Latvia is set to follow Finland’s lead in restricting Russian citizens from purchasing land within its borders, as the three-party Latvian ruling coalition has reached a conceptual agreement on the matter.
Edmunds Jurēvics, head of the 'New Unity' Saeima faction, made this announcement, following a cooperation meeting of the ruling coalition parties. “The coalition conceptually agreed that it is necessary to analyze the example offered by Finland. Together with the coalition’s partners and experts, we will evaluate the best way to limit the opportunities for Russian citizens to buy real estate in Latvia at the legislative level,” Jurēvics explained.
The issue was initially raised by the Ministry of Agriculture during the coalition parties' cooperation meeting.
This move follows a proposal by Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hekkinen earlier on September 2, suggesting a bill to ban Russian citizens and legal entities from purchasing property in Finland due to longstanding concerns about Russian buyers and their potential connections. The Finnish public broadcaster YLE reported an increase in Russian real estate purchases following the onset of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has previously indicated that any restrictions on land purchases by citizens of third countries, including Russians, would be a decision for the legislature.
During a working visit to Finland in June, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže discussed the possibility of imposing such a ban with Finnish security officials and lawmakers as a means to reduce security risks. She also brought up this initiative with her counterparts in Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland soon after her Finnish visit.
The proposal will still need to undergo the parliamentary process before it can become law, and the specifics of the restrictions are yet to be defined.
Previously, Lithuania announced that it has completed fortifying part of its border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region, Russia, as a part of a national program to enhance the country’s defense capabilities
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