EU Defence SAFE Loan: Latvia has signed a nearly €3.5bn defence loan under the EU’s SAFE programme, with funds aimed at drones, guided missiles, anti-drone systems and expanding Latvia’s defence industry, as Riga pushes faster procurement and stronger deterrence on the eastern flank. Central Banking & Crypto Regulation: Latvijas Banka has issued a licence to SIA AlphaRoute to provide crypto-asset services across the EU under MiCA rules, including custody, trading platforms, exchanges and transfer services. EU Politics & Russia: EU leaders are split after European Council President Antonio Costa’s Kremlin outreach, with Baltic and Nordic states among those most disturbed, while Costa argues the bloc still needs direct communication channels. Local Economy & Jobs: Latvia’s “Latvia First” (LPV) party is gaining attention in polls, pitching “Latvia first” reforms and stronger sovereignty while keeping close ties with NATO and the EU. Court Watch: Latvia’s neighbours’ wolf-hunting rules are under scrutiny after Estonia’s Supreme Court ruled a 2020 wolf quota illegal over how the Bern Convention was handled. Travel Alert: Heathrow warns travellers heading to Schengen countries about extra queues this summer due to the Entry/Exit System (EES). Sports: Latvia’s volleyball fans can watch Latvia vs Greece live, while futsal coverage highlights the 5th Nagaland Futsal Club Championship final in Riga.