Proposal to declare state of emergency in Latvia's border area
Latvian authorities are proposing a state of emergency in border municipalities due to increased sightings of unidentified drones and potential security threats. The measure aims to ensure the continuity of critical infrastructure and services by allowing for extended working hours and emergency coordination.
Why it matters
This reflects growing regional anxiety over border security and the potential for spillover effects from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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.
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