Rinkēvičs says border infrastructure improved but guards are lacking

Latvia has made significant progress in strengthening infrastructure along its border with Belarus, but it faces serious shortages of personnel, President Edgars Rinkēvičs said during a visit to Piedruja, a village near the Belarusian border, LSM reported.

The president also said that the suspension of operations at the Pāternieki border crossing remains an unresolved issue.

Over the past three years, the border guard unit in Piedruja has built a new patrol road, bridges, towers equipped with cameras and sensors, and a fence. The unit is responsible for a 25-kilometre section of the border, including 17 kilometres along the Daugava River.

Rinkēvičs said that 55 percent of the border is currently equipped with sensors and video surveillance. The remaining section is expected to be equipped by the end of the year, resolving the main technological problem, he said.

However, the Border Guard leadership raised concerns during the visit about a shortage of staff needed for monitoring and responding to incidents. Neighbouring units, the armed forces and police are currently providing assistance.

“A fence, sensors and video are one element, but if there is no one to respond, there will be no real return on these investments,” Rinkēvičs said.