K. Budrys: Restrictions on imports of Russian and Belarusian agricultural products must remain

As the Parliament discusses the government's proposal to extend national sanctions against Russia and Belarus, Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys says the ban on imports of agricultural products from these countries should remain among the restrictions.

„This restrictive measure, it is necessary, it is effective, after all, the European Union is going together in the same direction by raising tariffs on such goods. We don't want them to be here," Budrys told reporters at the Seimas on Tuesday.

This is what he said after the majority of the representatives of „Nemunas aušros“ did not approve the extension of the sanctions for one year during the presentation stage in the Seimas.

„Ausrieci“ said they objected to the extension of the sanctions because of the law's ban on the import of agricultural products and feeds originating in Russia or Belarus.

Ignas Hofmanas, the Minister of Agriculture delegated by „Nemunas aušros“, says he supports the restriction because Lithuania has the moral right to impose it.

K. Budrys stressed that the rest of the sanctions are related to restrictions on Russian and Belarusian citizens, not businesses.

„It (the restriction on agricultural products – BNS) should be discussed then, but not dragged into all the sanctions–, – the minister said.

„We have submitted a bill, (...) the government after deliberation has submitted a bill which it believes is balanced, appropriate“, – he said.

The current version of the national limits law is valid until 3 May 2025, and the government proposes to extend its validity until 2 May 2026.

The law suspends the acceptance and issuance of visa applications and residence permits for Russian and Belarusian citizens in Lithuania, provides for more detailed border checks, prevents Russian citizens from purchasing real estate in Lithuania, etc.

In proposing to extend the restrictions, the Government does not envisage any new sanctions or the lifting of existing ones.