Latvia Begins Land Expropriation for Border Security Infrastructure

The Latvian Ministry of Defence has initiated the process of expropriating land from private owners in the eastern border region to construct anti-mobility military infrastructure. The move, intended to bolster national security, is facing challenges related to bureaucratic processes and land valuation, leaving some landowners with more questions than answers despite ongoing information campaigns.

Concerns from Landowners

Guntars Bartkevičs, owner of “Amatnieki/Riekstiņi,” a large farm in Baltinava parish, Balvi district, received a notification in January regarding the expropriation of nine hectares of his property. He expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication, stating, “This is unacceptable, because the landlords and owners must be informed and solutions must be sought that are most beneficial to both the residents and the state. I also agree that this matter is necessary for the security of our country, but there must be some communication.”

Similar concerns were echoed by Rolands Keišs, a representative of the “Kotiņi” farm, who noted the complexity of the process. “There were 15 people from the state in total to resolve one issue. After that meeting, I got the feeling that at that moment all those people themselves don’t really understand how the issue should be resolved correctly,” Keišs said.

Compensation and Land Impact

Farmers are also worried about compensation for both land and potential crop losses. “We have winter crops sown on that particular field. They said – there will be no possibility of harvesting them. So, let’s draw up a cost position, how much there has been. And here again the question – how far to draw it up? The lost profit, the lost harvest or just what you have spent?” Keišs questioned.

Beyond immediate financial losses, landowners are concerned about the long-term impact on their land, particularly drainage systems. Bartkevičs explained that his farm’s drainage system flows into the Kūkūva river, and disruption could lead to hundreds of hectares of land becoming unusable. “And if we do not reach it, it means that several hundred hectares of land will deteriorate over the years, that they will turn into swamps and I will not be able to carry out agricultural activities there,” he stated.

National Armed Forces Response

Colonel Kaspars Miezītis of the National Armed Forces (NBS) acknowledged the concerns and assured landowners that efforts would be made to minimize disruption and provide fair compensation. National Armed Forces stated they will assess losses resulting from the construction of barriers and provide full compensation where necessary. Miezītis also indicated that appraisers would inspect each property to assess its value and provide landowners with relevant documentation.

Expropriation Timeline

Notices for the first round of expropriation were sent to 144 individuals and 50 legal entities. A second round, involving more than 300 notices (248 individuals and 54 legal entities), is scheduled to be completed by March 23rd, 2026. Latgales Reģionālā Televīzija reported on the ongoing process in December 2025.

The Ministry of Defence is developing the national defence policy and coordinating its implementation.