Decline of eastern border areas would pose security risk - Estonian minister

TALLINN - Estonian Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Piret Hartman, participating in a joint session of the Estonia-Latvia and Latvia-Estonia government committees in Riga on Wednesday, emphasized that a decline of eastern border areas would represent a security risk.

Hartman stressed the importance of cooperation between Estonia and Latvia.

"We have many shared issues, including regional policies for border areas, public transport, crisis preparedness, and healthcare -- all of which require joint efforts," Hartman said.

She added that neighboring countries must stand together to be more effective and amplify their voices in Europe.

"We are not just solving Baltic region issues but addressing matters for all of Europe," she said.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the two government committees.

"Looking back, it is gratifying to see that over the years, this cooperation platform has resolved many issues, creating a lasting and close bond between Estonian and Latvian state institutions," the minister noted.

During discussions on cross-border cooperation projects, representatives from the interior ministries of both countries highlighted the use of drones in border areas. The rapidly evolving field of unmanned aerial vehicles and drones requires joint coordination and development. Estonian and Latvian border agencies have signed agreements on data exchange related to drones, re-establishing border controls at internal borders, organizing joint border patrol exercises, and sharing equipment testing data.

In spring, the Baltic states also signed a memorandum on health crisis cooperation, which facilitates the exchange of data and experiences. Preparations were agreed upon for joint actions in emergencies, such as faster distribution of vaccines and essential medicines during pandemics, cross-border ambulance and medical team support, psychological crisis assistance, and more efficient coordination of foreign humanitarian aid.

With regard to transport and infrastructure, discussions included Rail Baltic and the launch of a Tartu-Riga train line. Latvian representatives emphasized their commitment to finding optimal solutions for cross-border services. For Rail Baltic, Latvia has decided to build the railway first toward Lithuania and then toward Estonia, though there is hope for joint procurement processes with Estonia to purchase trains more economically. Latvian authorities are ready to open the Tartu-Riga train line and are waiting for final document formalities from Estonia.

The session also addressed the precise delineation of state borders, which requires urgent resolution, and emphasized the development of border areas that have historically had close links with the two countries' eastern neighbor.

"We must strengthen these areas and provide opportunities for transition, including restructuring businesses in the region. Thriving border areas are also crucial from a security perspective," Hartman emphasized.

The Estonia-Latvia and Latvia-Estonia government committees were established in 2004 to support and develop cooperation between neighboring countries, promote regional development, and address shared challenges. Members of the committees include ministries, border municipalities, municipal associations, and representatives from the parliaments and governments of both countries.