Latvia reallocates 11.8 million euros to fortify eastern border

Latvia will build 27 kilometres of additional anti-tank ditches and install more barriers and sensors along its eastern border, LSM reported, citing Defence Minister Raivis Melnis.

The government approved the reallocation of 11.8 million euros between Defence Ministry budget programmes at a closed meeting on Tuesday. Melnis said in an interview with Latvian Television’s morning programme Rīta Panorāma that the money would fund the ditches, “dragon’s teeth” anti-tank barriers, sensors to detect drones and other obstacles.

The National Armed Forces also plan to install new surveillance systems near the border. The equipment will allow them to see and hear activity in the border area and more effectively detect attempts to cross illegally, Melnis said.

He said pressure from irregular migration at Latvia’s border had not eased. The State Border Guard, National Armed Forces, State Police and National Guard are working together to reduce the number of people crossing illegally and travelling onward through Latvia into Europe. Authorities have also detained more people suspected of transporting migrants, he said.

Melnis said the current year’s budget did not provide for fortification work on this scale, making a separate funding decision necessary. In January 2024, the defence ministers of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia signed an agreement to establish a Baltic Defence Line. The countries are coordinating the project but funding their own sections.