Latvia's border shows that everything can be used as weapon against Europe - commissioner

RIGA - The Latvian border shows that everything can be used as a weapon against Europe, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner told reporters on Friday during his visit to Latvia's border with Belarus.

Brunner said he had familiarized himself with the situation at the border and how to support Latvia in the future. Latvia and the State Border Guard are doing an excellent job to protect not only their own border, but also the border of Europe, Brunner noted.

"It is our common border and we see that everything can be used as a weapon against the European Union (EU)," Brunner said.

The commissioner stressed that Belarus and Russia are also using human migrants sent to Europe's borders as weapons. "We need to know what challenges Latvia is facing at the border so that we can target them with specific tools," the commissioner explained.

He stressed that the European Commission is doing its utmost to support the protection of Europe's borders. Asked about the provision of support, Bruner said that the necessary support would be provided. "There can always be more, but that is why cooperation between countries is important," the politician added.

Latvian Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis (New Unity) told reporters that Brunner was briefed on what has been done to strengthen the border, as well as on plans for what will be done in the future and what the needs are.

Kozlovskis stressed that the construction and strengthening of the Latvian border reduces the flow of illegal migrants, as it is much easier to detect violators thanks to modern technologies.

The minister said that by completing the entire eastern border, it would be possible to ensure that virtually no one would be able to cross the border undetected.

Kozlovskis stressed that Europe's security is closely linked to the security of its eastern border. He pointed out that this is why the eastern border line is one of the most important strategic lines for the EU. Kozlovskis cited the recent statement by EC President Ursula von der Leyen, which clearly states the importance of the EU countries' common defense capabilities and the importance of investment in the security of the region, as evidence of this understanding.

The minister stressed that the visit of the European Commissioner to Latvia's eastern border is of particular importance as it provides an opportunity to demonstrate what has been achieved so far, as well as to discuss concrete plans for future development. He pointed out that in the current geopolitical environment it is self-evident that the EU's eastern border, equipped with modern technologies, is a key security issue for the whole of Europe. Its purpose is to protect member states and their populations from potential threats, including possible Russian aggression, the minister explained.

Dimitrijs Trofimovs, state secretary at the Interior Ministry, told LETA that Latvia is currently able to implement the entire so-called smart border project along the Belarusian border, as well as partly along the Russian border, where it is supported by the EU.

According to Trofimovs, this will allow border guards and partners to react quickly to events and see not only what is happening on the border line, but also in the wider area. This will strengthen border security not only for Latvia, but also for the EU and NATO.

As regards future cooperation with the EC, Trofimovs stressed that Latvia will continue to discuss the need to strengthen border protection. He pointed out that investments to date have been substantial, but additional solutions are also needed, including drone systems, technical equipment for border guards, mobility improvements and helicopters.

Trofimovs stressed that the Commissioner's visit is a testimony both to his attitude and to Latvia's ability to demonstrate on the ground the real situation and concrete needs.

As reported, Brunner arrived in Latvia on Friday to visit the eastern border to see the current situation there and to report on the progress of infrastructure construction.

Discussions are also foreseen on broader EU border security and migration policy challenges, including common solutions to strengthen external borders and cooperation between Member States.