The Latvian Ministry of Defence has begun expropriating land in the eastern border region to construct anti-mobility military infrastructure. While the Ministry acknowledges the process is complex, particularly regarding bureaucracy and land valuation, residents report a lack of clear information despite an ongoing information campaign.
Landowners Express Concerns
Guntars Bartkevičs, owner of the 5,000-hectare “Amatnieki/Riekstiņi” farm located on the Latvian-Russian border, received a notice in January stating that nine hectares of his land would be expropriated. As of today, March 22, 2026, Bartkevičs says he remains “starved of information.” He stated, “This is unacceptable, due to the fact that 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 raised at the nearby “Kotiņi” farm, where representatives from the state visited last week. Rolands Keišs, a representative of “Kotiņi,” expressed frustration with the process, stating, “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, how it shouldn’t be resolved. It seems to me that the issue has simply been addressed incorrectly from above.”
The “Kotiņi” farm was initially notified that one hectare of cultivated land would be expropriated. A key concern is compensation for both the land itself and the winter crops currently sown on it. Keišs questioned how losses would be calculated, asking, “The lost profit, the lost harvest or just what you have spent? Because it’s such a broad concept.”
Compensation and Drainage Issues
Colonel Kaspars Miezītis of the National Armed Forces (NBS) stated that the NBS will “do everything to accommodate farmers as much as possible” and will assess and compensate for any related losses if barriers are erected on sown fields. However, the NBS has not discussed specific compensation amounts.
Beyond lost crops, landowners are also worried about the potential impact on existing drainage systems. Bartkevičs explained that his farm’s drainage system flows into the Kūkūva river, and damage to this system could render several hundred hectares of land unusable, turning them into swamps.
Miezītis indicated that efforts will be made to ensure drainage systems remain functional after the installation of anti-mobility barriers, and that each property will be inspected by an appraiser to assess its current condition and investments.
A second round of notices, totaling more than 300 (248 individuals and 54 legal entities), will be sent by March 23rd.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the land expropriation?
The Latvian Ministry of Defence is expropriating land to create anti-mobility military infrastructure in the eastern border region.
What concerns do landowners have?
Landowners are concerned about a lack of information, potential compensation for lost crops and land, and the impact on existing drainage systems.
What has the National Armed Forces said about compensation?
Colonel Kaspars Miezītis stated that the NBS will assess and compensate for related losses if barriers are erected on sown fields, but specific amounts have not been discussed.
As the Ministry of Defence proceeds with these expropriations, how will the concerns of landowners be addressed to balance national security needs with the livelihoods of those affected?
