Debate Over Whether Latvia Can Ban Russian Grain Transit on Its Own

A debate has erupted on social media in Latvia over whether the country can ban Russian grain transit through its ports by itself. It follows a protest held on Saturday in Jēkabpils, where Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (of the AS party) said a ban at the Latvian level alone is not a solution and must be achieved together with the European Union (EU), which he said is responsible for setting transit restrictions.

The prime minister's position

Kulbergs stressed that transit must be stopped, since there is no need to feed Russia's war machine or fund the destruction of Ukrainians. He also admitted that a quick solution has not been found. Protesters were promised that a bill would be submitted to the Saeima, Latvia's parliament, allowing transit to be halted by preventing new contracts from being signed.

Opposing views

Elīna Melngaile, an aide to former MEP Valdis Dombrovskis, who says she previously worked at the European Commission, argues that Latvia can decide this itself. She explains that EU trade policy is set by agreements, and none exists with Russia. According to her, agricultural goods are exempt from sanctions, but member states are not barred from imposing their own restrictions. Melngaile also criticises the defence of port interests and warns of reputational and security risks.

Ineta Ziemele, a judge of the EU Court of Justice, quoted Article 36 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU on the platform X. It allows transit bans or restrictions based on public morality, public policy or national security.

Transit volumes

Data from the State Revenue Service show that in the first ten months of this year, 1.115 million tonnes of grain were transported in transit from Russia through Latvia, 3.1 times more than a year earlier (357,645 tonnes). From Belarus, 185,756 tonnes passed in transit, compared with 60.8 tonnes last year.

The "No to Blood Grain!" protest drew dozens of heavy vehicles, including tractors and grain trucks.