On 2 September 2026, experts of the State Border Guard of Latvia were rotated in the framework of the 9th operational period of joint operations coordinated by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), ensuring Latvia’s continuous contribution to the operational activities coordinated by Frontex and to strengthening the security of the EU’s external borders. Following the rotation, 51 Latvian experts continue service duties in Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Greece, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Germany, North Macedonia and Estonia.
The purpose of the operations is to provide comprehensive operational support to the Law enforcement authorities of Member States by carrying out external border control in the land, sea and air domains, using technical resources and experts of the Member States, whose tasks include carrying out of border check, border surveillance, patrolling and obtaining operational information in close cooperation with the competent authorities of the host countries to reduce pressure deriving from irregular migration, the risks of cross-border crime and to ensure effective border control.
The State Border Guard of Latvia also continues to participate in the Frontex joint operation “Baltic Sea 2026”. Within the framework of the operation Latvia operates the International Coordination Centre “Ventspils”, hosts experts from the Frontex Agency’s Standing Corps in Latvia and involves the State Border Guard’s vessels in sea border patrols, thereby contribute to strengthening cooperation and a common approach to the implementation of maritime border security and coast guard functions in the Baltic Sea region.
Meanwhile, the State Border Guard vessel RK-12 "Valpas" with crew continues its participation in Greece. During the operational year 2026, which started on 21 January 2026, the vessel’s crew continue to carry out border surveillance, patrolling, Search and Rescue (SAR) tasks, engaging in 38 maritime security-related incidents, including 37 Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, where
1735 persons were rescued. The Letter of Appreciation for professional work was received from the Frontex, expressing appreciation to the Captains and Crew of RK-12 “Valpas” for their professionalism, technical expertise, reliability and steadfast commitment during the joint operation in Greece. The Letter of Appreciation also highlights the actions of the crew during the wildfires affected Greece, when emergency evacuations on the fire-afflicded island of Crete was ensured in cooperation with the local competent authorities.
Following the rotation, 64 Frontex Standing Corps experts from Austria, France, Grece, Estonia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Finland, Spain, Hungary, Germany and Sweden have been deployed in the structural units of the State Border Guard of Latvia, providing support to the State Border Guard of Latvia using Frontex off-road patrol vehicles, Frontex Mobile Surveillance Systems and other necessary technical equipment.
The participation of the State Border Guard of Latvia in operations coordinated by the Frontex confirms Latvia's professional and practical contribution to strengthening the security of the EU’s external borders, while promoting international cooperation, exchange of experience and joint action in solving current challenges of border protection.