Baltic states to step up cooperation in implementation of sanctions

TALLINN – Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte issued a joint declaration on Wednesday with which the countries will adopt a joint regional approach in the implementation of the European Union's sanctions against Russia and Belarus by Jan. 31, 2024.

Among other things, this means that customs authorities will agree on principles for a common approach of handling the cases when illogical routes of goods are detected. The exchange of information will also be further enhanced.

"A joint approach will help to avoid fragmentation and increase the effectiveness of the sanctions. We hope that the initiative of the Baltic states will become a good example for other border countries of the European Union, which we inviting to join the initiative. We will also continue our efforts to harmonize the implementation of sanctions at the European Union level," Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said.