The issue of banning goods of Russian origin in retail trade in Latvia is primarily related to the foreign trade policy of the European Union, the Ministry of Economics stated while commenting on the plan to sever economic ties with Russia.
The ministry noted that on March 11, they received an instruction from Prime Minister Evika Silina to present data-based possible legal solutions for implementing such a ban to the Cabinet of Ministers by March 31, 2026. The task also includes assessing the position of the EU and the Baltic States, as well as the potential consequences of such a decision.
The Ministry of Economics emphasized that they will conduct the necessary analysis within the established timeframe and prepare proposals within their competence. However, since the evaluation process is still ongoing, the ministry cannot yet provide detailed analytics or specific solutions.
At the same time, the agency indicated that this issue primarily concerns external trade at the EU level, rather than just internal regulation. Issues of foreign trade policy fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and are considered within the framework of the EU's overall trade policy, taking into account the principles of the single market and the free movement of goods.
To fulfill the task, the Ministry of Economics will cooperate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Finance.
It was previously reported that the board of the political party association "Jaunā vienotība" decided in early March on the necessity to cease economic ties with Russia by the end of 2026.
It was decided that the Prime Minister would instruct the Ministries of Economics, Transport, Agriculture, and Foreign Affairs to develop a detailed analysis and plan by the end of March on how to terminate both passenger transport by public transport and to impose a ban on goods of Russian origin in retail trade in Latvia.
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