Latvia Bans Russian Language in ATMs

On Thursday, the Latvian Saeima adopted amendments to the Law on Credit Institutions, which provide for a ban on the use of the Russian language in ATMs of Latvian commercial banks.

This was reported by Delfi.

In the future, ATMs must be configured in Latvian. They can also be configured in the official languages of EU member states and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development or candidate countries.

These amendments are said to ensure that cash is available to residents throughout Latvia.

Earlier, the Latvian Saeima passed a law banning the teaching of Russian in all schools, including as a second language. Also, government websites are now available only in Latvian. Since June 2023, all TV channels of Russian origin have been banned.

In addition, shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Latvian government closed its borders to Russian citizens, including young people fleeing the Russian Federation from mobilisation. The only exceptions are Russian dissidents and independent journalists.