Latvia may pay dearly for banning buses to Russia and Belarus The planned ban on international bus services between Latvia, Russia and Belarus could lead to an annual loss of around six million euros for Ecolines. The bulk of the possible losses will consist of revenues from the international routes Riga - Moscow and Riga - St. Petersburg. The company estimates that their termination could result in a loss of approximately four million euros per year. The company attributes a loss of approximately two million euros to the possible shutdown of intercity buses used to serve these destinations. The Ministry of Transportation recognizes that permits for international transportation are positive administrative actions, therefore their early cancellation may in some cases entail the state's obligation to compensate for non-monetary losses and damage. If the carriers seek compensation, each claim will be considered separately. The Ministry of Transportation, together with the director of road transportation, will have to determine whether the company has indeed suffered losses, what their size is and whether there is a direct connection between the losses and the decision made by the state. The assumption is that the compensation will be paid mainly from budget funds available to the ministry. If this money is not enough, the state budget program "Funds for unexpected events" can be used. This will require a separate government decision.