Latvia to ban Russians, Belarusians from critical infrastructure management roles

Delfi reported the information.

Critical infrastructure in Latvia includes facilities essential for public functions, healthcare, security, and economic and social well-being. The amendments emphasize infrastructure critical on a European scale.

According to the proposed amendments, neither Russia nor Belarus, nor their citizens or legal entities registered in these countries, can own, manage, or act as the ultimate beneficiaries of critical infrastructure or infrastructure significant at the European level.

Russians and Belarusians will also be barred from employment in critical infrastructure unless granted special permission by state security authorities.

"To strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure vital to Latvia's security and society, the amendments stipulate that the owner, ultimate beneficiary, or legal proprietor of critical infrastructure must be loyal to Latvia and its Constitution. They are prohibited from supporting, including information support, individuals or states that threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence, or constitutional order of democratic states," the document states.

• At the end of 2024, Lithuania banned individuals with Russian, Belarusian, and Chinese citizenship from serving in its armed forces or being part of the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union.