EU Commissioner: the situation at the Latvian border indicates that everything can be used as a weapon against Europe.
The situation at the Latvian border indicates that everything can be used as a weapon against Europe, said EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, who visited the Latvian-Belarusian border during his trip to Latvia on Friday.
Brunner noted that he was briefed on the situation at the border and believes that Latvia and the State Border Guard have done significant work in protecting not only their own border but also the border of all Europe.
"This is our common border, and we see that everything here can be used as a weapon against the EU," emphasized Brunner.
The commissioner noted that Belarus and Russia are using people - migrants - as a weapon by directing them towards the borders of Europe. "We must understand the challenges Latvia faces at the border in order to implement specific measures," he said.
Brunner added that the European Commission is doing everything possible to provide support in securing the European border. "There is always more that can be done, which is why coordination between countries is important," the commissioner added.
Latvian Minister of the Interior Rihards Kozlovskis informed journalists that the commissioner was provided with information about the work done to strengthen the border, future plans, and necessary resources.
The minister emphasized that strengthening the Latvian border contributes to reducing the flow of illegal migrants, as modern technologies make it much easier to detect violators. After the completion of infrastructure construction along the entire eastern border, it will become nearly impossible to cross it unnoticed, added the head of the Ministry of Interior.
Kozlovskis emphasized that the security of the eastern border is closely linked to the security of all Europe, and the defense line on the eastern border is one of the most important strategic directions of the EU.
The minister noted that the visit of the EU commissioner to the eastern border of Latvia provides an opportunity to demonstrate results and discuss specific plans for further actions. In the current geopolitical conditions, it is clear that the eastern border of the EU, equipped with modern technologies, is a crucial factor for the security of all Europe, and its task is to protect European states and their populations from potential threats, including possible aggression from Russia.
State Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Dmitrijs Trofimovs reported that Latvia is currently capable, with the support of the EU, of implementing the entire "smart border" project at the border with Belarus and partially at the border with Russia.
The State Real Estate Agency has already completed the construction of barriers, patrol roads, and accompanying infrastructure. An optical cable has been laid along the border, and cameras and sensors are being installed - this project will be completed next year, providing the border with modern technological solutions.
According to Trofimovs, this will allow border guards to respond quickly to events and monitor not only the border line but also the adjacent territory. Thus, the security of not only Latvia but also the borders of the EU and NATO will be strengthened.
He noted that significant funds have been invested in strengthening the border; however, additional solutions are required, including drone systems, technical equipment for border guards, improved mobility, and helicopters.
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