On April 23, the “Ministry of the Interior Industry Day 2026” took place, aiming to promote dialogue on current issues within the home affairs sector and strengthen cooperation between government institutions, entrepreneurs, and research organizations. The event was co-financed by the European Union.
As part of the event, entrepreneurs presented their solutions, technologies, and services, introducing home affairs institutions and partners to the latest trends in security technology development and innovations for strengthening security functions.
Opening the event, Minister of the Interior Rihards Kozlovskis emphasized that the security situation in Europe has changed significantly, and the actions of aggressor states at the European Union's external borders continue to pose a threat to both the European Union and its values. In the context of hybrid threats, all European Union Member States must be aware of the nature of these threats and strengthen mutual cooperation. In such a situation, close cooperation between state institutions, entrepreneurs, and the research sector is particularly significant for developing practical and effective security solutions.
The Minister noted that for several years, Latvia has been facing pressure from illegal migration from Belarus, while simultaneously continuing the development of a smart border and seeking new technological solutions, including in the field of drones and anti-drone systems. Increasing attention is also being paid to cybersecurity and the use of artificial intelligence in strengthening security. It is equally important to develop civil protection capabilities by clearly defining priorities and ensuring appropriate funding, including with European Union support.
Panel discussions emphasized that security challenges are becoming increasingly complex, covering both physical and digital environments. Addressing them requires close and coordinated cooperation between state institutions, research organizations, and the security industry.
It is essential for industry representatives to understand the sector's needs and development directions in a timely manner to plan investments in research and innovation; meanwhile, the public sector must provide a clear vision for future procurements and development projects.
Furthermore, attendees were introduced to the draft of the European Union's 2028–2034 budget framework. According to Kaspars Āboliņš, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior, given the rapidly changing geopolitical situation, funding flexibility will be particularly important to ensure the ability to respond promptly to new challenges and commitments, including in migration and border management, while continuing the implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact. At the same time, it is vital to find a balance between Latvia's national needs and common European Union priorities.
The cooperation to date with the Federation of Security and Defence Industries of Latvia was positively evaluated, especially in the consultative format, where the sector identifies problems and challenges while the industry offers practical and technological solutions. This approach promotes innovation and allows for a more effective resolution of internal security needs.
As Elīna Egle emphasized: “We live in a time when the presence of war has become a daily reality in both the physical and digital environments, and security challenges are constant. This means building a resilience system where every link—the security industry, the home affairs sector, critical infrastructure, and service providers—is strong and mutually united.”
Discussions highlighted that security issues can no longer be viewed narrowly within one sector—they require cross-sectoral cooperation at both national and international levels. At the center of modern challenges are security, energy independence, and the ability to innovate, whereas within the European Union, close cooperation between Member States is particularly significant.
Aija Kalnāja, Deputy Executive Director for Capabilities at the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), stated: "Today's security threats are aggressive, complex, and increasingly overlap various institutional areas of responsibility. We must abandon the hope that the situation will change rapidly without our active and joint action; therefore, a responsible understanding of the need to work together for national and European security is no longer a matter of choice, but a requirement for further survival and prosperity. One area is our collective ability to develop and rapidly implement innovations. Law enforcement agencies have much to do in this field because technologies do not just enter our work—they have become a modern source of both strength and weakness. Industry Days promote cooperation between academia, industry, and the user, and therefore I am honored by the invitation to share Frontex's experience in building such cooperation."
Regarding civil protection, the need for a stable, risk-analysis-based legal and financial framework was emphasized to ensure the practical implementation of planned measures. This includes a clear division of responsibilities, sufficient funding, and industry involvement in providing specific solutions.
In conclusion, it was determined that only through close partnership between the public sector and industry, based on clearly defined priorities, mutual trust, and a long-term vision, is it possible to ensure the development of an internal security system that is effective and appropriate for modern threats.
The event was organized in cooperation with the Federation of Security and Defence Industries of Latvia and with the support of the European Union.
