil market and spiking the risk of war, so it might never ultimately happen. If the US were to successfully impose such a blockade, however, then it might be able to adroitly divide-and-rule Russia, India, and China (RIC). “The US Wants To Replicate The Venezuelan Model In Iran” by coercing Iran into subordinating itself and its energy industry to the US. The “Trump Doctrine”, which is shaped by Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby’s “Strategy of Denial”, seeks to deny strategic resources to the US’ rivals. Accordingly, it has an interest in cutting off China’s average import of 1.38 million barrels of Iranian oil per day last year, which could hit its economy hard if they’re not replaced (and that might be difficult). These exports could then be redirected to India, thus enabling India to more than replace its average import of 1 million barrels per day of Russian oil last month, with the revenue placed in an escrow account per the Venezuelan precedent for release to Iran if it cuts a nuclear and missile deal with the US. Through these means, India could zero out its import of Russian oil while raising the US’ role over its energy security exactly as Trump 2.0 wants, with the end result dealing incredible harm to RIC. Russia’s budgetary revenue from such sales would be reduced and could only realistically be replaced in part through more sales to China, though that might not be as easy as it sounds. The UK is preparing a campaign to seize Russia’s “shadow fleet” in the English Channel after being emboldened by the US’ seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker near its coast. If Russia doesn’t impose unacceptable costs on the UK, and it didn’t impose any on the US for doing this, then its Baltic Sea tankers might never reach China. Those from the Black Sea might not reach it either if the UK allies with Greece and Cyprus to cut off Russia’s “shadow fleet” from that vector too. Pipeline exports, which have limits to how much they can be scaled, would then be the only means for replacing part of Russia’s lost oil exports to India with China apart from relatively minimal tanker exports from the Far East. The resultant economic pressure on Russia and China might make them susceptible to lopsided deals with the US on Ukraine and trade. As for India, it already entered into a partially lopsided deal with the US as regards the informal quid pro quo of it agreeing to zero out its import of Russian oil in exchange for their trade deal, and the US’ growing influence over India’s energy security could curtail its hard-earned strategic autonomy. This might then be leveraged for coercing a reduction in India’s purchase of Chinese goods and services so as to place more pressure on the People’s Republic to agree to its own lopsided trade deal with the US. This worst-case scenario of the US’ dividing-and-ruling RIC can be averted by Iran deterring or breaking a US blockade on its oil in parallel with Russia doing the same with respect to any British one against its “shadow fleet”. These options require immense political will since they entail the potential cost of a hot war breaking out between Great Powers so it’s unclear whether they’ll be implemented, but likewise, so too might the US and UK ultimately back off from their possible blockades for the same reason. Tyler Durden Mon, 02/16/2026 - 20:05

Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė expressed hope that the Seimas would approve proposed amendments to the Criminal Code to criminalize diversionary acts, noting their relevance to incidents like the damage to Baltic Sea infrastructure.

Nominations open for Baltic Assembly prizes and Balts Award / Article  LSM.lv

Latvia's Prime Minister Evika Siliņa discusses the funding challenges for the Rail Baltica project, noting that Estonia is financing more from its state budget while Latvia faces a potentially larger deficit.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who once declared NATO brain-dead, is now demonstrating France's commitment as a key pillar of the Alliance through the presence of French naval power in the Baltic Sea.

Russia's Baltic Fleet conducted exercises in the Baltic Sea during which two missiles were fired at an aerial target from the Pantsir-M air defense system aboard the corvette Burya, the fleet's press service said Tuesday.

An historian discusses the suppression of entrepreneurship in the Soviet Union, particularly in the Baltic states, where initial leniency was followed by widespread nationalization and criminalization of private enterprise.

Ice coverage in the Baltic Sea is quickly receding as the temperature warms up, says Rivo Uiboupin, professor at the Institute of Marine Systems at TalTech

Prasidėjus Izraelio ir JAV karinei kampanijai prieš Iraną, „airBaltic“ atšaukia visus skrydžius į Tel Avivą ir iš jo iki kovo 4 d. imtinai, šeštadienį pranešė Latvijos nacionalinė aviakompanija.

Finnish and Swedish Social Democrats propose rotating troops in Gotland to strengthen Baltic Sea defense, with Finland's Antti Lindtman welcoming the idea of permanent Swedish troops in Lapland.

The retail chain "Senukai" is undertaking one of the largest technological upgrades in Baltic retail, implementing smart pricing and inventory management solutions across its stores.

An analysis of SEB bank's consumer credit data reveals that young people in the Baltic countries prioritize borrowing for independence, with Lithuanian youth frequently taking out loans for travel.

A suspected Russian-linked drone incident near a French aircraft carrier in Swedish waters has underlined rising tensions and evolving security threats Europe's Baltic region.

Auga Group, one of the largest agricultural investment companies in the Baltics, has sold 100% of its mushroom business, Baltic Champs, to the Latvian-capital company Global Champs for 8.64 million euros.

Prime Ministers from Baltic and other Eastern European countries are meeting in Brussels with the European Commission to discuss additional economic support for nations bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

Baltic Sea countries are set to strengthen the monitoring of underwater cables and vessels to improve security and protection.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has raised its economic growth projections for all three Baltic states for the current year.

Germany has awarded a multi-billion euro contract to two young companies to build thousands of disposable drones for the protection of the Baltics, with a third candidate also seeking to join the project.

Experts suggest that Vladimir Putin, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, may still attempt to attack the Baltic states, showing disregard for Russian lives.

Funding for the Rail Baltica project in Latvia currently covers the construction of just over 50 kilometers of embankment, highlighting potential financial constraints for the larger infrastructure project.

The Minister of Infrastructure stated that Estonia and Latvia have an agreement for the Rail Baltica line to be completed by the end of the decade, despite previous concerns about potential delays.

The Gulf of Finland faces a heightened risk of oil spills this winter, as ice cover would complicate cleanup efforts and the presence of a 'shadow fleet' poses additional problems, threatening the sensitive Baltic Sea ecosystem.

Akmenės cementas plans investments worth over 700 million euros, with the majority allocated to sustainability. It was mentioned that preparations are underway to create the first-of-its-kind decarbonization infrastructure in the Baltics.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — View scores from around the area on Monday night: SD BOYS BASKETBALLBaltic 50 Tri-Valley 39Beresford 63 Wagner 48Centerville 62 Mitchell Christian 27Cheyenne-Eagle Butte 95 Lakota Tech 32Dell Rapids 74 Garretson 61Faulkton Area 67 Herreid/Selby Area 51Flandreau 52 Deubrook Area 51Hamlin 77 Redfield 34Ipswich 58 Langford Area 49Kimball/White Lake 50 Colome […]

A consortium of Torpol and Mirbud has filed an appeal against a court ruling that excluded them from a 5 billion PLN tender for the reconstruction of the Rail Baltica railway line. They argue that a 15,000 PLN penalty should not determine the outcome of such a significant tender, citing the principle of proportionality.

A Latvian ship successfully rescued two individuals who were found drifting on an ice floe in the Baltic Sea.

A comparison of prices for goods and services across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia reveals differences despite their proximity, aiming to determine which of the three countries is the most expensive.

Türkiye's Baykar-developed Bayraktar TB3 drone showcased strong performance and NATO interoperability during a major Baltic drill, conducting a joint exercise with Eurofighter jets.

An essay discusses Finland's historical desire to be part of the progressive West and its current trajectory towards a future where that Western identity may be uncertain.

Last week, Russian icebreakers appeared in the Baltic Sea near Estonia. Among them were one of the world's largest nuclear-powered icebreakers "Sibir."

Danish Navy Intercepts, Detains Iran-Flagged Cargo Ship Denmark detained a container vessel previously blacklisted by Washington under last year's sweeping Iran sanctions on Thursday, amid suspicions it was operating under a false flag. The Nora was seized after authorities determined it was allegedly sailing under the flag of Comoros without authorization. The ship is now anchored in Danish waters pending further investigation, according to reports. It actually appears to be a box ship transporting containers at the time it was intercepted. It raised the Iranian flag under deeply suspicious circumstances, as a patrol boat eyed the vessel, Danish officials say. AFP via Getty Images The Danish Maritime Authority believes it to be part of Iran's so-called shadow fleet of tankers. "The Danish Maritime Authority reports that the vessel has been detained due to incorrect registration," the agency said. Several months ago the vessel went through a name change, which Washington officials believe was in order to keep shipping sanctioned Iranian and Russian exports, and to evade European suspicions while traversing regional waters. The vessel is said to currently anchored east of Albaek in the northernmost part of Jutland. It's possible the vessel will eventually be released, as the Danish government explained the ship will be detained until Iran confirms to the agency that the container ship is legitimately registered and certified. According to more details via a maritime monitoring publication: Denmark’s TV 2 reports the vessel had gone dark while it was in St. Petersburg, Russia, in mid-January and then sailed west into the Baltic and reached Skagen, where it stopped on January 22. The following day, it anchored less than 20 miles east of Aalbaek, Denmark, where it has remained for the past 28 days. A Danish patrol ship was spotted near the vessel along with a Danish Armed Forces sea drone. The Danish Maritime Authority reports it questioned the vessel’s registry in Comoros and was informed by the authorities that the ship was “not correctly registered.” Apparently, when they questioned the vessel further, it suddenly raised an Iranian flag, prompting the detention. Danish outlet TV 2 further reports that the Cerus/Nora had transited Danish waters at least 10 times over the past year during repeated voyages to Saint Petersburg - and each time the vessel allegedly went dark, ceasing transmission of its position data as it neared Russian waters. BREAKING: Danish authorities have detained the 226-meter container ship Nora, now flying the Iranian flag, east of Aalbæk, after it was found not properly registered with its claimed flag state. Previously sailing under the Comorian flag, the vessel suddenly changed its… pic.twitter.com/vjh2qaOJOm February 19, 2026 The Trump administration is meanwhile contemplating whether to escalate its military pressure on Iran by beginning to directly seize Iranian oil exports. This would be seen by Tehran as an immediate act of war. Tyler Durden Fri, 02/20/2026 - 02:45

Finland is moving to outlaw the unauthorized possession and import of radio signal jammers following a sharp increase in GPS interference incidents, particularly around airports and in the Baltic Sea.

The Baltic Sea is experiencing its iciest conditions in years, posing a threat to Russia's commodity exports.

In a unique Valentine's Day celebration, Poles braved the icy waters of the Baltic Sea for a traditional cold plunge.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday ordered a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean to help protect allied assets as war in the Middle East showed no signs…

The largest Baltic construction, repair, and household goods chain, Senukai, has launched a long-term pricing strategy called 'Always Good Prices,' aiming for systemic change rather than a short-term promotion.

Finnish Minister Valtonen is participating in a meeting of the Council of the Baltic Sea States.

Aventus Group is expanding its international fintech platform, leveraging the Baltic states' developed digital infrastructure and flexible regulatory environment to grow beyond their domestic markets into regions like Moldova.

NATO fighter jets conducting air policing in the Baltic states scrambled three times last week to identify and escort Russian aircraft that violated flight rules.

The Baltic states are arming, training, and preparing for potential war, with one country describing itself as 'like hedgehogs,' as Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine reignites old fears in the region.

Lithuanian Minister of Transport Juras Taminskas stated that the possibility of evaluating non-pecuniary damages for approximately 2,500 land plots to be acquired for the 'Rail Baltica' project in the coming years is not ruled out.

Sweden confirmed that a drone neutralized near a French aircraft carrier in the Baltic Sea this week was Russian, leading to increased tension in the region.

Estonian Minister: We have an agreement with Latvia that Rail Baltica will be built by 2030 / Article  LSM.lv

The Baltic Sea is facing numerous problems exacerbated by climate change, with experts predicting an increase in its 'dead zone' as the climate crisis deepens.

Māris Dzelme, the temporary chairman of the board for SIA "Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas" (EDzL), the implementer of the Rail Baltica project in Latvia, has resigned from his position.

‘The expectation is high that a possible escalation will occur in the maritime domain,’ warns Vice Admiral Kaack

Lithuanian company TD Baltic has undergone a significant digital transformation over two decades, moving from manual processes like printed emails to adopting advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.

An opinion piece argues that Finland has always been part of the West and suggests initiating more active cooperation with the Baltic countries.

A photographer documented the rare and beautiful icy scenes along the Baltic Sea coast this winter, capturing its majesty for those who couldn't witness it firsthand.

Ukrainian defence company Roboneers has signed a trilateral memorandum of cooperation with Latvian underwater technology manufacturer SUBmerge Baltic and Latvian international partnership development company Baltic Forces.

While Latvia and Lithuania roll out the red carpet for German defense giant Rheinmetall, Estonia opts for an open tender, hoping for a more favorable deal.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that cooperation within the NB8 format, which includes the Nordic and Baltic states, has reached its highest level and is one of the most effective forms of collaboration for Ukraine.

The story explores the journey of Baltic nobleman Hermann Graf Keyserling, who traveled the world, appreciated Eastern cultures, and aimed to establish a 'School of Wisdom' in Innsbruck.

Estonia's Minister of Infrastructure announced an agreement with Latvia to complete the European standard gauge railway line 'Rail Baltica' by 2030, despite concerns about project delays.

Northern European and Baltic countries will provide EUR 12.5 billion in defense support to Ukraine and EUR 918 million to strengthen the country's energy resilience this year.

Latvia is facing challenges in securing 3-4 billion euros for the first phase of the Rail Baltica railway project, as anticipated EU funding is proving insufficient. The country is now looking to attract funds from multiple alternative sources.

NATO fighter jets conducting air policing in the Baltic states scrambled four times last week to identify and escort Russian aircraft that violated flight rules.

The Baltic States are planning to establish their own 'Military Schengen' to facilitate military movement and cooperation, with intentions to link it to an existing network in Western Europe.

Baltic countries express fears about NATO's fragility in the Trump era, questioning US security guarantees. A recurring theme at the Munich Security Conference was Europe's determination to unite against Russian threats and uncertain US commitments, highlighting an ideological rift hindering continental re-armament. Romania's Radu Miruță also emphasized that modern warfare involves toxic disinformation, not just ballistic missiles.

Two individuals were rescued from a floating ice floe in the Baltic Sea near Latvia after becoming stranded during an evening walk.

The crew of the icebreaker 'Varma' successfully rescued two individuals who were stranded on a drifting ice floe in the Baltic Sea during the night of February 22nd.

The over 17-kilometer-long ice road between Saaremaa and Hiiumaa in the Baltic Sea has become a popular international tourist destination, attracting visitors from as far as Germany.

The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its escort group have begun a deployment to the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea, announced by the French Ministry of Defense amidst regional instability.

Baltic Sea nations are demonstrating how Europe can enhance its defense capabilities without relying on the US, particularly through joint patrols to protect undersea cables from Russian sabotage.

Finland is moving to outlaw the unauthorized possession and import of radio signal jammers, following a sharp increase in suspected GPS interference incidents, particularly around airports and in the Baltic Sea.

The Baltic film industry is making significant inroads in France, with increasing international curiosity towards the region's cinematic offerings.