Latvian border and national security measures

Latvia is implementing physical and legislative measures to secure its borders and critical infrastructure against threats from Russia and Belarus.

On the eastern borders, the Latvian State Border Guard is proceeding with the ‘Automated Border Surveillance Infrastructure’ project. Despite damage to video surveillance equipment and cables, which Commander General Guntis Pujāts described as “targeted action” intended to disrupt security, construction remains on schedule. Over 72% of the first stage along the Latvian-Belarusian border has been equipped with new technology.

In tandem with physical security, the Latvian Saeima has passed amendments to the National Security Law. These legislative changes include travel bans for municipal deputies to prevent intelligence gathering by foreign special services. The laws also restrict individuals from Russia and Belarus from holding influence in ‘Category D’ critical infrastructure sectors, such as food production, heating, and medicine distribution, to protect against hybrid warfare and foreign interference.