Latvian Political Monitor

"If only we had been in power, nothing like that would have happened," JV prime ministerial candidate Ašeradens emphasized to the LETA agency. https://t.co/gKTypgEG8l

@Kurmitis_ @jautaa_veel @Edgars_T @EdvardsSmiltens Which one?

Latvia's security is determined by the ability to make decisions. In the spring of 2022, Latvia experienced unprecedented uncertainty regarding energy supplies. Russia invaded Ukraine. There was no clarity about how Latvia would supply itself with the necessary energy, or what would happen in winter. Prices rose at unprecedented rates. It was a lesson: energy production in Latvia is necessary. At the same time, the costs of wind and solar energy production became competitive. A law was drafted and adopted to facilitate the construction of simplified energy supply structures to promote Latvia's energy security and independence, in order to avoid repeating the 2022 experience, the way electricity is produced in Latvia had to change. The law established a simplified procedure for building energy structures. This law did not work successfully, so it was repealed this year. Based on it, several projects were submitted, of which three reached the stage where the Cabinet of Ministers had to make a decision. Two decisions were positive, one was refused. Let's be honest - the refusal was made because politicians were afraid to approve the project. The fear was caused by an active minority that has so far been able to block decision-making. Everyone can judge for themselves whether fear promotes development or paralyzes it. Many bureaucratic procedures have been created for environmental impact assessment, but even after they are completed and more than ten expert opinions are received, they are not enough for a decision. How many of us want to end up in a situation where everything required by the state is fulfilled, but obstacles are still placed on business? However, the discussion has revealed a question that may have much more far-reaching consequences than one project. If one wind park project affects Latvia's economy by hundreds of millions of euros, then several projects affect it by several billions. The question is about the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga coastal protection zone. This protection zone is divided into several parts. The first is the coastal dune protection zone, which is detailed in the Protection Zone Law. For example, houseboats cannot be built there, and other activities are restricted. The second, less known but affecting economic activity on the coast, is the 5-kilometer restricted economic activity zone. For example, Rail Baltica infrastructure is located in this zone, and economic activity is concentrated in many Latvian regions. In this restricted economic activity zone on the Kurzeme coast, several environmental impact assessments for wind parks have been completed and are underway. The question is - can activities such as wind park construction even be carried out in principle in the restricted economic activity zone? The existing legislation and the practice of state and local government institutions clearly show - it is possible with conditions. With this idea, the aforementioned law was developed, which was intended to promote Latvia's energy security and independence. It indirectly stipulates that a full environmental impact assessment must be carried out in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga coastal protection zone. Such an intention of the legislator can be established by tracing how the law was created. The assessment then determines whether the specific object has a negative impact on the surrounding environment or not. If the environmental impact assessment finds that there is no environmental impact, then the question is - for what purpose is the intended activity prohibited? In my work in the Saeima's Economic, Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Policy Committee, I am one of those who strongly advocates for environmental and nature protection issues. In this convocation, I objected to the softening of regulations that would allow, for example, more intensive construction in the dune protection zone in Ādaži municipality. I will continue to object to such proposals. However, the state must be able to make rational decisions that serve the whole society, balancing different interests. Such, for example, is the decision on the location of the Rail Baltica route. The ability to make such decisions will determine Latvia's security and development.

What is that?

Today the government approved the Cabinet of Ministers regulations advanced by @Arlietas, which prohibit the import of industrial goods from Russia and Belarus. ⛔️ This is another step to end economic cooperation with the aggressor. The regulation will take effect on September 1.

Today Kulberg's government, at Braže's initiative, appointed Anhelita Kamenska as Latvia's expert to the committee for the convention against racism and intolerance. The director of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights, who is most likely the biggest defender of Russian rights in Latvia right after Ždanoka. A significant achievement and a great gift from Kulberg to all kinds of Russophiles.

The Progressive Party is a staunch supporter of Ukraine, and Andris Sprūds is one of the leaders of this support, both while working at the Ministry of Defense and outside the implementation of state support policy.

At the same time, we would like to emphasize that the circulated claims about lack of support for Ukraine are, in the view of the party Progresīvie, to be regarded as absurd.