The Latvian government has decided to extend the enhanced security regime along the Latvian-Belarusian border through Dec. 31, 2026. The decision was adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers on June 30 and was justified by the continued high level of irregular migration and what Riga describes as ongoing hybrid pressure from Belarus, according to Latvia’s Interior Ministry Strategic Communications Department.
The enhanced regime will remain in force in the Ludza, Krāslava and Augšdaugava municipalities, the state city of Daugavpils, and Kaunata Parish in the Rēzekne Municipality.
Authorities Say Pressure on EU’s External Border Continues
The government says the number of attempted illegal border crossings remains “disproportionately high” and that the situation poses a threat to national security.
Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava said hybrid pressure on Latvia’s eastern border has not ceased.
“The security situation on the Latvian-Belarusian border remains serious, and attempts to cross the border illegally clearly demonstrate that the hybrid pressure exerted by aggressor states against the external border of Latvia and the European Union continues. The security of the state border is not a matter for discussion — it is one of our absolute priorities,” the minister said.
According to him, the enhanced security regime will remain in place for as long as the situation requires.
“Latvia is ready to respond immediately and decisively to any threat by ensuring close coordination between the State Border Guard, the State Police, the National Armed Forces and other involved institutions,” Dombrava said.
More Than 47,000 Attempted Crossings Prevented Since 2021
According to Latvia’s Interior Ministry, from Aug. 10, 2021, through June 27, 2026, state authorities prevented more than 47,000 attempts by third-country nationals to cross the Latvian-Belarusian border illegally.
The annual figures are as follows:
- 2023 — 13,863 attempts prevented;
- 2024 — 5,388;
- 2025 — 12,046;
- 2026 (as of June 30) — 6,718 attempts.
The increase in activity has been particularly noticeable during the warmer months.
During the spring and summer months of 2026 alone, Latvian border guards prevented:
- 1,700 attempts in April;
- 2,433 in May;
- 2,263 in June.
The Interior Ministry said the statistics are consistent with previous years, when improving weather conditions have led to a significant increase in attempted illegal border crossings.
Enhanced Regime Has Been in Force for Nearly Five Years
The special security regime for sections of the border was first introduced on Aug. 11, 2021, following the outbreak of the migration crisis on the European Union’s external borders.
Under the regime, Latvia’s State Border Guard receives support from the National Armed Forces, the State Police, and the border guard services of Finland and Estonia under bilateral cooperation arrangements.
Penalties for Assisting Migrants Have Been Toughened
During the enhanced security regime, stricter criminal legislation is applied to individuals involved in transporting migrants who have entered Latvia illegally or facilitating their unlawful stay in the country.
According to the State Border Guard, 89 criminal proceedings have already been initiated in 2026, including 26 separated from previously opened investigations, involving 77 people suspected of illegally transporting migrants or facilitating their unlawful stay in Latvia.
Riga Links Situation to War in Ukraine
Latvian authorities also view Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, which Belarus openly supports, according to the Interior Ministry, as an additional risk factor.
The ministry believes this may provide Minsk with additional motivation to continue attempts to destabilize the situation on Latvia’s border.
Decision May Be Extended Again
Under Latvian law, the enhanced border security regime may be introduced for up to six months at a time but can be extended repeatedly until the threat has been eliminated.
The Interior Ministry stressed that protecting the state border is not only a national responsibility but also part of safeguarding the European Union’s external border.
The ministry also reminded the public that lawful entry into Latvia is permitted only through official border crossing points and in accordance with the procedures established by law.
