Latvia exposes companies still trading with Russia and Belarus
Photo: the goal is to prevent the filling of the budgets of Russia and Belarus (Getty Images)
On Thursday, August 20, the Central Statistical Bureau began publishing a list of enterprises registered in Latvia that export goods to Russia or Belarus, or import goods from these countries, according to LSM.
As LSM writes, until now such information had not been publicly available, as the data held by the tax authority was subject to confidentiality restrictions.
However, on June 18, the Saeima of Latvia adopted amendments to the law on support for the civilian population in Ukraine. Under these changes, the State Revenue Service was instructed to prepare and submit the data to the Central Statistical Bureau, and the Central Statistical Bureau was instructed to publish on its website a list of commercial companies that export goods to Russia or Belarus or import them from there.
The explanatory note states that the changes are necessary to support Ukrainian society in its struggle against the aggressor country, and also to prevent the filling of the budgets of the aggressor states.
According to July data, around 170 companies made it onto the list, including Grindeks, Lauma Fabrics, the Biolars chemical plant in Olaine, Olfa, and others.
Some companies have already responded to this. In particular, Grindeks stated that changes in export destinations have already begun, but in the pharmaceutical sector, this is a long-term process.
What else is known
In June, Latvia's new Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs stated that he would instruct Foreign Minister Baiba Braže to find a solution to halt exports and imports with Russia. At the same time, he noted that exceptions could be made in certain sectors.
According to Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Russia has already launched a hybrid war against EU countries in order to intimidate states that support Ukraine.
