Rinkēvičs: Latvia may see most border violations since 2021 this year

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs said on Friday, at the State Border Guard's 107th anniversary ceremony in Jelgava, that Latvia must keep looking for ways to improve the protection of its border. According to him, this year could bring the highest number of border violations on the Latvia–Belarus border since 2021, which makes the issue important for national security.

Figures and assessment

Rinkēvičs cited statistics available to him: 13,000 violations have been recorded so far this year, and the year is not yet over. He noted that guarding the border is not just about border control, but is the first line of the country's defence.

The president stressed that Latvia is constantly being probed and tested. In his view, the border must be guarded with the understanding that a violation is not merely a breach of rules, but a direct attack on the country's independence and security.

The work of the Border Guard

Rinkēvičs acknowledged that the State Border Guard is developing and that its officers are professional, patriotic and motivated to carry out the duties assigned by the state and by law. He said the service is not easy and that guarding and strengthening the eastern border is only its most visible part, as the officers also perform other duties that are discussed less often.

Laws and support

The president said he had signed a law passed by the Saeima, the Latvian parliament, and backed by the interior minister and the government, which gives border guards greater legal protection. He also mentioned that decisions have been taken to improve the Border Guard's material and technical base.

Rinkēvičs expressed confidence that the new Saeima and the Cabinet of Ministers will do much work on this, as internal and external security is the country's main priority.