AGP Executive Report

Riga Tech & Security Roundup: A NATO Drone Summit in Riga (27 May) highlighted how faster tech adoption is still hard, with Ukraine’s experience pushing the alliance to scale up. Defense Innovation: Latvia also urged NATO ahead of the Türkiye summit to focus on deterrence with deployable forces, resilient supply chains, and advanced tech—especially air defense and drones. Local Tech Policy: Latvia’s eID microchip issue is postponed but not solved, affecting hundreds of thousands of cards used for electronic signatures. EU Consumer Safety: An EU-funded check of 88 remote-controlled toys found 60% failed interference rules, with Latvia among the countries collecting samples. Science & Health: Researchers showed household radio noise can disrupt bats’ navigation for hours, adding pressure for better standards around electromagnetic interference. EBRD in Riga: The bank’s annual meeting in Riga drove new regional finance moves, including deeper pan-Baltic capital market support and InvestEU guarantee expansion. Latvia-Linked Research: Scientists used yeast from Ötzi the Iceman’s frozen body to make “very good” sourdough, fueling new microbiome and food science interest.

Holocaust music rescue: A rare Yiddish songbook from Nazi-era ghettos and camps resurfaced in a Sydney cupboard after nearly six decades, highlighting how music preserved identity and trauma records. EU economic resilience roadmap: The European Commission rolled out the 2026 European Semester Spring Package, pushing reforms on competitiveness, innovation, decarbonisation, housing and skills across the EU. Latvia security priorities: Latvia urged NATO to keep collective defense and deterrence central, stressing deployable forces, resilient supply chains, advanced tech and sustained political resolve. Pan-Baltic capital markets: EBRD signed a MoU to deepen integration of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania’s equity and debt markets, aiming for a single, more liquid regional capital market. Latvia’s energy tech push: EBRD funds major biomethane work in Latvia, and a Dutch firm plans a biomethane plant there—part of the region’s shift toward greener energy. AI and surveillance debate: A new discussion on AI surveillance asks who controls the digital state as governments expand monitoring tools. Bio/food science: Scientists found cold-surviving yeast in Ötzi the Iceman and used it to make sourdough bread. Bio-physics for the Baltics: A study found household radio noise can disrupt migratory bat navigation for hours, with researchers including the University of Latvia. Pre-election AI influence watch (Latvia): Latvia’s Saeima campaign period starts, with KNAB warning about hidden political advertising and scrutiny of how tech may shape influence.

Pan-Baltic Finance Push: The EBRD signed a new MoU in Riga to deepen integration of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania’s equity and debt markets, aiming for a single, more liquid capital market and a shot at MSCI Emerging Market status. Latvia’s Green Energy Deal: EBRD approved a €26m loan for Next Biogas (Host Group) to convert a Latvian biogas plant into a major biomethane facility, with grid injection for domestic use and exports, backed by InvestEU first-loss guarantees. Regional Investment Boost: At the same Riga EBRD Annual Meeting, Ameriabank and FMO agreed a €120m loan package for Armenia’s MSMEs, with at least 25% earmarked for green projects and support for women and young entrepreneurs. EU Pay Transparency Deadline Pressure: A new ETUC tracker says many EU states are missing the 7 June 2026 pay transparency deadline, with Latvia listed among countries with no draft or timeline yet. Local Safety Update: Latvia’s Health Inspectorate banned swimming at Kolka after faecal contamination was detected, while other official beaches remain open. Security & Tech Angle: Latvia urged NATO to prioritize deterrence and deployable capabilities, citing investments in air defense, drone tech and resilient supply chains.

Latvia–Ukraine Defence Tech: Latvia and Ukraine are drafting a long-term deal to share drone know-how, air defence tech, cybersecurity skills, and defence-industry integration, with early priorities spanning counter-drone systems, sensors and early warning, and battlefield command tools. EBRD in Riga: The EBRD’s Board of Governors meeting in Riga is pushing more EU-backed guarantees and advisory support for higher-risk green, digital, and infrastructure projects, while Latvia also gets a major biomethane push: EBRD approved a €26m loan for Next Biogas to convert a plant in Lēdurga into one of the country’s largest biomethane facilities. Energy Storage Buildout: Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Sunly signed contracts for four battery energy storage sites in Latvia, totaling 490 MWh, targeting operation from Q1 2027. AI & Markets: A report flags Google/Alphabet’s massive AI spending as a potential long wait for everyday investors, with concerns that the energy grid may not be ready. Public Health: Latvia’s Health Inspectorate banned swimming at Kolka after faecal contamination was detected. Science Curiosity: Researchers used yeast found in Ötzi the Iceman’s gut to make sourdough, adding to the growing microbiome research around ancient remains. EU Pay Transparency: Cyprus is among countries missing the EU pay transparency deadline, highlighting uneven implementation across the bloc.

EBRD & EU Finance Boost: At its Riga annual meeting, the EBRD and the EU expanded InvestEU support with up to €478.4mn in new guarantees plus €11.4mn for advisory work, aiming to unlock higher-risk green, digital and infrastructure projects across the bloc. Latvia’s Green Gas Push: The EBRD approved a €26m loan to Next Biogas (Host Group) to convert a plant in Lēdurga into a major biomethane facility, with InvestEU first-loss backing and grid injection for domestic use and exports. Batteries for Grid Stability: Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Sunly signed contracts for four Latvia battery storage sites totaling 490MWh, targeting first operations in Q1 2027. Defence Tech & Drones: Latvia and Ukraine are drafting a long-term deal on drone tech, air defence, cybersecurity and defence-industry integration, including shared training and advisory support. Cybersecurity Alert: CERT.lv data highlights a high threat level and nearly 800,000 vulnerable devices, with AI making attacks faster and more automated. Public Safety: Swimming is banned at Kolka after faecal contamination was detected; other official sites remain open. Pay Transparency Deadline: The EU’s pay transparency rules must be implemented by 7 June 2026, but many countries are lagging, raising pressure on employers and workers.

Latvia-Ukraine Defence Tech: Latvia and Ukraine are drafting a long-term deal to deepen cooperation on drone technologies, air defence, cybersecurity and defence-industry integration, with priority work on counter-drone systems, sensors and early warning, and battlefield command-and-control. EBRD in Riga: The EBRD’s Board of Governors meeting in Riga is set to focus on expanding the bank’s operations and backing Ukraine and Moldova, with technology development and digitisation on the agenda. Green Energy Push: EBRD approved a €26m loan to Next Biogas to convert a Latvian biogas plant into a major biomethane facility in Lēdurga, supporting EU energy autonomy goals. Grid Storage Deal: Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Sunly signed contracts for four battery energy storage facilities in Latvia, with the first due in Q1 2027. Solar + Hybrid Milestone: Sunly opened a 54 MW solar park near Valmiera as part of a hybrid project aiming at €100m total investment, and announced a battery-storage partnership with Rolls-Royce. Public Safety: Swimming is prohibited at Kolka after faecal contamination was detected in sea water. Cybersecurity Warning: CERT.lv data shows Latvia’s cyber threat level remains high, with nearly 800,000 vulnerable devices identified, and AI making attacks faster and more automated. Aftercare Forum in Riga: Riga hosted the 2026 Aftercare Forum, highlighting how technology and data can strengthen long-term investor relationships and competitiveness.

Baltic Security Drills: “BALTOPS 26” is underway in the Baltic Sea region, training evacuation, mine clearance, amphibious and engineering tasks plus underwater robot demos, with allied ships, aircraft, submarines and low-level fighter overflights planned around Kurzeme. Cyber Resilience: Latvia’s CERT.lv says the cyber threat level stays high, with nearly 800,000 vulnerable devices identified so far, while AI is accelerating faster, more automated attacks and fraud via social engineering. Digital Health: Latvia will start cross-border exchange of laboratory test data with other EU states in April 2027, aiming to cut repeat tests and speed safer treatment across countries. Energy Tech: AdvanGrid is pushing AI-enabled electricity monitoring for smarter energy management, while Sunly opened a 54 MW solar park in Valmiera as the first phase of a hybrid solar-wind-battery project backed by EIB/EBRD financing. Defense Tech & Drones: Latvia’s new defence minister says drones entering Latvian airspace must be intercepted and destroyed, and warns one counter-drone system isn’t enough—Latvia needs a broader detection and interception network. Research & Food Science: Scientists revived ancient yeast from Ötzi the Iceman’s gut and made “very good” sourdough, adding fresh clues about how microbes can survive for millennia. Regional Tech & Business: EBRD’s annual meeting and business forum hits Riga June 5–7, with a strong focus on digitisation, infrastructure, competitiveness and resilience for the Baltic region and support for Ukraine.

Ancient Science Meets Food Tech: Researchers revived cold-adapted yeast from Ötzi the Iceman’s gut and used it to bake “very good” sourdough, after months of failed culturing—proof that microbes can survive millennia and still work in modern fermentation. Digital Health in Latvia: Latvia will start cross-border exchange of laboratory test data in April 2027 via the EU core service platform, aiming to cut repeat tests and speed diagnosis for patients treated across EU countries. Energy & Climate Tech: Sunly opened a 54 MW solar park near Matīši, part of a EUR 100 million hybrid solar-wind-battery plan, with EIB/EBRD/SEB support and a Rolls-Royce partnership to scale storage. Smart Grids: Latvian AdvanGrid is pushing AI-enabled electricity monitoring with sensors and real-time analytics to help companies track energy use and reduce waste. EV Infrastructure Push: The European Investment Bank is advising Ireland to speed up nationwide public EV charging rollout, using procurement and contract templates to make build-out faster and more equitable. Security & Drones: Latvia’s new Defence Minister says drones entering Latvian airspace must be intercepted and destroyed, stressing a wider detection-to-interception network—not just one system. Rail Baltica Workplace Scrutiny: Latvian Radio reports on bullying allegations in the Rail Baltica project’s state-owned implementation company, with the labour inspectorate involved. EU Policy Oversight: The European Commission launched infringement actions in its June package and closed 59 cases where issues were resolved. Latvia’s Tech Business Moves: Go-EOR launched an employer-of-record platform to help foreign firms hire across Poland and the Baltics without setting up local legal entities.

Counter-Drone Push: Latvia’s new Defence Minister Raivis Melnis says drones entering Latvian airspace must be intercepted and destroyed, warning that buying a single system won’t be enough—Latvia needs a wider network for surveillance, detection and interception. Cross-Border Drone Know-How: Ukraine plans to send counter-drone expert teams to Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Romania, sharing interceptor-related experience after repeated drone incidents in the region. Latvia-Finland Defence Tech: Latvia and Finland signed a deal to jointly develop a Common Protected Vehicle system and related technologies, with a three-year plan aimed at future serial production and compatible capabilities. Baltic Drone Testing: At a NATO range in central Latvia, demonstrations showed both progress and the hard reality of reliable drone interception—success depends on repeatable performance, not one-off hits. EU Resilience Roadmap: The European Commission’s 2026 Semester Spring Package ties competitiveness and skills to resilience, fiscal discipline and strategic autonomy, including a stronger push for the digital euro. Ancient Microbes to Food Tech: Scientists report yeast surviving in Ötzi the Iceman’s frozen body was used to make “very, very good” sourdough, and they’re now planning to brew beer from it. Latvia in the Spotlight: Latvia’s defence spending commitment is highlighted ahead of NATO’s Türkiye summit, with officials stressing collective defence and resilient supply.

Baltic Drone Defense: Ukraine says it will send drone-protection experts to Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Romania to share counter-drone experience and interceptor know-how, after recent airspace chaos. Counter-Drone Reality Check: At a NATO-linked test range in Latvia, European startups showed both progress and the hard truth that interceptors must be perfect while drones only need to get through once. Latvia-Finland Military Tech: Latvia’s defence procurement body and Finland’s logistics command signed a deal to develop a common protected military vehicle system (CPV) over three years, aiming for compatible, serial-ready platforms. NATO Summit Push: Latvia’s foreign minister says the country is the first NATO member to legally commit to 5% of GDP defence spending from 2027, urging deployable forces and stronger deterrence ahead of Türkiye. Digital Resilience: A TalTech thesis warns Estonia’s e-state banking could be paralyzed if undersea cables fail, arguing for more independent local payment options. Space/Science (Food Tech): Scientists report “very, very good” sourdough made from yeast revived from Ötzi the Iceman, with beer brewing next. Local Tech & Business: Fi expands AI GPS pet wearables to 38 countries, adding Latvia among new markets. Aviation Disruption: Airlines are slowly resuming some Middle East routes, but rerouting and schedule disruption continue. Property Signals: A rental-yield ranking puts Riga among the higher-yield European capitals, highlighting demand in lower-entry markets.

Sustainable Fashion Startup Tools: Printful rolled out a new beginner roadmap for launching sustainable clothing brands, focusing on lower-impact production and transparent, responsible sourcing. Latvia’s Research Push: Two state science institutes merged into the National Research and Innovation Institute, aiming to speed up work on new drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines. Baltic Innovation Funding Gap: A Riga forum (“Beyond Borders”) said the Baltics have strong innovation foundations, but still struggle with policy coordination, growth capital, and business–research links. Climate-Heavy Industry Upgrade: Latvia’s Brocēni cement project won EU strategic approval for a €500M+ climate-neutral plan using carbon capture, targeting completion by 2032. Drone Tech & Training: Latvia and Ukraine agreed to deepen drone technology cooperation, including counter-drone expertise and a planned bilateral drone agreement. EU Drone Response Debate: EU states are still split on how to coordinate against drone threats, with officials calling for better detection, resilience, and operational cooperation. Defense Tech Policy Watch: A UK official said autonomous weapons rules may need “human out of the loop” flexibility in extreme cases, reigniting AI-in-war debate. Science Discovery: Scientists found cold-surviving yeast in Ötzi the Iceman’s body and used it to make sourdough bread.

Drone & Defense Tech: Latvia and Ukraine plan to deepen cooperation in drone technology and energy security, including a bilateral agreement on drone tech and Ukrainian specialists to strengthen Latvia’s anti-drone defenses. Counter-Drone Policy: The EU is drafting a more coordinated response to drone threats, but member states still act in silos—Baltic incursions in May keep pushing the issue. Autonomy Debate: A UK defense official says the country may need the ability to remove humans from the loop in targeting “when required,” reigniting the AI weapons responsibility question. Local Tech Ecosystem: SPH Engineering launched a global marketplace connecting drone survey buyers with specialized local UAV service providers, aiming to cut project delays. Research & Biotech: Latvia is merging two state research institutes into a new National Research and Innovation Institute to speed up work on drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines. Security Readiness (Latvia/Region): Latvia boosts anti-drone teams along the Russia-Belarus border as drone warfare and GPS jamming risks intensify. STEM Workforce & Skills: Drone Force — Europe says sports-drone pilots must retrain for combat-style flying, especially slower “hunter” tactics.

Latvia–Ukraine Tech Push: Latvia and Ukraine plan a bilateral deal on drone technologies, with Ukraine offering counter-drone expertise and Latvia donating a thermal power unit to support energy resilience. Drone Training Reality Check: Latvia-based Drone Force — Europe says sports-drone pilots must “train again from zero” for combat-style flying, where slow, patient “hunter” tactics matter. EU Drone Response: An EU internal document says member states agree drones need better detection, resilience, cybersecurity, and operational cooperation, but coordination still lags. NATO Innovation Call: NATO DIANA opened applications for a 2027 accelerator (100,000 euros) across air defenses, unmanned autonomy, sensors, logistics, and survivability, with Latvia’s Deep Space Energy already backed. Research Merge in Latvia: Two state institutes—organic synthesis and biomedical research—have been merged into a new National Research and Innovation Institute to speed drug, diagnostics, and vaccine work. SAF Industrial Step: NorSAF selected KBR’s PureSAF tech for Northern Europe’s planned large SAF/e-SAF plant in the Baltics, targeting 2030 output. Local Governance: Latvia’s new coalition will hold cabinet meetings twice weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays) and move coalition council talks to the Saeima. Public Safety Drill: Latvia will run a nationwide emergency siren test with cell broadcast alerts on June 2.

Latvia–Ukraine Tech & Energy: Latvia and Ukraine agreed to deepen cooperation on drone production and technology transfer, with Ukraine offering counter-drone specialists and Latvia donating a thermal power unit to support Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Baltic Drone Pressure: Estonia is deploying stationary and mobile anti-drone radar along its eastern border, while Baltic experts debate whether rising Ukrainian drone incursions are being rerouted by electronic warfare or are autonomous navigation issues. NATO Counter-Drone Push: A UK debate is heating up over whether “appropriate human involvement” in targeting should be relaxed for autonomous weapons in exceptional cases, as drone warfare forces faster adaptation. Latvia’s Economy & Jobs: Latvia’s average salary data show net earnings rising year-on-year, alongside a higher minimum wage from 1 January 2026. Climate Resilience: Riga ranks among Europe’s most climate-resilient capitals in a satellite-and-AI based study, highlighting green infrastructure and flood readiness. AI in Europe: Mistral’s Paris summit signals momentum for a homegrown European AI ecosystem, with Latvian industry leaders among attendees. Startup Policy: The EU’s first Startup and Scaleup Scoreboard links pro-founder regulations to measurable ecosystem gains, with Latvia flagged among countries with room to improve.

Counter-Drone Tech in the Baltics: Estonia has deployed its first stationary anti-drone detection and monitoring gear along the Russia border, pairing fixed sensors with trailer-mounted mobile radar to cover low-altitude drone threats. Baltic Airspace Disruption: Experts say rising Ukrainian drone incursions into Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are sparking debate over whether electronic warfare is rerouting drones or whether autonomous navigation is to blame. GPS Jamming & Spoofing: Lithuania warns Russia can spoof GPS across Europe, with past incidents including drones forcing Vilnius into shelters and disrupting airport operations. NATO’s Faster Tech Push: NATO is rolling out a new quality assurance approach for counter-drone and other defence systems to speed procurement, plus exercises near the Finnish-Russian border that include unmanned “autonomous zone” concepts. Latvia-Linked Drone Supply: The UK-led Drone Coalition, co-led by Latvia, delivered 215,000+ drones to Ukraine, including FPV, interceptor, and reconnaissance UAVs. AI & Industry in Latvia: Scandiweb launched OperaLayer-based supply-chain control apps in Riga to help retailers respond faster to disruption, while Latvia’s Tet is running a kids’ cybersecurity “super password” workshop. EU Innovation Policy: The European Commission’s first Startup and Scaleup Scoreboard links pro-startup rules to measurable ecosystem gains, with Latvia highlighted among countries with room to improve.

Counter-Drone Intel & Air-Defense Pressure: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told “Face the Nation” that Russia is preparing a major new wave of attacks using drones, cruise missiles and ballistic weapons, urging civilians to use shelters. Baltic Drone Reality Check: Lithuania warned that Russia’s war economy may target the Baltic states next, as drone and GPS interference risks keep escalating across the region. Latvia-Linked UAV Supply: The UK-and-Latvia-led Drone Coalition says it has delivered 215,000+ drones to Ukraine, including 45,000 FPV units and 150,000 interceptor drones. NATO Speed-Up for Drone War: NATO is rolling out a new quality assurance “badge” to speed procurement of counter-drone tech, and is running exercises near Finland’s border to test unmanned concepts. Local Tech & AI in Latvia: Scandiweb launched OperaLayer-based supply-chain control apps, while Latvia’s Tet is running a kids’ cybersecurity “super password” workshop. Climate Resilience (Latvia in the mix): Stockholm topped a COOLCITY Index ranking; Riga placed among the leading climate-resilient capitals. Startup Policy Signal: The EU’s first Startup and Scaleup Scoreboard links pro-founder rules to measurable ecosystem performance, with Estonia leading and Latvia highlighted among rising countries. SAF Industrial Push: NorSAF and KBR-backed plans for Europe’s first drop-in SAF production facility in Latvia move forward.