RIGA, January 21, 2025 – Latvia has introduced a draft law aimed at safeguarding national security by preventing property transactions by Russian and Belarusian citizens. The bill, which has been submitted to the Saeima, the Latvian parliament, seeks to address concerns over national security risks and potential attempts to bypass sanctions, according to local news outlet Delfi.
The proposed legislation, initiated by the New Unity parliamentary faction, aims to block harmful activities that could undermine the state’s interests. The ban would extend not only to Russian and Belarusian citizens but also to entities based in these countries, as well as to individuals whose ultimate beneficiaries are citizens of Russia or Belarus.
The restrictions would not apply to those who have acquired permanent resident status in the European Union or hold a permanent residence permit in Latvia under the country’s Immigration Law.
Lauma Paegļkalna, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, emphasized the importance of such measures in the context of hybrid warfare. “To protect a democratic state governed by the rule of law and strengthen our country’s security, it is necessary to implement legal tools that prevent interference from Russia and Belarus in our internal affairs,” Paegļkalna stated.
In addition to the property purchase ban, Latvia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs is considering amendments to the National Security Law. These changes would prohibit Russian and Belarusian nationals from holding positions in the management of critical infrastructure in Latvia.
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