Shooting training at schools and dragon teeth at the border: Latvia is preparing for an emergency

One of nan EU's astir unafraid borders is being built successful nan northeast of nan European continent! Because Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland separator Russia. 

I americium travelling successful Latvia, connected nan outer separator of nan European Union. Latvia's large neighbour Russia spreads fear: Since nan Russian warfare of aggression against Ukraine, galore group successful nan Baltic states person feared that Moscow could besides scheme an onslaught here. Together, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania person truthful begun nan building of nan "Baltic Defence Line". The Latvian portion of nan separator fortifications unsocial will costs 303 cardinal euros. 

Dozens of actual pyramids, known arsenic "dragon teeth", guidelines successful beforehand of a dilapidated unchangeable building. Tank barriers! Latvia is frankincense protecting its portion of nan EU's outer border. It is expected to beryllium "armour-proof" by 2028. 

Next extremity connected my reporting travel is nan Latvian NATO guidelines Ādaži. Here, 3,000 NATO soldiers from 14 countries are practising for emergencies. The Polish Minister of Defence has conscionable announced an summation successful nan number of troops. While defence spending successful Poland and nan Baltic states amounted to astir 2 percent of economical output successful 2020, it will soon scope 5 percent.

Back successful nan superior Riga: Together pinch Afghanistan seasoned Andris, Roberts and Monika thatch basal subject skills – successful schools! There are now 112 compulsory hours of subject training astatine each secondary schools. Riga's School of Tourism was 1 of nan first to instrumentality nan concept. 

Agnija and Agnese find nan subject history including weapons training good: "We person learned our measurement astir nan terrain and to make ourselves unrecognisable successful nan wood pinch camouflage paint," Agnija lists, "we tin besides separate betwixt different firearm types”.

"During off-road exercises, we learned subject language, ‘enemy astatine 4 o'clock’ and truthful on, including nan NATO alphabet," adds schoolhouse friend Agnese. “And we learned each astir our patriots who did awesome things successful nan War of Independence.” 

Agnese and Agnija are studying tourism and person already been to Spain and nan Netherlands. Something for illustration shooting training astatine schoolhouse – moreover if only pinch compressed aerial cartridges – presently exists crossed nan EU only successful Latvia and Poland. Lithuania is besides considering introducing subject studies successful schools. 

“Our organization is small,” Agnija says, “about 1.8 cardinal people. Every national should person basal subject knowledge.” Agnese agrees: "We besides study this successful practice. If thing happens, we're ready.” Agnija takes nan level again: " I americium not afraid, because we are successful nan European Parliament and successful NATO. We are protected – and we protect ourselves." Then she takes aim, takes a speedy changeable – and hits nan bull’s eye! Afghanistan seasoned Andris is pleased.

I person an question and reply assignment pinch Defence Minister Andris Sprūds. "There are already respective 1000 allied soldiers connected Latvian soil," Sprūds emphasises. The overseas unit beingness will beryllium expanded. 

Euronews: "Is nan NATO deterrent still reliable successful ray of developments successful nan US?"

Sprūds: “NATO is credible. Washington is sending clear signals that Europeans request to summation their subject spending. These are nan correct signals. We should show unity, spot and willingness to invest. We successful Latvia are already spending complete 3 percent of our GDP connected nan subject and are moving towards 5 percent."

Euronews: “According to analyses by Baltic intelligence services, location is simply a consequence that Russia could onslaught EU territory. Your assessment?"

Sprūds: “Russia is an fierce country. Expansionist imperialism is firmly rooted successful its DNA. We've seen it successful nan past and it will astir apt proceed to beryllium nan lawsuit successful nan future. The champion deterrent is to do our homework.”

Euronews: “Should nan EU found a associated army?”

Sprūds: "The nationalist equipped forces coordinate their activities truthful that they tin enactment together. NATO is beardown and vibrant. NATO must beryllium preserved arsenic such. NATO must go much lethal, arsenic nan caller US Secretary of Defence put it. Because spot is thing that Russia understands. We request to do much successful nan areas of arms industry, aerial defence, drone exertion and artificial intelligence."

Euronews: “What is your cardinal connection to nan EU?” 

Sprūds: "The EU's eager rearmament task is important. This besides progressive a associated indebtedness and assistance system. We request to put astatine nationalist and European level. EU and NATO territory are protected, each quadrate centimetre. That's why protecting our outer separator is simply a apical priority."