According to the ministry's proposal, the restrictions will apply to all regular and irregular international passenger bus services to Russia and Belarus. Additionally, bus services through Latvia must be terminated if the final destination is one of these countries. Transport Minister Rihards Kozlovskis linked the initiative to support for Ukraine and Latvia's security interests. According to him, the cessation of bus services is a consistent decision by the Latvian authorities. Thus, it concerns not only direct routes **Latvia — Russia** and **Latvia — Belarus**: the proposed changes will also affect international buses traveling through Latvian territory to these countries. ### Carriers Face Another Major Change The amendments also provide for the transition of freight transport to electronic documents. In accordance with the requirements of the European regulation eFTI, from July 9, 2027, carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics companies will be required to provide transport information in digital form. Regulatory authorities will also be able to receive the necessary documents electronically. Furthermore, the Ministry of Transport proposes to expand the opportunities for individual entrepreneurs engaged in commercial passenger transport. They will be able to use a vehicle registered to them as individuals, including one leased with the owner's consent. If the amendments prepared by the Ministry of Transport are adopted, from January 10, 2027, bus passenger services between Latvia and Russia and Belarus will be terminated for both regular and irregular transport. The corresponding transit flights through Latvia will also fall under the restrictions. At this point, it is specifically about the amendments to the law prepared and promoted by the ministry.
