Latvia bans officials with access to state secrets from Russia and Belarus

Sursa foto: LETA, Ieva Čīka

The Riga legislature has passed a law banning MPs, dignitaries, judges and several security, justice, defense and diplomats from visiting or transiting the territory of the Russian Federation and Belarus. The decision was published on the official website of the Latvian Seimas, IPN reports.

Among the public administration employees who have travel restrictions are police officers, border guards, firefighters, rescuers, migration department, anti-corruption bureau. The restrictions apply to all people who have access to state secrets, as well as those responsible for the security of critical infrastructure facilities.

Latvian officials, targeted by the bans, are not allowed to enter or transit the territory of Russia and Belarus. Violation of the law can result in dismissal. Exceptions will be cases where the travel is for work or humanitarian reasons, but they will have to obtain a special permit.



UEFA has expressed reservations about FIFA’s plan to create a commercial company that would manage the commercial rights of major competitions, including the World Cup. The organization believes that the initiative requires more clarity in terms of governance and transparency, reports IPN.

In a press release, UEFA stated that it is analyzing the proposal and that it must be examined by the national federations as well. The European body mentioned that the project raises questions about the management of the new structure and the distribution of financial benefits.

The reaction comes after FIFA announced its intention to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a subsidiary that would manage commercial activities and the organization of major competitions, including the World Cup and the Club World Cup.

FIFA intends to attract approximately 4.2 billion dollars by selling a minority stake of up to 20% to private investors. According to the organization, the funds will be used for the development of football, and FIFA will retain control over governance, competitions, and sporting decisions.

According to the British press, UEFA is expected to discuss the project with its 55 member federations at the end of this week, to establish a common position. Reservations about the initiative have also been expressed by the English Football Federation, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation, which have called for consultations and a transparent decision-making process.

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Latvia bans officials with access to state secrets from Russia and Belarus

Sursa foto: LETA, Ieva Čīka

The Riga legislature has passed a law banning MPs, dignitaries, judges and several security, justice, defense and diplomats from visiting or transiting the territory of the Russian Federation and Belarus. The decision was published on the official website of the Latvian Seimas, IPN reports.

Among the public administration employees who have travel restrictions are police officers, border guards, firefighters, rescuers, migration department, anti-corruption bureau. The restrictions apply to all people who have access to state secrets, as well as those responsible for the security of critical infrastructure facilities.

Latvian officials, targeted by the bans, are not allowed to enter or transit the territory of Russia and Belarus. Violation of the law can result in dismissal. Exceptions will be cases where the travel is for work or humanitarian reasons, but they will have to obtain a special permit.


A significant vegetation fire has broken out on the Greek island of Paros, one of the well-known tourist destinations in the Aegean Sea. According to euronews.ro, quoted by IPN, several localities have been evacuated, and firefighters are intervening on multiple fronts to limit the spread of the flames, as the strong wind complicates operations.

The fire broke out on Tuesday near the town of Kambi, in an area with low vegetation and waste. The Civil Protection Service of Greece has issued alerts through the 112 system for the residents of Agios Charalambos, Kambi, Bougados, Aneratzia, and Kamari, who were urged to move towards the coastal town of Aliki.

The intervention is carried out both on the ground and from the air, with the help of airplanes and helicopters. Additional firefighters and equipment have been brought from the neighboring islands of Naxos and Syros. The authorities have not reported any casualties or material damage, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Greece maintains a high level of alert for fires in several regions, due to high temperatures, dry vegetation, and strong winds.

In the meantime, wildfires continue in Spain and France, amidst a new heatwave. In France, 16 departments are under an orange heatwave alert, with temperatures forecasted to reach up to +41 degrees Celsius. In Gironde, authorities warn of the risk of rekindling hotspots due to the dry wind.

In Spain, the fire in Burgohondo, considered the largest in the country’s history, has destroyed over 43 thousand hectares of forest. Although thousands of evacuated people have returned to their localities, authorities warn that the situation remains unstable due to high temperatures.

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1 IANUARIE, 2025
1 IANUARIE, 2025