The Saeima has extended the ban on the import of agricultural and feed products from Russia and Belarus intended for consumption in Latvia for an additional year. The decision was made on Thursday, 3 April, with the final reading and urgent adoption of the amendments to the Law on Agriculture and Rural Development. The ban is now scheduled to remain in force until 1 July of next year.
“Reducing reliance on Russian and Belarusian agricultural and feed production is a component of Latvia’s economic security policy. At the same time, this national import ban serves as a significant additional measure within the European Union’s broader sanctions policy targeting aggressor countries,” said Kaspars Briškens, Chair of the Economic, Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Policy Committee, which is responsible for the draft law’s progress in the Saeima. He also noted that the ban may be extended further if necessary.
In response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which began on 24 February 2022, and the illegal annexation of several Ukrainian regions, the European Union has implemented multiple rounds of extensive sanctions against Russia and its ally Belarus. As the situation remains unchanged and Russian aggression continues, further proposals for sanctions and additional restrictive measures are under consideration, according to the explanatory note to the amendments.
The national ban on imports of agricultural and feed products from Russia and Belarus into Latvia came into effect on 8 March 2024. It also prohibits the import of such products from third countries if their origin is traced to Russia or Belarus.
Since 1 July of last year, the European Union’s increased customs tariffs on imports of cereals, oilseeds, and related products have been in effect. As a result, imports of agricultural products from Russia and Belarus into Latvia have significantly declined. In the second half of last year, imports of cereal products fell by 100 percent compared to the period before the tariff increases were introduced.
Saeima Press Service
