The prime ministers of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia signed a joint declaration on Wednesday, 20 December, on the unified regional application of European Union sanctions against Russia and Belarus to reduce the risks of circumventing restrictions.

The Lithuanian government emphasises that closing loopholes and ensuring the effective application of EU sanctions are crucial to enhance the impact of sanctions and undermine Russia's ability to continue aggressive warfare. 

Therefore, the three states have committed to ensuring unified customs control and information exchange, and relevant authorities in the Baltic countries are to adopt a regional approach no later than 31 January 2024.

The declaration reads that the customs authorities of the three countries will agree to apply joint investigation methods after identifying unjustified routes of goods movement. They will require additional documents regarding the transit or final use of goods and additional declarations from manufacturers and exporters to reduce the risk of sanctions circumvention.

The parties have also agreed to encourage other neighbouring countries to adopt a unified regional approach to EU sanctions. 

The declaration emphasises the critical importance of the Baltic countries acting together to ensure strict and consistent application of sanctions.

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, which support the unified application of EU sanctions at the EU level, agree that, considering the unique geographical position of the Baltic countries, an immediate regional approach is necessary for implementing sanctions.

On 18 December, the Council of the European Union completed adopting the 12th package of sanctions against Russia.

The EU also adopted a decision that potentially allows sanctions against Russian citizens to be kept on the relevant lists even after their death.