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Latvia Bans Russians and Belarusians From Buying Property to Counter Hybrid Threats
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Latvia’s Saeima has passed a law in its third reading banning citizens of Russia and Belarus from purchasing real estate in the country. The Law “On Restrictions of Transactions Threatening National Security” was approved on June 19, with 69 members voting in favor and eight against, according to Delfi and LSM.
In Latvia, citizens of Russia and Belarus will no longer be allowed to buy, receive as a gift, inherit, or exchange real estate. The restriction also applies to companies registered in these countries, as well as to companies that are at least 25 percent owned by citizens of Russia or Belarus, or whose beneficiaries are citizens of those states.
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Holders of permanent residence permits in Latvia or the European Union are granted partial exemptions. The law also addresses the status of political refugees from Belarus and repatriates returning to their ancestral homeland, determining whether they will be allowed to acquire property.
According to its authors from the New Unity alliance, the goal of the new law is to counter hybrid threats, including the indirect acquisition of real estate. As MP Agnese Krasta explained, this is a way to limit the influence and presence in Latvia of individuals and companies that could pose a potential security risk.
On May 27, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže called on European Union member states to halt the issuance of visas to Russian nationals, citing security concerns.
