The Latvian Parliament has finally adopted restrictions on imports of goods from Russia and Belarus, the parliamentary press office announced on 23 July.
The country’s parliament has backed the relevant amendments to the law on support for the civilian population of Ukraine. These amendments provide for a nationwide ban on the import of goods from Russia and Belarus, such as books, newspapers, video games, sports equipment, toys, clothing and footwear.
“With these amendments, we are continuing to systematically sever economic ties with Russia and Belarus, whilst maintaining unwavering support for Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and independence. This is yet another significant step towards severing economic relations with aggressor states,” said Raimonds Bergmanis, Chair of the Committee on Defence, Internal Affairs and the Prevention of Corruption.
The ban will also apply to imports of these goods from third countries, provided that the country of origin is Russia or Belarus. The exact list of goods covered by the ban will be determined by the Latvian government.
According to the Delfi news agency, 66 MPs voted in favour of the bill.
It is envisaged that the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers will annually assess the impact of the import ban on Latvia’s security and public interests and submit a report on the results of the assessment to the Saeima.
In June, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs drafted amendments to the law on support for the civilian population of Ukraine, which provide for a ban on the import of certain industrial goods of Russian and Belarusian origin.