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Riga, Latvia – April 10, 2025 – The fate of the Paternieki border checkpoint on Latvia’s eastern frontier has been decided – for now, it stays open. Prime Minister Kristjanis Kulbergs told journalists during a break in the government meeting that closing the checkpoint remains “one of the options,” but the government is not approving it at this moment because the bulk of illegal migration is not flowing through the checkpoint itself, but rather bypassing it.
Kulbergs emphasized that the core issue is national security, not economic considerations. “The main question is security,” he said, responding to queries about whether the economic impact of closing a key crossing point influenced the decision. The Prime Minister noted that the Ministries of Interior and Defense will roll out “important preventive measures” in August to minimize the flow of illegal migrants along the European Union’s external border.
“The technical problems identified in Paternieki since last Friday are ongoing,” Kulbergs acknowledged. “However, according to the information available to me, efforts will be made today to resolve them finally.” The specific problems relate to mobile network coverage, which has hampered surveillance and communication, but the government is confident that a fix is imminent.
The decision to keep the checkpoint open reflects a broader shift in migration patterns. Instead of attempting to pass through official border crossings, illegal migrants are increasingly circumventing them, entering Latvia through remote forested areas or via third-country routes. This has forced Latvian authorities to recalibrate their approach. Rather than simply closing access points, the government is now focusing on mobile detection technology, drone surveillance, and enhanced patrols.
“Closing Paternieki would not stop the flow; it would only push migrants to other vulnerable spots along the border,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Interior who spoke on condition of anonymity. “The August measures include a new rapid-response unit and better coordination with neighboring countries.”
The mobile network coverage problem at Paternieki has been a recurring headache. According to local telecom operators, the area suffers from weak signal due to its remote location and dense forest cover. The government has allocated emergency funds to install temporary signal boosters, but long-term solutions – such as a dedicated tower – are still under discussion.
Kulbergs expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved “today,” but engineers familiar with the site say a permanent fix may take weeks. “The mobile network is critical for reading biometric data, checking passports, and communicating with field units,” explained a technician from the State Border Guard. “Without reliable coverage, the checkpoint cannot operate at full capacity.”
In a fresh assessment obtained by this reporter, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has identified a worrying trend: smugglers are using Latvia’s eastern border as a transit corridor to move migrants from Belarus and Russia into the EU. The report, dated April 8, 2025, warns that “the closure of checkpoints could paradoxically increase the number of illegal crossings if not accompanied by robust surveillance.”
Frontex recommends that Latvia invest in “mobile detection systems” and “joint patrols with Lithuania and Poland” to seal gaps. The agency has offered to deploy additional officers to the region in August, which aligns with Latvia’s planned preventive measures.
The Paternieki checkpoint is also a vital economic artery for the region. Local businesses rely on cross-border trade, and dairies, transportation companies, and logistics firms in the nearby town of Zilupe have voiced concerns. “If they close the checkpoint, our trucks have to drive an extra 150 kilometers to the next crossing,” said a local freight company owner. “That’s time and money lost.”
Prime Minister Kulbergs acknowledged that economic factors were discussed but reiterated that security is paramount. “We are not ignoring the economy, but we cannot compromise on security,” he said. The government is exploring compensatory measures, such as tax breaks for affected businesses, but no details have been finalized.
The Cabinet of Ministers is expected to receive a full report on the technical fixes at Paternieki by the end of the week. If the mobile network problems are not permanently resolved, the government may reconsider closure. Meanwhile, the Ministries of Interior and Defense will present their August plan to the EU Commission for co-funding.
The Prime Minister also hinted at a possible state of emergency declaration for border regions if illegal migration spikes further. “We are considering all possible options,” he said. “Nothing is off the table.”
For now, the Paternieki checkpoint remains open, but its long-term future is far from certain. As migration patterns evolve and technology catches up, Latvia must balance security, economics, and international obligations – a delicate dance that will define the country’s border policy for years to come.
