Latvia’s armed forces may temporarily take over property in military crises

Latvia’s National Armed Forces will be able to temporarily take control of real estate or parts of it during a military threat, under amendments to the National Security Law approved by Parliament on Thursday, LSM reported.

The amendments allow the commander of the National Armed Forces to agree to take property owned or possessed by the state, municipalities, individuals or legal entities into military custody for up to 14 days. The government may extend the period by a further 14 days, after which the property must be returned to its owner or possessor.

The Defence Ministry said the new rules were needed because of the changing security situation and recent military-related incidents in Latvia and its airspace, including foreign military drones entering Latvia.

The mechanism is intended to allow the armed forces to deploy necessary equipment within hours when required, rather than waiting weeks or months.

Owners will be able to seek compensation if their property is damaged while under military control, including compensation for lost profits.

The amendments define a military threat as, for example, the unlawful entry into or presence in Latvia of a military aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle, warship, military submarine, military vehicle or another unmanned military mechanical device. The unlawful entry into or presence of military formations in Latvia also falls under the definition.

The commander’s adviser, Roberts Skraučs, said the amendments applied to specific crisis situations and would include clearly defined conditions. He said they provided for temporary control of property, not its confiscation.