Latvia halts new consultancy and research contracts until year-end

Ministries may not conclude new contracts for goods, consultancy, research and external services until the end of the year; a balanced budget by 2030 would require about €8.9bn of consolidation in 2027-2030, of which about €2.5bn in 2028

Non-essential spending such as seminars, conferences, consultancy and new office equipment is also to be postponed; contracts of €50,000 or more excluding VAT can only be approved by the government leadership or an authorised official. Independent institutions, state companies, universities and municipalities are to be asked for similar restraint; the saving from the freeze is not quantified (LSM English, 6 Oct 2026).