Latvia Moves to Bar Russians and Belarusians from Critical Infrastructure Leadership Roles

Latvia's Ministry of Internal Affairs announced proposed amendments to the national security law, aiming to prohibit Belarusian and Russian citizens from holding leadership positions in the management of critical infrastructure. These changes would apply to structures vital to Latvia and the broader European community, according to Delfi on January 20.

Critical infrastructure in Latvia includes facilities essential for public functions such as health, safety, economic stability, and social welfare. The proposed amendments extend the ban to Russian and Belarusian nationals working in systems connected to critical infrastructure, particularly when access to sensitive information or technological equipment is involved.

Under the proposed rules, citizens of Russia and Belarus, along with companies registered in those countries, would be barred from owning, managing, or benefiting from critical infrastructure entities. Exceptions would only be granted on the basis of special permits issued by state security authorities.

The draft also emphasizes that critical infrastructure owners must demonstrate loyalty to Latvia and its Constitution. Additionally, they are prohibited from providing any support—informational or otherwise—that could threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence, or constitutional order of democratic states.

The amendments are set to be reviewed by the government before being presented to the Latvian parliament, the Saeima, for approval. 

On December 28, 2024, Latvia said it had readied over 1,000 combat drones for transfer to Ukraine, according to Defense Minister Andris Spruds. The initiative is part of the Drone Coalition, led by Latvia and the UK. Latvia plans to allocate an additional €20 million for drone procurement in 2025.