On February 24th, the Latvian government supported a proposal from the Ministry of Culture to extend the construction and operational deadline for the National Theatre extension located on Simtgades Avenue in Riga until October 9, 2036. Originally, the construction was scheduled to be completed by the autumn of 2028. The ministry explained that the geopolitical situation and shifts in state funding priorities, particularly the need for increased funding for civil defense infrastructure, have impacted the project's timeline. As a result, the city council of Riga has requested an additional eight-year extension for the project.

The total estimated cost of the theatre extension exceeds 39 million euros, excluding value-added tax. According to project outlines, construction work is required to commence by March 2029; otherwise, there is a risk that the funds allocated by the municipality for the design phase may be rendered impractical. The postponement illustrates the challenges facing cultural projects in Latvia, where external factors such as geopolitical tensions are increasingly influencing local government decisions and funding allocations.

This development also highlights the broader implications for cultural infrastructure in Latvia as resources become redirected towards urgent civil protection needs. Stakeholders in the arts community are likely to respond with concern over the delay, as such infrastructure investments are critical for the development of Latvia's cultural landscape. The government's choice to prioritize civil infrastructure amid a shifting geopolitical context reflects the complexities of managing public resources in uncertain times.