Latvia Plans to Extend Enhanced Eastern Border Protection Regime Until December 31

The Ministry of Interior of Latvia intends to propose to the government to extend the enhanced border protection regime in Ludza, Krāslava, Augšdaugava, Rēzekne municipalities, and the city of Daugavpils until December 31 of this year. This was reported by Delfi, citing «European Pravda».

According to the Ministry of Interior, the regions along the eastern border continue to face elevated security risks, primarily attempts at illegal border crossings. The highest migratory pressure remains on the Latvian-Belarusian border. Furthermore, there is a persistent likelihood of hybrid threats and provocative actions, as well as risks of smuggling and other types of cross-border crime. The Ministry also emphasizes the need to ensure continuous readiness of services.

To prevent unauthorized entry into the country and to stop attempts at illegal border crossings, the Ministry of Interior deems it necessary to extend the enhanced protection regime. Currently, this regime is in effect until June 30. This year, 6362 cases of illegal border crossings have already been prevented. Last year, the State Border Guard prevented 12,046 individuals from attempting to illegally cross the Belarusian-Latvian border.

Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Meļnis announced that the Ministry of Defense will deploy additional air defense systems in the near future. It is worth noting that the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Lithuania previously extended the validity of 12 no-fly zones along the Lithuanian-Belarusian border until January 1, 2027.