Latvia proposes closing Pāternieki border crossing with Belarus to cargo and individuals

Latvia's Interior Ministry is urging the government to close the Pāternieki border crossing with Belarus to both cargo and individuals. The proposal aims to bolster national security and alleviate the significant burden on the State Border Guard and other services dealing with persistent illegal migration.

The ministry highlighted that Belarus continues to facilitate and encourage illegal border crossings, creating a security threat for Latvia. This situation places a prolonged strain on border personnel, limiting their capacity to simultaneously manage border checkpoints and patrol the "green border."

Under current law, the government can suspend or partially halt operations at border crossings during an intensified border security regime. The ministry argues this is necessary to prevent Latvia from becoming a target for prolonged hybrid warfare operations and other destabilizing activities orchestrated by Belarus.

Adding to the urgency, the Pāternieki crossing has experienced technical issues with its information systems since July 31, rendering border controls impossible. The proposal is being fast-tracked for consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers.