Latvia Concerns Over EU Sanctions Violations

BRUSSELS — Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže has raised alarms over the ongoing evasion of sanctions against Russia and Belarus by European Union member states, complicating enforcement efforts for countries bordering these nations. In an interview with POLITICO, Braže highlighted the difficulties faced by Latvia and its neighbors, noting that larger economies, such as Germany, contribute to significant trade flows that undermine sanctions. Latvia has taken proactive measures by consolidating its enforcement efforts into a centralized financial intelligence unit. During her recent visit to the Latgale region, Braže observed troubling practices, including the misrepresentation of banned goods. She described instances where vehicles were declared as spare parts, despite being nearly complete, and emphasized that other items were either improperly declared or shipped under incorrect customs codes. This deliberate obfuscation makes it challenging to track and enforce sanctions effectively. Braže pointed out that certain goods, such as trucks and technology potentially useful for military applications, are being concealed or mislabeled as they exit the EU. The situation is exacerbated by border restrictions, with Estonia operating only one border post and Finland closing all roads into Russia, leaving only a rail link open. In her appeal to fellow EU nations, Braže stressed the collective responsibility of member states to uphold sanctions, urging them to ensure compliance among exporters and proper implementation by national authorities. She underscored that maintaining these sanctions is not just a legal obligation but a national duty for all EU countries.