Latvia Bans Import of Agricultural Products from Russia and Belarus
The Latvian Parliament has approved amendments to the "Rural Development and Agriculture Law," which prohibit the import of agricultural and feed products from Russia and Belarus. This ban applies even to agricultural products of Russian and Belarusian origin imported into Latvia from other countries, as reported by Delfi.
The prohibition will remain in force until July 1, 2025, with the possibility of further extension if necessary. It will apply to the release of products into circulation in the Latvian market. However, transit of agricultural products from Russia and Belarus to other EU countries is not subject to the ban.
The restriction aims to prevent additional funds from reaching the state budgets of Russia and Belarus and the enterprises of these countries from exporting products to Latvia, which could further escalate the conflict in Ukraine.
"Latvia is committed to preserving peace and international security. Latvia will support Ukraine until it achieves victory over Russia," the bill's annotation states.
Agricultural and feed products, as defined in this document, include agricultural, livestock, and fisheries products, as well as primary processing products directly related to these products.
The amendments to the law stipulate that the Cabinet of Ministers must issue rules specifying which agricultural and feed products will be prohibited from import into the country.
Latvia, as a country sharing a border with Russia, seeks to sever economic ties with the aggressor country as quickly as possible to ensure its own security. This policy also aligns with the broader European Union sanctions policy.
It is worth noting that back in October 2023, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs supported Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze's proposal to discuss the restriction of Russian grain imports at the EU level.
The Gaze publication also reported that Ukraine will establish a new export route via the Danube amidst border tensions with Poland. The new transportation route for Ukrainian products will run through the Danube from the port of Izmail in the Odessa region to the Romanian city of Constanța and ports in Germany, located along one of Europe's main waterways.