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Unofficial translation
Adopted by the Saeima on January 24, 2002
The National Security Concept
Content
Introduction
1. National Security
1.1. National Interests of the Republic of Latvia
1.2. State Security Policy, its Principles and Implementation
1.3. Endangerment to the National Security
2. Evaluation of the Security Environment and Risks
2.1. International Environment
2.2. State and Society
2.2.1. Democracy and the Rule of Law
2.2.2. Internal Security
2.2.3. Economics, Regional Development and Environment
2.2.4. Integration of the Society and Social Situation
2.2.5. State Defence
3. Ensuring the National Security, Prevention of Endangerment
3.1. Foreign Policy
3.2. Ensuring of the Internal Security of the Country
3.2.1. Advancing of the Legislation and Ensuring of the Legal Power
3.2.2. Corruption Prevention
3.2.3. Ensurance of the Public Order and Security
3.2.4. Prevention of Activities of Anti-state and Radical Organisations, Foreign Intelligence Services
3.2.5. State Borders
3.2.6. Security of Information Technologies
3.3. Development of Economy, Industries, Environment and Regions
3.3.1. Economic Security
3.3.2. Agricultural Policy
3.3.3. Regional Development Policy
3.3.4. Environmental Policy
3.4. Diminishing of Social Risks
3.4.1. Ensuring Integration of Society
3.4.2. Social Security
3.4.3. Health Protection
3.5. State Defence
3.5.1. Military Defence
3.5.2.Civil Defence
3.5.3. Development of the Crisis Management System
The National Security Plan
Upon adoption of the National Security Law, the Saeima (Parliament) of the Republic of Latvia has defined the main goals of the National Security Concept – to determine the strategic principles, priorities and measures for prevention of endangerment to the state security.
The Concept characterises the situation in the Republic of Latvia from the aspect of security, as well as evaluates the factors, which affect state security. The concept is based on the understanding that the national security is influenced not only by political and military sectors, but also by social, environmental and economic sectors.
The Concept determines the guidelines for performance of public institutions supporting the general security policy of the state and elaborating plans and programmes of particular sectors.
On the basis of the strategy and principles set in the National Security Concept, the National Security Plan containing concrete measures for neutralisation and prevention of endangerment to the state security shall be elaborated.
The Analysis of Endangerment to the State forms the analytical background of this document.
The national security of the Republic of Latvia is the ability of the state and its society to protect and ensure the national interests and basic values. They are - the maintenance of the state independence, territorial integrity and democratic system of the Republic of Latvia, determined by the Satversme (Constitution), as well as ensuring the internal security of the state by guaranteeing compliance with the human rights, security and protection of the people.
The national interests also include ensuring of the preconditions necessary for a long-term development of the state and society: ensurance of the economic growth and welfare of the population, preservation of language and cultural identity, maintenance of defence system, preservation and development of scientific and technical potential, ensuring sustainable development of the environment, ensurance and development of state infrastructure and telecommunications, including ensurance and development of information technologies, maintenance of internal political stability, which is based on overall awareness of democratic development of the Republic of Latvia, development of unified civil society, which on the turn is based on the principle of equality of rights for all individuals.
The ability of Latvia to ensure realisation of its national interests also depends on such external conditions as general environment of international relations and co-operation in the world and the region, international economic situation, global environmental quality.
The security policy of Latvia is an integral part of the state policy. It shall guarantee the existence of the Latvian country and ensure protection of the national interests of Latvia by the means and methods envisaged by the Satversme and legal acts.
Upon implementing the security policy, Latvia complies with the principles of the international law, which are incorporated in the Statutes of the United Nations (hereinafter UN), documents of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (hereinafter OSCE), as well as the international agreements binding for Latvia. Development of Latvia's security policy presents no endanger to any other country.
Security of Latvia may be attained by ensuring lasting internal policy, social and economic situation, developing effective structures of defence forces, creating the crisis management and civil protection systems, forming the system for the state with rule of law and structures complying with the international commitments and norms, as well as integrating in the European and transatlantic political, economic, security and defence structures.
The state security policy and attaining of its goals is the responsibility of all public institutions and the people of the state.
Endangerment to the national security of Latvia are the activities directed against the national interests and principal values of Latvia, as well as situations caused by ecological, technical and other factors which unfavourably influence realisation of the national interests.
The endangerments may arise in political, military, economic, informative, social, ecologic and criminal etc. spheres separately and can be closely related and mutually interacting.
The risks and endangerments to the national interests of the Latvian country and society result from both the international environment and the development processes of Latvian state and the society.
Apart from describing the situation with regard to security in the world and Latvia, the National Security Concept also addresses the main factors, which directly affect state security and which at the same time characterise the current situation in the country – situation in the world and in the region, development of state democracy and the institutions providing it, security of the society and members of the society, development of market economy, integration of society, social situation and self-defence capability of the country.
During last decade world security systems have undergone the fundamental changes which have also influenced Latvia. With disappearance of bipolar system of the Cold War, strictly fixed positions and easy-to-model situations, the times of frozen concepts has also gone. The situation in the world, Europe and the Baltic Sea region develops very dynamically.
The probability of a global war has decreased, though a large-scale armed conflict may not be completely excluded. It is not anticipated that in the nearest future Latvia could be exposed to direct military aggression. However, with the decreased probability of a global war the probability of regional and local crises and conflicts has increased. They may arise due to ethnical and religious conflicts, border disputes, economical or welfare recession of the countries or regions, weakening of internal administrative capacity of the countries, as well as due to development of non-democratic processes.
In case of local and regional crises, the probability of uncontrolled migration increases, which becomes especially dangerous if this leads to a humanitarian crisis. Today Latvia is not the destination of migration flows, but it is increasingly used as the transit country in cases of uncontrolled (especially, economically motivated) migration.
The spread of weapons of mass destruction has become one of the fundamental security risks in the world, which can endanger Latvia's cooperation partners or Latvia itself. Despite of the existing system of arms control agreements, the task of which is to restrict the spread of weapons of mass destruction or their carriers, they are at disposal of more and more countries and even non-governmental institutions, thus endangering the international security and stability.
The spread of international terrorism, which may also take the form of political terrorism, should be viewed as risk to international stability and security. In this sphere the negative trends have been observed during last years – the globalisation processes increase the dangerousness of terrorism groups and, as a result, any country of the world may become a victim of terrorism. The activities that are planned thoroughly, technically ensured and which have possible access to chemical, biological and nuclear weapons create new threats to the world. It is characteristic for international terrorism to develop a global network and establish decentralised terrorist organisations, that burden the capability of the countries to prevent the activities of terrorists.
The international security environment in Europe is substantially influenced by the European integration process, which is related to the intensified integration of the European Union (hereinafter the EU) and enlargement of the EU, as well as to the enlargement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (hereinafter NATO) and the new tasks of the Alliance in the area of security. Most European countries have joined the transatlantic co-operation which is based on common democratic values. The majority of European countries consider the permanent and close participation of the United States of America (hereinafter the USA) in ensuring European security as a necessary element of stability in the continent. Along with the permanent involvement of the USA, European countries assume greater responsibility in the area of security by creating common security and defence policy within the EU, which will enable to play a more important role in the international crisis management. In the sphere of common defence NATO and the USA still retain the leading role.
Enlargement of Nato and the EU is a factor which stabilises the security systems enlarging the region where a lasting and democratic political and economical development is guarantied. It enables the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, including Latvia, to take an active part in developing security system of the continent.
National security of Latvia may not be viewed separately from security of Europe and transatlantic security. Latvia's membership in the EU and NATO will strengthen its security and allow full-fledged alignment with the European and transatlantic security system. Such development trends and prospects of Latvia to join the EU and NATO positively influence the security situation of Latvia.
Regional co-operation is the supplementary element of global and European security processes. Latvia's co-operation with Estonia and Lithuania in common defence projects also contributes to the security in the Baltic Sea region. The active support of Nordic countries – Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Island – to long-term democratic development of the Baltic countries has turned the Baltic Sea region into conjunctive and co-operative environment. Co-operation of these countries takes various forms – co-operation of the Baltic States, co-operation between the Baltic and Nordic countries, the Council of the Baltic Sea States in the framework of which Russia, Germany and Poland have joined regional co-operation. The aim of co-operation is to facilitate the development and increase the stability of the region and at the same time of the whole Europe.
Bilateral relations of the countries also influence the environment for development of security process. Therefore, further development of Russia and Byelorussia – the eastern neighbouring countries, is especially important for Latvia. The democratisation process and predictability of foreign policies of the both countries will to a great extent influence further development of the region.
Latvia is an independent, democratic republic, which is built on the generally accepted principles of democracy. A stable institutional system, which ensures the rule of law, compliance with the human rights and protection of minorities, has been developed in Latvia. Freedom and equality of individuals of the society are harmoniously linked and within strictly limited state power, individual rights, freedom and equality are guaranteed before the law. The state legislation and the Satversme ensure an opportunity to participate in the determination of the state system, guarantees pluralism, freedom of speech and religion.
The existing constitutional institutions and independent law enforcement establishments ensure the rule of law in the country. The rule of law does not only mean formal legality but also justice based on recognition of the value of human personality.
Latvia has established a functioning, independent legal system, which is being gradually improved. Attention is paid to improvement of the judicial reform. The training system and qualification of judges and prosecutors has improved, paying special attention to education in the EU law.
Two reform processes simultaneously occur in the legal system of Latvia – it is being approximated to the Western system of law and thus becomes more democratic and at the same time it is being approximated to the legal system of the EU due to accession of Latvia to the EU. It means both approximating the legal norms and compatibility of the legal system of the EU with Latvian national legal system (also in the sphere of law enforcement and culture of the legal system).
The insufficient number of qualified judges, long periods of detention before the court and large number of juveniles detained in isolation wards before the court create certain risk for just and perfect operation of the legal system.
As corruption both in private and public sectors may endanger the economic, social and legal development of the country, a programme for prevention of corruption has been elaborated and is being implemented in Latvia.
The criminality in the country influences the society in general and the security of each individual of the society. It is influenced not only by the internal processes – political, economic, social and legal, but also by the criminality trends in the world. The threats of organised crime and terrorism have increased in the international environment. The organised crime is closely connected with smuggling and trafficking illicit drugs, weapons and explosives, trafficking in human beings, prostitution, illegal migration and money laundering. These phenomena and their consequences may endanger national interests of Latvia. At the moment the spreading of terrorism has not been observed in Latvia but the increased interest of international groups of organised crime in the Baltic States may encourage the activities of international terrorism in Latvia, as well.
The increased influence and pressure of international groups of organised crime can be observed in the country when they try to set the spheres of influence by penetrating the structures of organised crime and legal businesses of Latvia.
In last years several countries of the world have faced a new and often problematic phenomenon – activities of the opponents of globalisation. Up to now such activities have not been observed in Latvia, however, due to increasing alignment with international organisations, the possibility of their occurrence may increase.
The increased spreading of criminality, drug addiction and alcoholism among juveniles is a serious national problem.
According to the statistical data, which characterise the criminal situation in the country during last years, it can be found that in general, despite some negative tendencies, the dynamics of criminality, its structure and criminal tension in the country have decreased.
The ability to protect and control the state border, restrict the flow of smuggled goods and illegal migration plays a significant role in ensuring the national independence and the internal security in the country.
The geopolitical position of Latvia is a determinant factor for creation of the state border guard and the customs. The international situation, which has significantly changed over the last years, substantially influences the priorities and speed of further development of border surveillance, resulting in strengthening of the institutional capacity of the border guard and the customs and improvement of the efficiency of the border guard and control.
Through implementation of the measures for improvement of the state border guard and control system, it is taken into consideration that in future the eastern border of the country, as well as the international ports and airports will be the external borders of the EU. Latvian visa and migration policy, and procedures of border control are improved. Implementation of immigration policy has resulted in decreased flow of illegal migration.
The operation of foreign intelligence services in Latvia, which is directed not only against Latvia but also other countries, still remains as a risk factor for national interests of Latvia. These services are interested in obtaining extensive information concerning political, military, economic and social, as well as other issues and its application in interests of other countries.
Anti-state oriented and radical organisations in their activities make use of social integration, ethnic and social problems existing in the country. Radical left and right-wing organisations have the tendency of extreme illegal activities and provocative actions, which are dangerous to the society. Some of their participants express chauvinistic, anti-Semitic, racist and xenophobic views.
The development of information and communication technologies has at the same time led to a new vulnerability of the systems applied. Not only military equipment and communication network may become a target of aggressors, but also civil information infrastructures, which can paralyse the performance of the public administration structures, may cause economic losses and significant loss of information or its confidentiality. In the future, we can envisage increased threats caused by unauthorised connections by third persons which may result in alteration, damage or stealing of information in interests of persons concerned, damage or destruction of the software, impairment of the protection system or dissemination of a new virus in the software environment.
The economic development, economic and financial stability of the country have significant influence on the national security. Latvia, as a small country with an open market economy, is strongly subjected to the international influence and fluctuations. Therefore, the stability and predictability of countries of the region and partner states is of particular importance. Global economic crises and changes may cause adverse effects to the development of national economy.
The national economy statistics of the last years indicate rapid growth, in practically all of the most important spheres of the economy. Moreover, this growth is accompanied by low inflation rate and gradual decrease in current account deficit of the balance of payment.
As a result of structural reforms in Latvia, transition from the command economy to a functioning market economy has been performed so that the private initiative predominates. The considerable proportion of private capital in all the most important spheres – industry, agriculture and services (except for public services) – create certain restrictions to the state to directly influence the development of national economy and increase significance of the indirect instruments which form the business environment.
Through stabilization of the macroeconomic environment, Latvia implements a deliberate monetary and fiscal policy. The basic element of the Latvian monetary policy is attachment of LVL to the SDR currency basket consistently implemented by the Bank of Latvia. Such monetary policy, which is based on the fixed currency basket, also increases the significance of strict fiscal policy in order to ensure internal and external balance of the Latvian economy. The fiscal policy aims at attaining low deficit level of the state budget in respect to rationalisation of state expenditures. Such a policy is especially important taking into account that the level of fiscal deficit is closely related with the deficit of the current account deficit of balance of payments which in last years has decreased but still remains relatively high.
Today the main driving forces of the national economy growth are service industries – commercial services, financial services, transport, communication and commerce. The processing industry is also in the phase of development in which the largest contribution should be credited to wood processing, textile, metal works and metal production industry. There are positive tendencies in mechanical engineering, as well. The largest branch of Latvian industry – food production also is in the phase of growth, yet it should be noted that it still has not achieved the production scale of 1998, before the crisis in Russia. The chemical industry has high potential for growth, however, problems in some leading enterprises of the industry substantially worsen also the general performance of the industry. The specific weight of agriculture in the national economy is gradually decreasing, nevertheless, in this sphere some latest indicators show that the decay of agricultural production has stopped and a modest growth has started.
Stability of Latvia is substantially affected by the inconsistent development of its regions. Due to mono-central development situation is significantly different in the capital city Riga and the regions of Latvia. The major part of Latvia – borderland regions, rural areas, several cities – in comparison with the largest development centres of entrepreneurship, have unbalanced development, thus increasing economic dissimilarities, as well as causing migration of the residents from the less developed regions.
The environmental quality and sustainable use of natural resources both in Latvia and globally are closely related to security and public health. Ecological and epidemiological threats may result from natural disasters and accidents caused by humans and epidemic outbursts in Latvia or close to its border.
Integration of the society is one of the most significant factors which stabilises internal political situation in the country. The essence of integration – to deepen and improve the link between the state and its inhabitants, to decrease the social marginalisation, to support ethnical tolerance, to facilitate the naturalisation process and comprehensive application of the Latvian language. The fundament for integration of the society is loyalty to Latvia, awareness that the future and personal welfare of every individual is closely related to the future of Latvia, its stability and security.
Great work has been carried out consolidating values, tolerance, ethnic self-awareness, national languages and culture of a democratic and civic society and facilitating accessibility of cultural values and heritage. The legislative basis of Latvia guarantees the minority rights ensuring the rights to preserve and develop their language, ethnic and cultural variety.
Not only public institutions, but also non-governmental organisations are involved in the implementation of integration process, its main lines of activity include civic involvement and political integration promoting the dialogue between the people and the state facilitating naturalisation of non-citizens. Due to the integration process knowledge of the Latvian language has improved, especially among the younger generation; democratic values in the society have been consolidated.
Social stratification, poverty and social marginalisation may cause discontentment of the society and social tensions in the country. The standard of living of the inhabitants of Latvia influences both the formation of a civic society and development of society integration processes.
The demographic situation in Latvia, similarly to other European countries, is characterised by systematic decrease in the number of Latvia's population and population density, as well as ageing process of the population, thus increasing the demographic load. The tendency of increasing number of pension-aged inhabitants and rapid decrease in the absolute and relative number of children will retain in future as well. Nevertheless, in view of the stabilisation of social and economic situation several positive tendencies have also appeared – increase in the number of new-born children, increase in the average lifespan both, for men and women and the difference in the average lifespan of both sexes is decreasing.
The unemployment level is gradually decreasing and recently has been stabilised, although, the proportion of economically active inhabitants in all working-age population is decreasing. The decrease can be explained by the fact that the proportion of economically inactive people – represented by the old-age pensioners, full-time students and pupils, as well as other persons, that do not look for job for different reasons. The distribution of unemployment also is very regional – in some regions more than one fourth of economically active inhabitants are unemployed.
In order to improve the present situation, a functioning system of social dialogue has been created in the country, which allows consultations of the employers and employees on fundamental issues. Such co-operation of social partners on national and regional level lays basis for the development of social cohesion.
However, during last years much has been done also in the sphere of social security – the system of social insurance has been modernised, adjusted to the contemporary economic system, and its efficiency has increased. The health care system is being reorganised, the system of state social insurance is functioning in the sphere of the unemployment and the general system of maternity benefits and sickness benefits is transformed into the system of social insurance.
Notwithstanding that the possibility of military endangerment is evaluated as relatively low, yet the improvement of the national self-defence capabilities is the main priority of the defence policy. The main task of the state defence policy is to prevent the military endangerment to the state, to solve the crisis situations and with assistance of international co-operation in the military sphere, to ensure stability and peace in the region.
The Latvian national security is based on the principle of total defence, according to which ensuring of the existence of the state and guaranteeing of defence is not only a military but also an overall national task. The total defence system provides joint use of civil and military personnel, as well as material technical resources. It consists of a military defence system, a civil defence system and all material and financial resources available to the country in case of endangerment to the country. The implementation of the total defence system is based on rendering of mutual support and close co-operation between the military and the civil defence systems.
The main constituent part of the state defence system is the National Armed Forces that act in accordance with the priorities of Latvian Security Policy, plan and develop self-defence capabilities in order to ensure inviolability of inland territories, sea aquatorium and airspace of the country. In peacetime, the National Armed Forces render help to the people of the country and public structures, participate in disaster relief operations, as well as actively engage in the international peacekeeping operations and joint exercises with the armed forces of other countries.
The state military defence is based on the principle of total defence, the principle of territorial defence, the principle of conscription and mobilisation, the principle of mutual co-operation of the National Armed Forces and society, the principle of international co-operation and participation and interoperability with NATO.
In order to ensure the military defence planning, to achieve the set goals and to ensure effective use of resources and control, the Planning, Programming and Budgeting System has been invented. Due to the fact that qualified personnel is an integral part of military defence system, the emphasis is laid on all-level training of personnel of the National Armed Forces, as well as elaboration of training programmes. In the sphere of acquisition and procurement, as well as communication and information, the systems are improved taking into account the principle of interoperability with NATO.
In accordance with plans and operational study, the structure of the National Armed Forces is being elaborated and improved which will ensure the division of the tasks and responsibilities, as well as delegation of the authority to the subordinate units. This structure is based on a new order of subordination which ensures the possibility a rapid transfer from peace time structure to wartime structure, excludes the overlapping of the responsibilities, shortens the administrative chain and improves the effective use of the resources for achieving set goals.
In order to increase the defence capabilities of Latvia, it is set that funding allotted in order to attain this goal in 2003 will reach 2% of the Gross Domestic Product.
Civil defence is a part of the state total defence system and is based on aggregate organisational, economic, educational, as well as other measures which ensure the protection of population, national economy and environmental protection from the potential risks of emergency situations and their consequences both within the territory of the country and in close neighbourhood of its borders.
The system of civil defence includes all governmental institutions, administrative and municipal institutions, enterprises, business companies, institutions and organisations irrespective of their affiliation, subordination and form of ownership, as well as all working-age persons complying with the democratic and legal procedure. The civil defence implements preventive, preparedness, response measures and measures for elimination of consequences of emergency situations, as well as supports the requirements of the state defence system in case of endangerment to the country.
The Republic of Latvia enters into international agreements on mutual assistance in case of disasters and on international co-operation in respect to preparedness for emergency situations and civil defence as well as within limits of capability renders its assistance to other countries affected by disasters or emergency situations.
The crisis management system of the country has to ensure the forecast of potential crisis factors, timely decision-making and implementation of decisions, as well as management and coordination of public (state and municipal) institutions in preventing crisis situations and decreasing their consequences. The situations of state endangerment require prompt and coordinated action of the governmental institutions and co-operation which requires precise division of responsibilities between the institutions involved in crisis management. In order to envisage the potential factors and risks of state endangerment, as well as to co-ordinate the action of respective governmental institutions, a unified system of crisis management is being created in the country.
The foreign policy is a part of security policy of Latvia with a task to influence the international security environment of Latvia according to its national interests. The foreign policy activities of Latvia implementing its security policy are directed towards foundation of such network of international relations and co-operation bonds, which would minimize the risk to be involved in a conflict, which jeopardizes the national interests of Latvia, and in case of such conflict would allow to resolve it together with its allies.
Stability, predictability and continuity of implementation of the basic foreign policy principles of the Republic of Latvia is one of the preconditions that would allow Latvia to become a contemporary, democratic, safe and economically advanced European country.
The foreign policy activities are focused on establishment of lasting co-operation with the countries which acknowledge, as principally significant the common values – democracy, rule of law, market economy, individual freedoms – which are essential to Latvia, as well, and realisation of which complies with the national interests of Latvia. Goals of the foreign policy of Latvia may be attained by active political activities, by participating in elaboration of the European policy promoting stability and security of the continent, as well as by active involvement in political processes of the world. Both bilateral and regional relations, as well as multilateral co-operation are used in the foreign activities. Lasting relations among the allies are possible within the framework of the EU and NATO. Latvia's foreign policy is a policy of European unity aimed at full-fledged membership in the EU and NATO.
In co-operation with NATO and the EU, within the framework of UN and OSCE, as well as together with other international organisations and their member states, the effective mechanisms for consultation and crisis prevention are formed. A legal basis for prevention of conflicts and a control mechanism for fulfilment of internationally legal commitments are provided bilaterally and in international organisations.
Latvia considers that both large and small countries have the possibility and obligation to give their contribution to consolidation of common security in Europe. It has supported the activities of international society in stabilisation of the situation in Balkans by participation with its personnel in all operations led by NATO, OSCE and Western European Union. The development of resources appropriate for peacekeeping operations is a part of Development Plans of the Latvian National Armed Forces.
Latvia as an involved member of the international society has joined the existing system of arms control agreements, directed towards restriction to spread the weapons of mass destruction, their stocks, components and technologies. Latvia pays special attention to control of export, import and transit of strategic goods, in order to ensure that the territory of Latvia is not used for transit of the materials necessary for such weapons. Strategic goods might be used not only in interests of specific countries, but also in the interests of terrorist groups. The capability of the institutions of Latvia to prevent spread of terrorism is related not only with control of the above-mentioned materials, but also international co-operation and support.
The main mutually consolidating and supplementing directions of Latvian security and foreign policy are integration into the European and Transatlantic political, economic, security and defence structures, first of all – the EU and NATO. Latvia will favour such enlargement of NATO and the EU, which at any phase would increase the security of Latvia and also of the whole Europe. In co-operation with the EU and NATO a possibility to act jointly and to assume the commitments and obligations of a full-fledged member state of the organisation is being gradually achieved.
Co-operation with the United States of America is one of the priorities of the foreign policy of Latvia which should further the resolution of security problems of Latvia, as well as the economic, scientific and cultural development of the country. The USA is the country most substantially influencing political, economic and security processes in the world. The USA relations with Latvia and involvement in Latvia is a part of the European policy of the USA and it is in Latvia's interests to encourage lasting presence of the USA in Europe and in the Baltic Sea region. Therefore, on the basis of the USA-Baltic Partnership Charter, Latvia strengthens the co-operation with the USA and consolidates involvement of the USA in the Northeast European region. The bilateral relations of Latvia and the USA should be further developed paying special attention to political dialogue, co-operating in economy and military assistance which the USA renders to Latvia supporting its move towards the transatlantic security structures and international organisations.
Strengthening of co-operation of the Baltic States is one of the main tasks of the foreign policy of Latvia. Recognising that steady sustainable development of Latvia is not possible without relative stability in the neighbouring countries, co-operation of the Baltic States is one of the main preconditions and means for their integration into European and transatlantic structures, as well as for ensuring their political and economic independence. The security policy of Latvia is based on understanding that the threat to one of the Baltic States is the threat to all Baltic countries and it is directed to maximally co-ordinated, and possibly joint action of the Baltic States in prevention of the endangerment.
In line with the strategic goals of its foreign policy, Latvia develops relations with the member-states of the EU and NATO and the candidate countries of these organisations. Latvia promotes comprehensive co-operation with the Nordic countries and the countries of the Baltic Sea region, thus favouring the integration of Europe, harmonious development of the region and use of its economic potential. One of the main goals of the foreign policy of Latvia is to increase the economic and political co-operation with the countries of Northern Europe applying experience of the Nordic countries in the processes of European integration. Intense co-operation with the Nordic countries furthers integration of Latvia into the EU and NATO and facilitates a balanced development of the countries in the region.
In the framework of the process of European unity and as the prospective member state of the EU and NATO, Latvia develops its neighbourhood with the Russian Federation and the Republic of Byelorussia. Latvia is interested into development of Russia and Byelorussia into fully democratic countries with functioning market economies which would support democratic values generally recognized in the societies of European and transatlantic countries. Latvia is ready to form pragmatic, mutually beneficial and constructive relations with its all neighbouring countries. The bilateral relations with Russia and Byelorussia have obtained a legal basis allowing to develop relationships of sovereign countries, thus ensuring the security in the Baltic Sea region and favouring the confidence and stability in Europe.
At implementation of the state security policy, establishing the legal order in the state and improving the legislation, as well as integrating into the EU, a national system of law is being formed in Latvia whose legal reality including both legislation and law enforcement as well as partially the culture of the law, meets requirements of a democratic and a state with rule of law. In developing the system of national legislation, the main attention will be paid to the development of courts, international and inter-institutional co-operation in justice, increasing the professional qualification of judges, arrangement of working conditions and the system of execution of judgement.
The Latvian legislative system will be open to the laws of the EU, which after admission of Latvia to the EU will apply directly and without mediation. Development of the system of Latvian legislation is aimed at elimination of the inconsistencies and ensurance of its conformity with the legal system of the EU, as well as international commitments, international agreements and conventions. At the same time law enforcement, implementation and application capacities will be developed.
It is necessary to proceed with consolidation of the judicial power, to improve training of judges, to decrease terms of reviewing the court cases and to eradicate corruption in the country. Strong legal power is based on strong corpse of judges: professional, not corrupted, provided with technical, modern equipment and the necessary auxiliary staff.
Aligning of the legislative process should provide the constitutional supervision, as this will allow to arrange the hierarchy of the laws which are already adopted, implemented and during the implementation of which inconsistencies are revealed.
The policy of corruption prevention and its successful implementation requires conformity of the actions of the public administration with requirements of democratic and state with rule of law. In Latvia a long-term state policy for corruption prevention is being developed, providing identification of factors supporting corruption and providing legal and other means (including elaboration and implementation of new legislative acts) for prevention of these factors. The main preconditions for corruption prevention are being provided – consolidation of the institutions, improvement of the basis of legislative acts, active involvement of non-governmental organisations in corruption prevention.
At the same time the corruption prevention strategy has three main directions: prevention (as a preventive measure), combating and educating. These directions will be developed by balancing co-operation of the public sector, private sector and the society in corruption prevention, ensuring also fulfilment of the international commitments of Latvia. The main tasks of the strategy for corruption prevention are improvement of legislative acts and consolidation of the institutional system, as well as increasing and support of the legal awareness of the society.
A "zero declaration" will be adopted that will significantly improve the situation in respect to registration of private property and in taxation and will facilitate prevention of legalization of property attained illegally and gathering of evidence in order to establish criminal offences.
In order to ensure and protect the democratic processes and law in the country, the work on combating organised crime will become more active and it will become a priority task in combating criminality. Successful accomplishment of this task would favourably influence national security in general.
In order to effectively combat the organised crime, co-operation and exchange of information will be improved not only between the law enforcement institutions of Latvia but also with foreign law enforcement institutions and will be carried out within the framework of co-ordinated performance of these institutions. The groups of organised crime have extensive infrastructure, therefore, in co-operation with Europol and interpol, greater attention will be paid to tracing local and foreign contacts and activities.
In order to combat the organised crime more successfully, the basis of legislative acts will be aligned for combating crimes and preventive measures introducing recommendations of experts of the EU and co-ordinating the legislative acts in compliance with requirements set by the EU. Participation in international projects which are directed towards combating criminality will be continued and creation of the unified informative database of the Baltic countries for registration of the members of groups of organised crime will be started. Special attention will be paid to the contacts of organised crime with representatives of state power and administration.
In order to prevent spreading of terrorism in Latvia, it is necessary to elaborate and introduce plans of complex preventive measures and to ensure special technical equipment for respective security institutions. Preventive measures should also be planned that would ensure the capability of the institutions of Latvia to respond to possible activities of the opponents of globalisation.
In order to prevent juvenile crimes, it is planned to carry out a set of measures aimed at increasing employment of juveniles, their involvement in social life and legal education. The legal framework related to the obligation for juveniles to undergo treatment for narcotic addiction will be aligned, as well as a system of social and medical rehabilitation of drug addicts will be developed in the country.
In order to improve the public order and security in the country, the responsible services and the basis of legislative acts regulating the security will be developed, the co-operation between these services and the society will be facilitated, information events for education of the society will be organised, control of road traffic will increase, prevention of criminal offences, their preclusion and disclosure, fire-security surveillance, materially technical equipment, tactics and technique will be improved.
In order to prevent and neutralise the activities of anti-state groups and the foreign intelligence services directed against the national interests of Latvia, it is particularly important for the state security institutions to obtain pre-emptive, timely and precise information.
The state security institutions disclose and identify anti-state oriented groups and persons, their activities and goals, as well as activities of foreign intelligence services in Latvia and in the procedure prescribed by the legislative acts carry out the measures for neutralisation of the activity of the above-mentioned groups and intelligence services.
In order to defend the economic interests of the country, prevent the external endangerment and ensure internal order, the main tasks in the sphere of state border security are elaboration of an integrated state border management system, development of infrastructure and strengthening of the institutional (including the customs) capacity.
The system of state border control is created by ensuring fulfilment of the following requirements – unified state border control, developed infrastructure of the country's external border, a unified system to control compliance with the terms of residence of foreigners, developed National Information System, which is integrated in Schengen Information System, improved legislative basis in relation to demarcation of the state border, observance and fulfilment of the conditions of the border regime.
The comprehensive and long-term border management strategy will be elaborated in order to ensure unified and co-ordinated state policy in further performance of institutions operating on the state border, and increase of efficiency of their activity. It will allow preventing of uncontrolled border crossing by persons, vehicles and cargos, illegal import of contraband goods, weapons, drugs and radioactive substances and their further transportation to the EU countries, as well as will facilitate combating illegal migration.
The basis of the legislative acts related to the border guards and border control will be improved in compliance with the requirements of legislative acts of the EU. The international co-operation with the countries of the EU and the Baltic Sea region will increase.
It is necessary to proceed with consultations with the Russian Federation and the Republic of Byelorussia on signing of re-admission agreements and conclude demarcation of inland border with other countries.
In addition to the agreements that Latvia has signed with other countries on custom affairs, it is necessary to sign an agreement with the government of the Russian Federation on mutual assistance in customs affairs.
As the role of information technologies in private and public sector increases, and being aware of the fact that there are no state borders in the sphere of information technologies, their role in security and defence of the country and its residents increases. At the same time the necessity to ensure security and efficient administration of the national information systems, as well as to protect fundamental human rights provided by the Satversme increases.
Taking into account the rapid computerisation of the country the information security will be provided at a legal and organisational level upon reducing the major risk factor – effect of computer viruses, malfunctions of computers and software, negligence or malevolence of users and an unauthorised connection by third persons.
In order to further improve the security of information technologies a project is under elaboration on the development of a backing communication network to be used in crisis situations. To store safely the information databases of national significance it is necessary to provide archiving and storage of electronic documents.
For the state defence system to function successfully during a crisis or war, as well as for the state to provide timely and effective information flow between Latvia and NATO, the ability of Latvia to exchange and store secured information is being developed. In order to provide this, the capacities to exchange secured information within the country, as well as with NATO and Latvian missions and embassies to the NATO member-states is of major importance.
The aim of the country's economic policy is to attain sustainable economic and social development. Due to the fact that lasting macroeconomic environment is an important precondition for growth, its preservation is the main task of the economic policy of the government.
In order to ensure this, three priorities are set for the long-term economic development strategy of Latvia – creation of conditions, which are favourable for functioning of economy, stimulation of establishing efficient and competitive industrial structures, as well as decreasing social and economic disproportions and risks. Apart from the above – mentioned tasks, it is necessary to proceed with improvement of the national taxation policy paying special attention to collecting of taxes. Thus, it will positively affect the financial situation of the country.
In order to ensure the economic security, it is necessary to diversify the economy and to orient it to goods and services with high added value. During diversification of the national economy it is necessary to increase the significance of the perspective industries which by now have been inadvanced, at the same time maximally using the advantages of the developed industries. The country will promote the policy of innovation-based development, creation and functioning of the innovation system. Strengthening of competitiveness and acquisition of new external markets will be encouraged.
While creating favourable conditions for the development of economy, it is necessary to create an environment, favourable for business activities, to develop goal-focused state assistance policy, to improve the taxation system and its administration, as well as to create the system of businessmen training and consulting.
Competitive industry significantly influences the economic development and security of the country. Increase in the amount of competitive products with high added value and their export may decrease the deficit of foreign trade. Attraction of investment to the industrial sector will be intensified.
The situation in the energy sector may substantially influence the economic security and development of the country. It is necessary to create oil reserves in the country. Security of the system supplies should be one of the main requirement when carrying out liberalisation of the power industry market, which include creation of a unified power industry market of the Baltic countries. The use of local energy resources and increase of energy efficiency should be facilitated, thus decreasing dependence on import and increasing independence of the country in the sphere of energy resources.
The economic development of the country is also related to the ability to maintain and increase the existing flow of transit cargos. The main tasks in development of transport services are provision of the service competitiveness, development of a unified transport infrastructure for inland and international transport, development of the Latvia's ports infrastructure, development of oil and oil product pipelines, modernisation of the road network, East-West railway corridor and the related infrastructure.
The country pays special attention to development of the transport infrastructure, and process of integration into the European and world transport networks. Latvia is committed to continue active participation in expansion of the Trans-European transport network. Already now Latvia is an important transit corridor in the direction Europe – the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Asia, and upon accession to the EU it will become even more important.
The aim of the agricultural policy is to develop such an agricultural sector with production meeting the requirements of the world market and with competitive quality and production expenses. To attain of this goal, the following main activities will be carried out – modernisation of production technologies, quality ensuring during the whole production and distribution process, promotion and development of the production market.
Reliability, safety and quality of food products are fundamental criteria, which the country should comply with in order to ensure customer health protection and ensuring the competitiveness of food products in internal and external markets. Having regard to the influence of this policy in the social and economic sphere, as well as in the sphere of international policy and relations, elaboration and implementation of such a policy is a topical and socially important task. Arrangement and development of the food industry, as well as provision of consumers with safe and qualitative food products, will implement two closely related policies – the economic policy of food industry and policy of reliability, safety and quality of food.
In order to promote harmonious development of rural areas and environmental improvement, the concept of rural development has been elaborated and, upon its implementation, a long-term programme for the development of rural areas will be elaborated and non- agricultural business developed, thus facilitating solution of social and economic problems of rural areas.
The epizootic situation is regularly monitored in the country. Prophylactic and action plans are elaborated and regularly updated for cases of respective epidemiological danger. A compensation mechanism of measures to eliminate animal diseases in case of mass infection of animals will be elaborated and introduced.
The regional development policy is in the process of elaboration in the country, the implementation of which will ensure more rapid development of under developed regions and decreased difference in standard of living within the country, as well as facilitate balanced development of the whole country.
At the governmental level the regional policy and co-ordination of the structural instruments of the EU will be ensured, concentration of resources, as well as the institutional system will be consolidated and its capacity increased at the national, regional, as well as local level.
One of the preconditions for more rapid development of the country and ensuring its internal security and stability is a successful administrative reform implementing projects that promote development of local governments.
Upon implementation of the goals of the regional development policy, the conditions favourable for investment attraction and development of business activities will be ensured, rendering special support to less developed regions, sparsely populated and front-line territories. It is important to develop the local infrastructure. Development of a road network (including alternative roads for the main traffic trunk-roads) and communication system, as well as ensuring the infrastructure of education and culture and quality are of particular significant.
The aim of the environmental policy is to ensure effective and valuable protection and security of individuals and environment, in order to prevent substantial decrease in natural resources or degradation of environmental condition, as well as to prevent or reduce the probability of human-caused disasters and their consequences related to public health and the environment.
In order to ensure the national security, the possible decrease in natural resources, degradation of the environment and probability of human-made or natural disasters are identified and assessed. The society is informed about threats of possible disasters and risk factors, as well as about their possible impact on natural resources, biodiversity, public health and the environment.
In order to avoid the human-made catastrophes, a risk assessment and management system of the objects will be developed, controlling the possible sources of risk and facilitating replacement of out-of-date technical equipment with the modern, as well as introducing the best available techniques. The security of hydrotechnical buildings will be improved.
In order to guarantee public health and safety of environment, dismantling of Salaspils nuclear reactor and disposal of radioactive waste will be accomplished, the management system of hazardous and household waste will be created, as well as the state investment programmes in the area of sewage treatment.
The whole society plays an important role in development of the country and ensuring the social security, therefore civic society is formed with the aim to attain involvement of all groups of population in the processes of development of the country. The integration process implies political integration, social and regional integration of society, as well as integration of language and culture.
The country will continue to support provision of information to the society about political processes, the country and its history, about the possibilities and rights to participate, thus motivating the civic participation. Simultaneously with the naturalisation of non-citizens their involvement in social and political life will be promoted.
Improved employment, diminished unemployment and strengthened links between education and labour market, and prevention of the unfavourable regional differences would also decrease the risk of social rejection.
Upon realisation of integration of society in the sphere of education, the most significant target groups are young people and children. The system of education and cultural policy of the state will ensure acquisition and inheritance of both generally human and specific values for Latvia, as well as possibilities to preserve intercultural education and cultural identity of the minorities. The educational system will proceed with promotion of learning the Latvian language, thus facilitating the integration of society.
The national cultural policy anticipates the state and municipal responsibility for preservation and further development of all nationalities, living in Latvia, their heritage and culture, involvement in contemporary life.
The capacity and sustainable development of the social security system which protects individuals of the society in case of social risk and provides the handicapped with the means of subsistence, play an important role in preventing social tension and ensuring welfare of the society. The main tasks of the social security system are to provide the state social insurance and social assistance.
The system of state social insurance envisages insurance of state pensions, insurance in case of maternity and illnesses, insurance in case of unemployment, as well as in case of industrial accidents or occupational illnesses. During the development and improvement of the system, it will be evaluated, the range of insured persons will be expanded, at the same time increasing responsibility of the people, the pension age will be gradually increased, as well as a support system of the unemployed (including payment of benefits) will be developed that will facilitate sooner return of the unemployed in the labour market.
The state social assistance services cover in three main spheres – material assistance (benefits), social care and social rehabilitation. More economical and effective rendering of social assistance services will be ensured, which also anticipate increase in the number of those persons who use the programmes of alternative social services. The administration of social assistance and financing system will be improved, and education of the society on the issues of social care and social rehabilitation, the rights and obligations of individuals will continue. The functions of social assistance are shared by the state and municipalities.
Health of the society is an important indicator of social unity and equality, well-being and poverty, as well as environmental factors and cultural standards. In order to arrive at possibly sooner health improvement of the residents of Latvia, there is a necessity for efficient health practice of the society – a set of scientifically grounded measures oriented towards the society with the aim to improve the health, prevent diseases and prolong the lifespan.
When realising this task, the risk factors of public health, environmental protection, consumer safety, as well as health insurance and labour safety should be taken into account. The people are becoming more informed about health issues and are able to participate in sustaining their own health and health of their family members.
The aim of health care improvement is to ensure development of quality health care that is available for the residents by optimising the structure of service providers, to attain their consolidation and to increase the quality of daily health care services, efficiency of costs and rational approach to patients, as well as to create the background for the development of integrated interdepartmental health care system for work in emergency situations and in cases of endangerment to the state in each region and the country in general.
A high-quality, easily accessible to the residents and cost-effective first medical aid system that will ensure equal, qualitative and prompt first aid to all residents of Latvia.
Improvement of the military self-defence capabilities of the sate is an important precondition for successful and effective implementation of the state security and defence policy. The development of personnel policy, the system of modern armament and procurement, mobility of the Armed Forces and mobilisation system are an integral part of increasing the military self-defence capabilities. Support of the society is also one of the factors increasing the military capability.
The National Armed Forces are subject to civil control and are formed in order to meet the following requirements: small, mobile, equipped with sophisticated armament, trained, and able to co-operate with the civil defence system.
The peace-time structure of military defence of Latvia is planned to be as close to war-time structure as possible, so that in case of mobilisation there would be the ability of quick and prompt response through the country.
Consistent realisation of the Partnership Goals is one of the priorities in the sphere of military defence.
Upon integration into NATO, Latvia ensures the preparedness to receive external civil and military support, involving the reinforcement in its defence system, ensuring their support and mutual co-operation in performing operations and exercises. Therefore, in the National Armed Forces the informative, organisational and technical compatibility with military structures of NATO will be developed. Upon becoming the member of NATO Latvia, in its territory, will be ready to support NATO forces, which requires organised and well-planned co-operation between the civil and military institutions of NATO and Latvia.
International co-operation and participation is one of the priorities of the National Armed Forces. The National Armed Forces will continue active participation in international peacekeeping operations, as well as training together with the armed forces of other countries. Thus, the national security and territorial integrity of Latvia will be strengthened, at the same time participation of Latvia in ensuring international peace and stability, as well as compliance with the principles of the UN will be achieved.
In strengthening the security of the Baltic Sea region special attention is paid to the development of practical joint projects and programmes in the sphere of security and defence and joint contribution to international security – Baltic Battalion (BALTBAT), Baltic Naval Squadron (BALTRON), Baltic Air Surveillance Network (BALTNET), Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL), Joint Military Personnel Registration and Administration System of the Baltic States (BALTPERS) and other regional projects.
In order to ensure co-ordinated and effective functioning of the total defence system of the country, the mobilisation system will be created, introduced and maintained that includes the National Armed Forces, public authorities, legal and natural entities, as well as all resources planned for mobilisation needs.
Further development of the Civil Defence System is a precondition for successful implementation of the state security and defence policy. Special attention will be paid to specification of spheres of responsibility, functions and involvement mechanisms of the government institutions and municipalities involved in administration, response and elimination of consequences of emergency situations, as well as for co-operation with the military defence system in case of endangerment to the state.
One of the main priorities in the sphere of civil defence is arrangement of the civil defence system and adequate legal system, based on the existing economic situation, infrastructure and administrative system of the country, as well as the recommendations and practice of UN, NATO and the EU. Upon improving the legislative basis, Latvia will be able to participate more effectively in international projects and to integrate into international organisations in the sphere of civil defence.
In order to make the civil defence system function efficiently, the material reserves of the state, the alarm and notification system of the residents and formations of civil defence are being formed. Education of the people on behaviour in emergency situations will be enhanced.
There is ongoing improvement of the legislative basis and institutional system in order to ensure preparedness of the government institutions, municipalities and risk objects for emergency situations caused by human-made or natural disasters, as well as protection and safety of people and environment in case of such situations. At the same time a mechanism for management of emergency situations and a set of necessary resources will be created, in order to eliminate or diminish the consequences of natural disasters or emergency situations caused by humans, as well as to prevent recurrence of similar situations.
In order for the country to efficiently deal with the full spectrum of all potential problems ranging from natural and human-made disasters to economic, political or military crises, the Government's overall crisis management capacity is being improved. Irrespective of the cause and character of crisis, it is important for the state to create a set of standard decision-making and response mechanisms and create all preconditions for the Government for a centralised crisis management.
A national crisis management system, which will integrate the existing crisis management capabilities of all institutions of public administration, including regional and local governmental institutions, and will develop lacking capabilities, is gradually being created in Latvia. In order to foresee, detect, prevent and contain crises, and subsequently restore normal conditions, a national crisis management system will ensure the ability to co-ordinate the actions of relevant governmental institutions and cover a huge number of interacting functions, so as to maximise overall efficiency.
In the development of the crisis management system, the principles of total defence will be considered. In order to ensure the preparedness, functioning and development of the crisis management system, it is necessary to carry out regular inter-institutional training and exercises, which would be based on comprehensive analysis of crisis situations.
Compatibility with similar structures of NATO, the EU and the Baltic States is an important element in creation of the Crisis Management System of Latvia.
In accordance with the Law on National Security and principles and strategy determined by the National Security Concept, the Cabinet of Ministers is developing and will adopt the National Security Plan which sets forth the measures and means for neutralisation and prevention of the endangerment to the State.
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