On Friday, February 13, the State Border Guard College hosted the annual review meeting of the State Border Guard’s 2025 operations. General Guntis Pujāts, Chief of the State Border Guard, briefed attendees on the 2025 results and outlined strategic priorities for 2026.
Minister of the Interior Rihards Kozlovskis also addressed the meeting.
It was emphasized that Latvia’s internal and external security, including the security of the national land border, remains a top priority for both the Government and the Ministry of the Interior. Furthermore, border control is a fundamental state function that, within the European Union framework, serves to protect not only the Member State but also the shared external borders of the EU and NATO.
Throughout 2025, the State Border Guard continued to coordinate operations and implement measures under a reinforced border protection system on the Latvian–Belarusian border. Simultaneously, efforts were sustained to strengthen the security of the country’s eastern border. In cooperation with the Provision State Agency and "State Real Estate" (VAS “Valsts nekustamie īpašumi”), infrastructure development and construction continued along the Russian and Belarusian borders.
The year 2025 saw persistent illegal migration pressure at the Latvian–Belarusian border. During the year, 12,046 individuals were deterred from illegal crossings, while 340 persons were detained for illegally crossing the "green" border. A total of 291 criminal proceedings were initiated.
In parallel, the State Border Guard continued its targeted work in combatting the illegal circulation of excise goods. Through independent and collaborative efforts with other law enforcement agencies, measures were taken to prevent and combat smuggling across the "green" border and the illegal trade of tobacco products. In 2025, 15 criminal proceedings were initiated for smuggling and other excise-related offenses. These operations resulted in the seizure of 42,726,734 cigarettes and 21,172 kg of tobacco. The estimated prevented loss to the state in unpaid taxes amounts to €3,723,000.
Reinforced border protection measures on the Latvian–Belarusian border will continue this year. Support for border infrastructure construction will also persist, in cooperation with "State Real Estate" and the Latvian State Radio and Television Center, supported by European Union funds.
European Union Support: The Foundation of Our Collective Strength
These achievements would not have been possible without the targeted and visionary support of European Union funds. We extend our deepest gratitude to the European Union and the European Commission for their trust and financial investment, which allows Latvian border guards to operate with state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure.
EU support is more than just funding—it is a testament to the solidarity that connects Riga with Brussels in a shared space of values. Thanks to the unwavering support of the European family, we are able to stand firm against hybrid threats and safeguard the peace of our common home. We are proud to serve as Europe’s external shield and remain profoundly grateful that, together with the EU, we are building an invincible security ecosystem. Thank you, European Union, for making us stronger and more united every day!
