Paper addresses the transformation of the agenda of border security relating to Latvia-Russia border. There are discussed following problems in paper:
Ø the relevance of signed treaty between Latvia and Russia;
Ø the investment in Latvia/Russia border;
Ø the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation;
Ø problems with which Latvia-Russia border is dealing (increased number of cargos waiting for crossing Latvia/Russia border, smuggling, persons crossing border with fictitious documents, illegal border crossers and illegal immigrants).
This paper focuses on what comes in through the border, and not so much on what goes out except problem of long truck lines. This paper also focuses on the investment and problems which affected Latvia’s side not Russia’s.
Definition of Borders and Security
Boundary - a demarcation indicating some division in spatial terms. Border – an international boundary line; when a border is seen as a zone it is often called a borderland or the borderlands. Frontier - a zone of contact with or without a specified boundary line.
As L.Heininen and H.N.Nicol have emphasized ‘security’ is a broad concept, there are many ideas about the meaning of security and what should, or should not, be a ‘security’ issue, therefore there are many different understandings and ways to define and conceptualize security.
Security in this paper is understood as direct intervention to prevent threats and interdict dangerous people and goods at the Latvia/Russia border.
Function of the Conceptual Framework
Author, as E.Brunet-Jailly in Borderlands: Comparing Border Security in North America and the European Union, in this paper tried, first, to discuss the relevance of agents on borders, second, to examine the porosity of border, and third, to suggest new policy guidelines to government and agents that might strengthen border security objectives.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Definition of Borders and Security
- Function of the Conceptual Framework
- History
- The Investment
- Expenditures on Border Security
- Cross-border cooperation
- Increasing number of cargos
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes the transformation of border security on the Latvia-Russia border after Latvia's EU accession in 2004. It examines the challenges faced by Latvia in managing this border, focusing on investment in border security infrastructure, the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation, and the significant issue of increasing cargo congestion.
- The impact of the Latvia-Russia border treaty on security.
- The effectiveness of Latvian investment in border security infrastructure.
- The role of cross-border cooperation in managing the Latvia-Russia border.
- The challenges posed by increasing cargo traffic and resulting truck lines.
- The geopolitical implications of the Latvia-Russia border in the context of EU expansion.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage for the paper by outlining its central focus: the transformation of the Latvia-Russia border security agenda following Latvia's EU accession. The paper specifically addresses the relevance of the signed treaty between Latvia and Russia, investment in the border infrastructure, the efficacy of cross-border cooperation, and significant challenges such as increased cargo wait times, smuggling, and illegal border crossings. It explicitly states a focus on inbound flows, with the exception of lengthy truck queues, and emphasizes the perspective from Latvia's side of the border.
Definition of Borders and Security: This section provides crucial definitions for understanding the paper's scope. It distinguishes between 'border,' 'borderland,' and 'frontier,' establishing a geographical and conceptual framework. Furthermore, it addresses the multifaceted nature of 'security,' emphasizing the paper's understanding of the term as direct intervention to prevent threats and intercept dangerous goods at the Latvia-Russia border. The section introduces relevant scholarly perspectives on the conceptualization of security, drawing on Heininen and Nicol's work to highlight its complexity.
Function of the Conceptual Framework: This section outlines the paper's analytical approach, drawing parallels to E. Brunet-Jailly's work on border security. The author explains their intention to discuss the role of border agents, analyze the border's porosity, and propose new policy recommendations to enhance border security objectives. This section clarifies the paper's theoretical foundation and analytical goals.
History: This chapter details the historical context of the Latvia-Russia border, emphasizing its unique evolution. The period of Latvia's independence (1918-1940) and its subsequent incorporation into the USSR (1940-1990) is highlighted, underscoring the absence of a defined border during this time. The chapter then traces the post-independence border negotiations, highlighting the complexities surrounding the disputed territory of Jaunlatgale/Abrene and its impact on treaty negotiations with Russia. The discussion includes Latvia's EU accession in 2004 and the subsequent transformation of the border into an external EU border. The protracted negotiations, including Latvia's unilateral declaration and its eventual withdrawal, are meticulously described, culminating in the signing of the border treaty in 2007, which finally established an official boundary.
The Investment: This chapter explores the investment made by Latvia to strengthen its border security, using Payan and Vasquez's hypothesis as a framework for assessing its effectiveness. It details the substantial investment of 90 million Ls (approximately 128 million Euros) before Latvia's EU accession, partly supported by EU funds. It further describes the subsequent investment in personnel, technology, and equipment, utilizing the Schengen Facility Programme. The chapter acknowledges that the border's technological preparedness remained incomplete and addresses how transformations in border policy influenced border agent behavior and the structure of the State Border Guard. Cross-border cooperation initiatives, such as the INTERREG programme and the Norwegian financial mechanism, are examined for their contributions to improved border management.
Increasing number of cargos: This chapter focuses on the significant challenge of increasing cargo wait times at the Latvia-Russia border following Latvia's EU accession. The chapter analyzes the buildup of truck lines, exceeding 1000 vehicles on some days, and attributes this to the limited processing capacity of border control points. It discusses the drivers' refusal to use alternative border control points and examines the issue within the broader context of EU-Russia trade and the limitations imposed by Belarusian transit regulations, highlighting the role of Belarus in the congestion problem and the resulting crisis situation in Ludza, Latvia.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Latvia-Russia border, border security, EU accession, cross-border cooperation, investment, cargo congestion, smuggling, illegal immigration, border treaty, geopolitics, EU external border, Schengen, INTERREG.
Frequently Asked Questions: Transformation of Border Security on the Latvia-Russia Border After Latvia's EU Accession
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper analyzes the transformation of border security on the Latvia-Russia border after Latvia's EU accession in 2004. It examines the challenges faced by Latvia in managing this border, focusing on investment in border security infrastructure, the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation, and the significant issue of increasing cargo congestion.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the impact of the Latvia-Russia border treaty on security; the effectiveness of Latvian investment in border security infrastructure; the role of cross-border cooperation in managing the Latvia-Russia border; the challenges posed by increasing cargo traffic and resulting truck lines; and the geopolitical implications of the Latvia-Russia border in the context of EU expansion.
What is the historical context discussed in the paper?
The paper details the historical context of the Latvia-Russia border, emphasizing its unique evolution from Latvia's independence (1918-1940) and subsequent incorporation into the USSR (1940-1990) to post-independence border negotiations and Latvia's EU accession in 2004. It highlights the complexities surrounding the disputed territory of Jaunlatgale/Abrene and the protracted negotiations leading to the signing of the border treaty in 2007.
How does the paper define "borders" and "security"?
The paper distinguishes between 'border,' 'borderland,' and 'frontier,' establishing a geographical and conceptual framework. It addresses the multifaceted nature of 'security,' emphasizing its understanding of the term as direct intervention to prevent threats and intercept dangerous goods at the Latvia-Russia border. It draws on relevant scholarly perspectives to highlight the complexity of the concept.
What is the analytical approach used in the paper?
The paper outlines its analytical approach, drawing parallels to E. Brunet-Jailly's work on border security. It explains its intention to discuss the role of border agents, analyze the border's porosity, and propose new policy recommendations to enhance border security objectives.
What investment was made in Latvian border security?
The paper explores Latvia's investment in strengthening its border security, detailing the substantial investment of 90 million Ls (approximately 128 million Euros) before Latvia's EU accession, partly supported by EU funds. It further describes subsequent investment in personnel, technology, and equipment, utilizing the Schengen Facility Programme and initiatives like INTERREG and the Norwegian financial mechanism.
What is the issue with increasing cargo numbers?
The paper focuses on the significant challenge of increasing cargo wait times at the Latvia-Russia border following Latvia's EU accession. It analyzes the buildup of truck lines, exceeding 1000 vehicles on some days, due to limited processing capacity of border control points, drivers' refusal to use alternative points, EU-Russia trade limitations, and Belarusian transit regulations.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Key words include Latvia-Russia border, border security, EU accession, cross-border cooperation, investment, cargo congestion, smuggling, illegal immigration, border treaty, geopolitics, EU external border, Schengen, and INTERREG.
- Quote paper
- Karina Oborune (Author), 2007, Paper on specific case study of Latvia (EU)/Russia border, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/156863