Latvia has completed the construction of the border fence with Russia, the state company responsible for the project, Valsts Nekustamie Īpašumi (VNI), announced. In the final phase, 72 km of the 99 km fence built by “Igate” was put into operation.

The total length of the fence along the Latvia-Russia border is approximately 280 km, providing a continuous physical barrier in all technically feasible locations. The project was previously estimated to cost €146 million.

Latvia’s Minister of the Interior, Rihards Kozlovskis, stated that the construction of the fence along the borders with Russia and Belarus is an important contribution to national security and the protection of the EU’s external border. According to him, the border will continue to be equipped with modern technological surveillance systems.

At the same time, work is ongoing to develop additional infrastructure, including patrol roads, bridges, and engineering structures. This summer, the final phase of work began on an additional 41 km of the border with Russia, particularly in swampy areas. The main construction work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

VNI is also coordinating projects along the border with Belarus. The construction of the main fence, with a total length of nearly 145 km, was completed there in July 2024. Final infrastructure work on separate sections is scheduled to be finished by spring 2026.

It is also noted that the technological equipment of Latvia’s entire external land border is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.