This week, at the meeting of the European Union (EU) Justice and Home Affairs Council in Brussels, Minister of the Interior Rihards Kozlovskis reminded his fellow member state colleagues that Latvia immediately ceased issuing tourist visas and entry for non-essential purposes following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. The Minister also urged member states to recognize the risks that the presence of such tourists in EU territory could pose to internal security, and to stop issuing Schengen tourist visas to Russian citizens.
Rihards Kozlovskis: "In the current circumstances, we cannot continue with business as usual; we must acknowledge that we are in a state of hybrid warfare. In Latvia, this affects the daily work of security institutions both at the border and within the country. We have encountered illegal border crossers, acts of sabotage such as the burning of the Occupation Museum, drones crossing the border, attempts to influence public opinion through propaganda, and more. Therefore, I urge all member states to seriously recognize the threat. Denying such a service is our moral duty".
EU funding plays an indispensable role in strengthening Latvia's security and ensuring internal security. This funding helps Latvia modernize border protection infrastructure, purchase modern equipment, and train personnel to more effectively combat illegal migration, cross-border crime, and other security threats. EU funds are a crucial support for Latvia's efforts to ensure its own security and that of the entire EU, especially given the current geopolitical situation and the threats of hybrid warfare.
More information in Latvian about EU Justice and Home Affairs Council in Brussels: https://www.iem.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/kozlovskis-aicina-es-dalibvalstis-partraukt-izsniegt-sengenas-turistu-vizas-krievijas-pilsoniem?fbclid=IwY2xjawI2QlpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQ8gAbc5dI4dEXUsJ-iqgGffdJJpbeIIjU1DtTvB1V3D5l8Gr_tAVlZ-JA_aem_fNKthoNXkDK0im9JnIvzNg
