Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Markets and Companies, Port, Russia, Transport

According to Lembergs, the Port of Ventspils' income has been falling due to the impaired relations between Latvia and Russia, furthermore, "the coming year does not look good either." Latvian farmers have suffered even greater losses, while the support they are offered is insufficient.

When sanctions are discussed, [Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars] Rinkevics is one of the frontmen, but as soon as help is needed, there is no one who would be willing to fight, Lembergs complained.

Rinkevics has mentioned new sanctions recently, but "thank God, [German Chancellor Angela] Merkel has more brain than Rinkevics," because new sanctions could also mean new counter-sanctions from Russia that could be aimed at, for example, the fishing industry, which would be a tough blow to Ventspils, said Lembergs.

Lembergs criticized Latvian politicians for "licking the boots" of the West, ignoring Latvia's economic interests. Not once has Latvia shown its teeth during the 10 years as part of the European Union, the mayor of Ventspils said.