The Saeima calls on the Cabinet of Ministers to develop a legal framework to immediately halt and prohibit the entry of Russian and Belarusian grain into Latvia, including in transit, according to the decision adopted by MPs on Thursday, 24 September.

Members of Parliament also call on the government to take the necessary measures to implement this framework so that Latvia’s territory, railway infrastructure and ports are not used for the transit of grain from aggressor states. MPs also call for compliance with the ban to be monitored and for persons who violate it to be held accountable.

As Ukraine steps up its defence in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, Russia is redirecting its grain transit through the Baltic region, particularly Latvia, the decision states. Senior Ukrainian officials report that Russia is using this route to export grain crops stolen in Ukraine. Due to insufficient capacity at Russian ports, the volume of Russian grain transiting through the Baltic region is expected to increase in the coming months, and several million tonnes of grain could be shipped through Baltic ports this season.

A ban on the transit of Russian and Belarusian grain is also necessary to protect the economic interests of Latvian grain producers and to prevent distortion of fair competition in the transport sector and the grain market.

The current framework prohibits the import into Latvia of agricultural and feed products from Russia and Belarus, as well as the import from other third countries of agricultural and feed products originating in Russia or Belarus. The entry of Russian and Belarusian grain, including in transit through Latvia, is contrary to the State’s security and defence policy, the decision states.

It is necessary to increase pressure on the economies of Russia and Belarus and to continue the economic isolation of these countries in international trade. The parliament also calls on the government to propose a ban on the entry and transit of Russian and Belarusian grain at the level of the Baltic States and the European Union.

Saeima Press Service