On March 17, 2025, Latvian border authorities announced plans to partially close the Pāternieki, Terehova, and Grebņeva border checkpoints in response to a significant increase in irregular migrants attempting to cross from Belarus. The surge has overwhelmed border capacity and put pressure on border guards. Partial closures will involve restricting or limiting use of these checkpoints starting March 18, 2025, as a temporary measure to manage the situation better. Officials confirmed the closures aim to stabilize the border situation and improve operational efficiency. Migrants have been observed trying to provoke border guards at Pāternieki, complicating management efforts. Authorities continue to monitor and adjust measures as needed. The Ministry of Interior will decide on the restrictions’ scope and duration at a government meeting scheduled for the same day. The migrant influx is connected to ongoing hybrid threats in the region, involving Belarusian facilitation of irregular migration as a pressure tool against the Baltic states.

On March 17, 2025, Latvian border authorities announced plans to partially close the Pāternieki, Terehova, and Grebņeva border checkpoints in response to a significant increase in irregular migrants attempting to cross from Belarus. The surge has overwhelmed border capacity and put pressure on border guards. Partial closures will involve restricting or limiting use of these checkpoints starting March 18, 2025, as a temporary measure to manage the situation better. Officials confirmed the closures aim to stabilize the border situation and improve operational efficiency. Migrants have been observed trying to provoke border guards at Pāternieki, complicating management efforts. Authorities continue to monitor and adjust measures as needed. The Ministry of Interior will decide on the restrictions’ scope and duration at a government meeting scheduled for the same day. The migrant influx is connected to ongoing hybrid threats in the region, involving Belarusian facilitation of irregular migration as a pressure tool against the Baltic states.