airBaltic Financing Talks: Latvia’s government says it’s in talks with a “strategic investor” for struggling state-controlled airBaltic as the carrier seeks short-term bondholder funding on Aug 3, while the transport minister says the airline’s plan is no longer focused on global growth. Latvia Security at Energy Sites: Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs says Latvia has stepped up protection at the Inčukalns gas storage and key hydro and energy facilities amid fears of Russian sabotage and hybrid attacks, and has asked NATO for more air defence and troops plus faster anti-drone integration. EU Carbon Rules Shift: The European Commission proposes easing the pace of emissions cuts in the EU ETS to give industry “breathing space,” including a slower allowance reduction path and limited use of international credits. Swedbank Penalty: Swedbank agreed to pay a $50m fine to New York regulators over Panama Papers-linked anti-money laundering and disclosure failures. Latvian Subsidy Fraud Case: Latvia’s EPPO indicted a farmer over suspected €122,725 EU funding fraud tied to robotic milking equipment that allegedly wasn’t installed or operational, including a fabricated video. Agriculture Labour & Fraud Watch: Latvia’s employment data points to ongoing demand for agricultural workers and rising foreign staffing, while another case flags a robotic milking subsidy fraud probe. Tesla Arrives in Latvia: Tesla will open in Latvia on Aug 21 with a Riga pop-up store, completing its Baltic rollout. Cormorant Culling Debate: Latvia is among EU states pushing for looser culling rules for overabundant great cormorants amid fishery losses. Digital Euro Pilot: The ECB selected 36 payment service providers for the digital euro pilot starting next year, with major fintech names among participants.