On Friday, April 24, the Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mieriņa, accompanied by the Chief of the State Border Guard, General Guntis Pujāts, visited the State Border Guard Ventspils Board and the Maritime Operations Coordination Center. The purpose of the visit was to witness firsthand the effectiveness and technological readiness of maritime border surveillance, which has been purposefully developed with the support of European Union funds.
During the visit, the Speaker was briefed on the Board’s operational work and the ongoing challenges of maritime border protection. Special attention was given to the technical equipment used in border surveillance, the modernization of which is a vital component of European Integrated Border Management. Border guards demonstrated both state-of-the-art technical equipment and the high level of professionalism of the cynology service and their canine units.
The officials also boarded the State Border Guard vessel RK-31 "Bārta", where, alongside the vessel RK-20 "Rānda" and additional patrol boats, maritime operational and tactical capabilities were showcased. The maintenance and modernization of these technical units directly contribute to the security of the external maritime borders of both Latvia and the EU, proving the targeted and effective use of EU financial instruments.
This visit confirms that EU investments in maritime border security are more than just figures on paper—they represent world-class technology and exceptionally trained professionals who guard the peace of Europe around the clock. With the EU’s forward-thinking support, Latvia has established a modern and effective maritime shield that serves as a model of solidarity and shared responsibility for our common borders. Together, we are building a Europe that is not only technologically superior but also steadfast in its commitment to protecting freedom and security.
