On March 30 and 31, 2025, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Interior of Latvia, Dimitrijs Trofimovs, participated in the Border Security Summit in London on combating organized migration crime.
During the summit, Mr. Trofimovs noted that Latvia, recognizing the risks that illegal migration poses to the country's internal security, has acted decisively by strengthening both border control measures and the legal framework for combating illegal migration.
Given the current security situation and challenges, a new perspective is needed that does not neglect emerging security challenges. Namely, migration must be managed, emphasizing the preservation of national security while ensuring a balance with the rule of law and human dignity.
The instrumentalization of migration is also a direct attack on border integrity and sovereignty, and it is important for European countries to adopt a unified, firm approach to address both immediate and long-term security threats posed by illegal migration.
Within the framework of the summit, a meeting was also held between representatives of Finland, Poland, and the three Baltic States, where Mr. Trofimovs discussed current regional issues in the field of border security and the internal security of these countries. It is crucial to ensure a unified and coordinated action of the region's countries to ensure equivalent border protection for all countries in the region.
The Border Security Summit in London was organized as a high-level international event and an international initiative in response to the growing threats of organized human smuggling, the increase in illegal migration, as well as the need to improve international cooperation and joint action.
The aim of the summit is to strengthen national border security, improve international cooperation, and develop effective strategies for combating organized crime.
The summit was attended by representatives from European Union member states and European countries outside the EU, the United States, African countries, the Middle East, Asian countries, as well as various international institutions.
The financial support of the European Union to Latvia for strengthening its border and combating illegal migration is invaluable, providing a significant resource base for the implementation of border control measures, the modernization of technical equipment, and the professional development of personnel. Thanks to the support of the European Union funds, Latvia is able to significantly strengthen its eastern border by introducing the latest technologies and increasing the capacity of border guards. This support is vital for the country to effectively respond to the growing threats of illegal migration and ensure not only its own internal security but also that of the entire European Union.
