Lithuania offers technological support to Latvia amid rising illegal migration

Lithuania has pledged to intensify technological cooperation with Latvia as the latter faces a surge in illegal migration, LRT reports.

Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius told journalists on Friday that Lithuania is ready to strengthen collaboration with Latvian authorities, including technological assistance. He noted that such cooperation is already underway but could be expanded.

When asked about Latvia’s request for 100 border guards, Sinkevičius expressed doubt about Lithuania’s ability to deploy such a large number. According to the State Border Guard Service, nine Lithuanian border guards—including two dog handlers with service dogs—have already been sent to assist Latvia from the Pagėgiai and Pakrantė border protection units.

Data from the Ministry of the Interior shows that secondary migration flows from Latvia have increased significantly. Between January and June, the number of foreigners detained in Lithuania rose from around 300 to over 1,200 compared to the same period last year.

Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas previously suggested that temporary border controls might be reintroduced if secondary illegal migration from Latvia continues unchecked. However, Sinkevičius stated that discussing such measures is premature.

“This is one option, but it is quite radical,” he said. “We would like to ask Latvia to take this issue much more seriously. The current situation is unsatisfactory, and we hope Latvia will allocate appropriate attention. Lithuania will try to assist Latvia inter-institutionally and, by doing so, help itself.”

Sinkevičius added that he has received an invitation from Latvian officials to visit and assess their efforts in combating illegal migration. This week, during a visit by the Latvian president and his delegation, the two countries’ interior ministers signed a bilateral agreement on cooperation in fighting crime, including organised migrant smuggling networks.

President Gitanas Nausėda has stated that reintroducing border controls with Latvia would amount to capitulating to illegal migration.