On Tuesday 6 February, the Cabinet of Ministers made a decision not to reinstate the operation of the Silene border crossing point from 11 February. The decision was taken based on the need to prevent illegal border crossings and attempts on the Latvia-Belarus state border, as well as to prevent potential threats to Latvia’s internal security. Russia’s war against Ukraine that is openly supported by Belarus is an additional risk factor and possible motivation for Belarus to continue its efforts to destabilise the situation on the state border with Latvia.
In the light of rapid increase in illegal border crossing attempts in 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers declared a regime of reinforced operation of the border guard system for six months from 11 August 2023 until 10 February 2024 in the administrative territories of Ludza, Krāslava, Augšdaugava counties and Daugavpils. In the context of the order, a decision was also taken to suspend the operation of the Silene border crossing point until that date.
The decision to suspend the operation of the Silene border-crossing point was also based on Finland’s experience regarding the closure of respective border crossing points at the Finland-Russia state border due to a large increase in the number of migrants.
The reinforced operation regime of the border guard system will not be continued, taking into account the measures successfully implemented by Latvia to reduce the number of attempts of illegal crossing of Latvia-Belarus border. During the last month, the number of illegal border crossing attempts was kept to minimum.
It should also be noted that the reinforced mode of operation of the border guard system can be restored immediately when required.
