In order to strengthen the security of the national borders and enable maintenance of border infrastructure, a 30-metre buffer zone is planned to be created along Latvia’s land border, according to urgent amendments to the Protection Zone Law adopted by the Saeima on Thursday, 11 June.

Currently, regulations establish a special regime for a 12-metre zone along the state border as well as for border marker surveillance and patrol zones in areas where the state border is located, such as on public water bodies, floodplains, or marshy areas. In addition to these zones, a buffer zone is necessary to effectively manage and properly maintain the border and related infrastructure, including fences and technological systems. The new regulations will help prevent damage, reduce costs in the long term, and strengthen the ability to effectively protect the state border, as previously noted by members of the Economic Affairs, Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Policy Committee of the Saeima, which was responsible for advancing the amendments in the Saeima.

Damage to border infrastructure is often caused by trees growing nearby—for example, in 2024, more than 160 instances of damage caused by falling trees and branches were recorded. Preventing this requires significant financial resources and time, while damaged infrastructure can pose security risks, including facilitating illegal border crossings, as noted in the explanatory memorandum to the amendments.

Construction and other activities without prior approval will be restricted within the buffer zone. Trees that endanger border infrastructure must be removed in a timely manner, and in certain cases, real estate transactions will require the consent of the Ministry of Defence.

The responsible committee has previously emphasised that the changes will affect only specific areas along the external border and are necessary in the interests of public safety. The restrictions are proportionate and aim to prevent risks in a timely manner, rather than create unnecessary obstacles for residents.

Saeima Press Service