Latvia proposes declaring a state of emergency on its eastern border

Latvia’s Ministry of Climate and Energy has prepared a draft order to declare a state of emergency in the areas of healthcare, energy supply and water management along the country’s eastern border. The document has been submitted for approval, LSM English reports.

Reasons for the initiative

The ministry justifies the initiative by the threat of an escalation of military operations by Russia, the aggressor state. The explanatory note states that drones and other unidentified objects are being increasingly detected in Latvia’s airspace or near the state border.

According to the draft’s authors, such objects may pose a threat to public safety, people’s health and the operation of critical infrastructure. The draft is intended to create legal conditions for the uninterrupted operation of services and enterprises until permanent legislative regulation is developed.

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Territories and responsible authorities

The state of emergency is proposed to be introduced until December 1 this year in the municipalities of Alūksne, Augšdaugava, Balvi, Daugavpils, Krāslava, Līvāni, Ludza, Preiļi and Rēzekne, as well as in the cities of Daugavpils and Rēzekne.

Latvia’s Ministry of Defence is proposed to coordinate the work of the relevant institutions during the state of emergency. The Ministry of Health is proposed to be designated as the co-responsible authority for the medical sector, while the Ministry of Climate and Energy would be responsible for energy supply and water management.

The draft also provides for extended working hours and overtime for employees in the energy, water management and healthcare sectors. In addition, the document contains provisions on reimbursing the cost of services that cannot be provided under emergency conditions, including state-funded medical services. Consultations on the draft will continue until August 31.