Baltic countries close their borders to Belarus-registered cars

4 months ago 9

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The closed Lithuania-Belarus border checkpoint in Sumskas, Lithuania, 18 August 2023. The two border crossings of Tverecius and Sumskas were closed on 18 August, after the government of Lithuania announced it on 16 August, citing 'geopolitical circumstances'. [EPA-EFE/STRINGER]

Estonia and Lithuania said on Wednesday (17 July) they would no longer allow Belarus-registered cars to enter through checkpoints on their borders with Russia or Belarus, citing European Union sanctions against the country.

Latvia has announced a similar ban earlier this week. The bans do not apply to diplomat cars.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said in a statement that the ban was “because Belarus is directly contributing to and supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine”.

Lithuania and Latvia border both Russia and Belarus, and Estonia shares a border with Russia.

The three countries, as well as Poland, Finland and Norway, last year banned Russian-registered cars from entering their territory.

Kremlin angry at Norway joining EU ban on Russian cars

Moscow criticised Norway’s decision to ban Russian-registered private cars with nine or fewer seats – which came into force on Wednesday as part of EU sanctions against Russia – and promised a coordinated response with relevant ministries.

“Including Norway in this …

Russian nationals can no longer cross into the EU with their cars, otherwise, their vehicles should be confiscated by the respective member state, the Commission announced in September 2023.

EU sanctions on Russia and on Belarus differ, although some member states consider that the same sanctions should apply, in view of President Aexander Lukashenko’s alignment with Moscow.

Russians can no longer bring their cars to the EU

Russian nationals can no longer cross into the EU with their cars, otherwise, their vehicles should be confiscated by the respective member state, it became clear on Monday (11 September), after the European Commission was asked to explain a recent update of the EU sanctions policy.

(Edited by Georgi Gotev)