RIGA - The Defense Ministry has drafted a bill on infrastructure development necessary for counter-mobility and mobility measures to make the Baltic Defense Line more effective.
The bill provides for a special legal framework for the deployment of material and technical means necessary for counter-mobility and mobility measures, infrastructure development, and appropriation of real estate near Latvia's borders with Russia and Belarus.
Areas required for infrastructure development will be designated as sites of national interest.
According to the bill, Valsts Nekustamie Ipasumi (State Real Estate, VNI) will organize and ensure infrastructure development, deployment of material and technical means, and be responsible for coordinating work of the institutions involved.
The legislation provides that the State Center for Defense Military Sites and Procurement will organize appropriation of the necessary immovable property or parts thereof, as well as land surveying.
Furthermore, the National Armed Forces may also build infrastructure and deploy material and technical means necessary for counter-mobility and mobility measures.
The structures built in the process of infrastructure development are to be registered with the Land Register in the name of the Defense Ministry.
According to the bill, the Defense Ministry will have the right to start cutting trees and bushes, as well as carry out other preparatory and construction work necessary for the deployment of material and technical means on immovable property to be appropriated for public needs.
The legislation stipulates that the deployment of material and technical means for counter-mobility and mobility measures and infrastructure development will be exempt from the requirements laid down in regulations on construction, forest management, tree felling, and environmental protection.
State forest management company Latvijas Valsts Mezi will be the owner of the felled trees, which will register them as wood products.
The bill provides that trees and bushes may also be cut on properties owned by other private individuals, if this is necessary to ensure access to sites where the works are to be carried out.
The bill prohibits any actions to interfere with the deployment of material and technical means necessary for counter-mobility and mobility measures and infrastructure development, as well as to damage or move the new infrastructure and material and technical means deployed.
Public procurement regulations will not apply to design, construction of equipment and technical support for counter-mobility and mobility measures.
As reported, the National Armed Forces continue implementation of the Eastern Border Fortification and Counter-mobility Plan, for which EUR 45 million has been allocated this year.
Counter-mobility barriers, sensors, artillery systems, and mine-laying equipment will be purchased according to the plan this year, and the National Armed Forces will continue providing support for the State Border Guard.
Cooperation with local producers will also continue during implementation of the Eastern Border Fortification and Counter-mobility Plan.
Capabilities of the Armed Forces to limit enemy from advancing across the border have already been increased by creating obstacle lines and blocking certain roads.
In the coming years, outposts with reinforced structures and fortifications, obstacle lines, as well as ammunition and mine storages will be built at the border, said the Defense Ministry.
Eastern Border Fortification and Counter-mobility Plan is part of the Baltic Defense Line initiative, which covers the whole length of border with Russia and Belarus. Total investment into strengthening defense on eastern border will reach EUR 303 million in five years. Last year, EUR 25 million was allocated for implementation of the plan.
As reported, Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian defense ministers approved the Baltic Defense Line initiative during trilateral meeting in January 2024. Poland joined the initiative last May. The initiative will strengthen the defense of eastern border of the Baltic countries and NATO. Closely coordinated construction of the defense line will be separately funded by each participating country.
Baltic Defense Line will significantly enhance military defense infrastructure and capabilities of Baltic countries, preventing Russia from any potential swift military attacks. This initiative is in line with NATO's defense plans.
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