New Law Bolsters Crisis Management in Response to Global Instability

Amendments to National Security Law Aim to Improve Governmental Response and Coordination

In response to escalating global instability, the Latvian government is overhauling its crisis management system. These revisions, effective July 1, aim to bolster the nation’s ability to handle unexpected events and safeguard state security, society, and essential services.

Centralized Command

The updates will reorganize crisis management by ensuring the government and its leadership are well-prepared to make informed decisions promptly during a crisis. This involves a more transparent and effective system for managing cross-sector emergencies. The legislation clarifies roles for ministries, state institutions, municipalities, and public organizations.

Amendments define a “crisis” as an unforeseen situation demanding an immediate, strategic reaction to protect state security, societal well-being, the environment, economic activity, or public health. Crisis management involves planning, implementation, and the development of crisis management processes, adhering to set frameworks and principles.

Crisis Management Center Takes Lead

A key change is the establishment of the Crisis Management Center (KVC), under the Prime Minister’s supervision within the State Chancellery. The KVC will coordinate crisis response, particularly in situations affecting multiple sectors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Prime Minister will appoint and dismiss the KVC’s head.

The KVC will focus on continuous monitoring of the security situation, analysis of information, resource management, and inter-institutional coordination. It will also support crisis communication efforts, develop cooperation skills between state and municipal bodies, and work with the non-governmental sector. According to the new law, the Cabinet of Ministers must establish procedures by January 1, 2026, for involving resources from legal or natural persons during a crisis, as well as a compensation process.

Daily and Crisis Operations

The primary function of the KVC during a crisis will be to lead the coordination of various institutions. This is crucial for centralized, coordinated, and swift decision-making, as well as ensuring the public receives clear information. The KVC will also monitor and analyze the civilian security situation around the clock, identifying risks and threats to coordinate solutions and prepare decisions for the Cabinet Crisis Management meetings.

The amendments will require municipalities to establish crisis management units or teams by January 1, 2026, to plan and implement crisis management measures. This marks a significant shift towards proactive, coordinated, and efficient crisis management across all governmental levels. According to the World Bank, effective crisis management can reduce the economic impact of disasters by up to 30%.