Latvian Conservatives Demand a Complete Halt to Passenger Transport to Russia

Latvia's regular bus links to Russia have narrowed to a single route, but the country's conservative National Alliance wants that service ended altogether.

The Latvia Road Transport Administration said Norma-A, operating under the Ecolines brand, runs a daily service between Riga and Moscow. Its permit expires on January 9, 2027. The agency said it had rejected applications for almost a year to open new routes or extend or change existing permits to Russia and Belarus because of national-security concerns.

The National Alliance is urging the Transport Ministry not to renew licenses for regular passenger services to Russia. According to party figures, 9,079 passengers used the Riga-Moscow route during the first half of this year. Demand in June rose by more than a quarter compared with January, which the party said came alongside increased security risks.

The Transport Ministry has submitted amendments for cabinet approval that would prevent authorities from issuing new permits, re-registering existing ones or cancelling already issued permits for bus passenger transport to Russia and Belarus. The proposed restriction would also cover transit services.

The Road Transport Administration warned that if the Baltic states do not agree to suspend passenger transport to Russia and Belarus, travelers may use connecting routes through Lithuania and Estonia. Last September, Latvia had four bus routes to Russia and three to Belarus.

Latvia has already barred international irregular bus services across its borders with Russia and Belarus since November 1 last year. By October 31 this year, the State Border Guard must also prohibit one-off charter services at the Paternieki, Grebneva and Terehova border crossings. Such services include pre-arranged trips for excursions, sporting events, theater performances and other gatherings.