Latvia’s trade with Russia reached nearly 1.1 billion euros last year, marking the fourth year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Of that total, approximately 1 billion euros represented Latvian exports to Russia. Despite ongoing discussions for five years regarding severing economic ties with both Russia and Belarus, these connections remain significant.
Political Debate Scheduled on Economic Ties
The topic of economic relations, including political decisions made and those still needed to substantially reduce or completely halt these ties, will be the focus of a discussion titled “Kas notiek Latvijā?” (What’s happening in Latvia?). Participants will include politicians delegated by the political parties represented in the 14th Saeima, as well as representatives from major business organizations.
Edmunds Jurēvics of “Jaunā Vienotība” (New Unity), Andris Šuvajevs of “Progresīvie” (The Progressives), and Edmunds Zivtiņš of “Latvija Pirmajā vietā” (Latvia First) are scheduled to participate. Armands Krauze, the Minister of Agriculture representing the Green and Farmers’ Union, Edvards Smiltēns, a secretary of the Saeima representing “Apvienotie saraksti” (United List), and Artūrs Butāns of the National Alliance will likewise join the discussion.
Business interests will be represented by Katrīna Zariņa, the chair of the board of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Uldis Tatarčuks, vice president of the Latvian Employers’ Confederation and CEO of “Tet.”
The live broadcast of “Kas notiek Latvijā?” will air on LTV1 and be available on LSM.lv at 21:20. A recording will subsequently be available on LSM.lv.
Viewers can submit questions for the participants by emailing [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the upcoming discussion?
The discussion will center on political decisions regarding reducing or completely halting economic ties between Latvia and Russia, and Latvia and Belarus.
Who will be participating in the discussion?
The discussion will include politicians from all parties represented in the 14th Saeima, as well as representatives from major Latvian business organizations.
Where and when can the discussion be viewed?
The live broadcast will be available on LTV1 and LSM.lv at 21:20, with a recording available afterward on LSM.lv.
As discussions continue regarding Latvia’s economic relationship with Russia, it remains to be seen what specific actions, if any, will be taken to alter the current trade dynamics.
Related reading