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Latvia sees no need for road signs displaying the names of destinations in Belarus and Russia, Latvian Transport Minister Rihards Kozlovskis said in an interview with the LETA news agency, as reported by Delfi.
According to Kozlovskis, a report prepared by the Ministry of Transport has already been coordinated with the relevant authorities and is awaiting consideration by the government. It provides for changes and corrections to road signs pointing to Russia and Belarus by Sept. 30 this year, using various solutions.
Several weeks ago, the ministry reminded the office of the new prime minister of the need to put the document on the government’s agenda.
“Of course, there are costs involved, but we are prepared for them. At this point, I see no need for signs pointing in that direction. They are not necessary. Perhaps at some point in the distant future,” Kozlovskis said.
The document envisages the gradual replacement or modification of road signs, along with broader use of road numbers and the European route numbering system. The work is planned to be carried out as part of routine road maintenance and repair.
According to Latvijas Valsts ceļi, there are 235 signs on Latvia’s state roads that mention destinations in Belarus and Russia. Another 78 such signs are located within Riga.
The Ministry of Transport estimates the cost of replacing and modifying the signs at about €120,000, including VAT. The ministry believes that cheaper solutions, such as covering individual place names, could reduce the visibility of road signs at night and negatively affect road safety.
The ministry also said the work will be financed within the existing budget without additional funding.
As previously reported, plans to remove the names of Belarusian and Russian destinations from road signs in Latvia were announced in February 2026. The Ministry of Transport said the initiative was driven by public and political demand related to Russia’s war against Ukraine.