Improvements are needed in the implementation of Latvia’s eastern border military fortification, according to a new State Audit Office (Valsts kontrole) situational report.
The report summarizes key findings about the progress and challenges in implementing anti-mobility measures—part of the Baltic Defence Line—and highlights the need for more effective interagency cooperation. It was prepared within the framework of a performance audit titled “Is the strengthening of Latvia’s eastern border proceeding according to plan?” to inform responsible institutions of identified risks and deficiencies in a timely manner and to call for necessary improvements. The full audit is expected to be completed in 2026.
According to Gatis Litvins, Member of the State Audit Office Council, extensive work is currently underway to reinforce Latvia’s eastern border. He emphasized that, given the scale and strategic importance of the effort, “this cannot be carried out in an ordinary administrative mode. Clear leadership, discipline, and swift action are essential to achieve the objectives,” Litvins stressed.
He noted that the State Audit Office has already briefed the responsible officials on the findings of the situational report.
However, due to the sensitive nature of the information and the Ministry of Defence’s guidance, as well as the provisions of the State Secrets Law,
the report will not be made public.
Litvins added that the State Audit Office will continue evaluating the progress of the border fortification as part of its ongoing audit, with a comprehensive report and recommendations to be published in 2026.
The institution emphasized that effective interministerial cooperation is crucial for the success of the eastern border military fortification. In addition to the defence sector, other ministries and their subordinate sectors must also fully understand and assume responsibility in achieving this common national goal.
However, the lack of a unified understanding and coordinated approach has been evident, for example, during the drafting of the Anti-Mobility Infrastructure Law. The special legal framework required for the border’s military fortification—originally scheduled for adoption by the end of 2024—was only approved in October 2025.
The situational report identifies how the actions (or inaction) of all involved sectors affect the implementation of the border fortification,
pointing out related risks stemming from areas such as forestry policy, border security, and road and rail traffic management.
Given the national significance and urgency of the eastern border fortification, as well as the crucial importance of interministerial cooperation, the State Audit Office has called on the Cabinet of Ministers to take active political leadership and ensure regular oversight of the military fortification plan’s implementation.
Litvins reminded that €303 million have been allocated for the border fortification, with works ongoing since early 2024. “There has been enough time to identify the risks, and still time to eliminate them to ensure completion of planned works by 2028. I hope that the involvement of the State Audit Office will help make the strengthening of Latvia’s eastern border an unquestionable national priority and ensure consistent implementation across all responsible institutions,” said Litvins.
The situational report has been sent to the President of Latvia, the Prime Minister, the Ministers of Defence and Finance, as well as the Chairs of the Saeima’s Public Expenditure and Audit Committee and the Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee.
The State Audit Office explains that a situational report is a short-term compilation of facts on issues
of public concern, without drawing conclusions or making recommendations. In contrast, an audit report includes findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
On the 5th of March 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the Plan for the Military Strengthening and Anti-Mobility Measures of Latvia’s Eastern Border, and since the 23rd of July 2024, the eastern border fortification has been designated as one of the National Armed Forces’ (NAF) priority defence capabilities.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the plan is part of the Baltic Defence Line, which will extend along the borders with Russia and Belarus, establishing NAF support points, fortified defensive positions, anti-tank ditches, obstacles, and storage facilities for ammunition and mines.
The State Audit Office launched its performance audit “Is the strengthening of Latvia’s eastern border proceeding according to plan?” in June 2025. Its goal is to assess whether the fortification and anti-mobility measures are being implemented in accordance with planning documents and to evaluate progress toward achieving the defined objectives and results.
As previously reported, the creation of anti-mobility infrastructure is part of the Baltic Defence Line project, agreed upon by the Baltic States and Poland on 19 January 2024.
Since March 2024, the National Armed Forces have been conducting military fortification works along Latvia’s eastern border. The purpose of these defence structures is to deter, halt, and, if necessary, eliminate an aggressor.
In 2024, €45 million were allocated for Latvia’s eastern border military fortification efforts.
Read also: Ukraine to host EU summit in December