Latvia bans Belarus-registered cars amid EU sanctions

Latvia has announced a prohibition on Belarus-registered passenger cars entering its territory from Belarus or Russia, effective on July 16, as part of a new set of European Union sanctions aligning measures against Belarus with those against Russia.

The decision, enforced by Latvia's State Revenue Service, follows a move by several EU member states and Norway last year to block vehicles bearing Russian number plates. This measure was implemented as part of broader sanctions targeting Russia and its nationals in response to the conflict in Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

The State Revenue Service clarified that the updated sanctions have synchronized restrictions originally imposed on Belarus with those on Russia. The move marks Latvia's alignment with EU policies aimed at pressuring Belarus and Russia over their roles in regional conflicts and international relations.

The ban underscores ongoing tensions and geopolitical maneuvering within the EU, particularly along its eastern borders, where member states have increasingly coordinated sanctions in response to perceived threats and geopolitical shifts.

Latvia's action is expected to further tighten economic and transportation restrictions on Belarusian and Russian entities, potentially affecting regional trade and mobility in the Baltic region.

The enforcement of the new restrictions is set to impact travelers and transport companies navigating routes between Belarus, Russia, and EU member states, reflecting the broader geopolitical dynamics influencing European policy and security concerns.

The implementation of the ban on Belarus-registered vehicles entering Latvia underscores the evolving landscape of EU sanctions policy and its impact on regional security and economic relations.