Proposal to declare state of emergency in Latvia's border area

The KEM is justifying this on the grounds of “the threat of an escalation of Russian military operations”, according to information on the Draft Legislation Portal. The explanatory memorandum explains that the decree is necessary as unmanned aerial vehicles and other unidentified objects are being detected with increasing frequency in Latvian airspace or near the national border, which could potentially pose a threat to public safety, human health and the operation of critical infrastructure. Consequently, a legal framework is required to ensure the uninterrupted operation of services and businesses. The draft order provides for these matters to be regulated on a temporary basis until permanent legislation is drawn up. The draft proposes declaring a state of emergency in the municipalities of Alūksne, Augšdaugava, Balvi, Daugavpils, Krāslava, Līvāni, Ludza, Preiļi and Rēzekne, as well as in the cities of Daugavpils and Rēzekne, until 1 December this year. KEM proposes that the Ministry of Defence be designated as the authority responsible for coordinating the activities of the relevant institutions during the state of emergency, whilst the Ministry of Health (VM) would be the co-responsible authority for the health sector, and KEM for the energy and water management sectors. The draft order includes extending working hours and overtime for employees of energy supply, water management, and healthcare, as well as reimbursements for services that cannot be provided during an emergency, such as state-funded healthcare services. The draft order has been submitted for consultation by Monday, 31 August.