Latvia bans import of grain from Russia and Belarus

The Latvian ruling coalition has agreed to ban grain import from Russia and Belarus into Latvia, Rubryka reports, referring to Delfi.

The publication refers to a statement by Prime Minister Evika Siliņa ("New Unity"), Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze ("Union of Greens and Farmers"), and the head of the Progressive Party faction in the Saeima, Andris Šuvajevs, made after coalition meetings.

In February of this year, the coalition intends to prepare and approve a relevant bill in the parliament. On January 18, the Saeima sent a bill to parliamentary committees from the opposition National Unity, which provides for a practically identical ban.

Šuvajevs stated that this issue has been on the coalition's agenda for over a month, it was widely discussed, and EU regulations were evaluated. The politician expressed satisfaction with the decision, as it is correct and capable of causing broad international resonance, setting an example for the entire European Union.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa also believes and hopes that Latvia's decision will also prompt Baltic countries and EU countries to adopt a similar initiative.

On January 18, Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications Marius Skuodis stated after a meeting with his Latvian and Estonian counterparts that the Baltic countries support the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian grain in the next EU sanctions package.

What do we know about the 12th EU sanctions package?

The European Union adopted the 12th package of economic and individual sanctions against Russia on December 18, 2023.

The EU prohibits direct or indirect import, purchase, or transportation of diamonds from Russia. This ban applies to diamonds originating from Russia, diamonds exported from Russia, diamonds transiting through Russia, and Russian diamonds processed in third countries.

The direct ban applies to non-industrial natural and synthetic diamonds and jewelry with diamonds starting from January 1, 2024. In addition, the indirect ban on the import of Russian diamonds during their processing (i.e., cutting and/or polishing) in third countries, including jewelry using diamonds originating from Russia, will be gradually phased in from March 1, 2024 and completed by September 1, 2024.

Such phased introduction of indirect import bans is justified by the need to deploy a tracking mechanism that enables effective law enforcement measures and minimizes disruptions in the EU market.

On January 1, 2024, a complete ban on the direct import of non-industrial natural and synthetic diamonds from Russia to the European Union and jewelry with diamonds came into effect.