Frontex Accuses Belarus of Tunnel Construction into EU
Latvia Reports First Tunnel – Implications for Switzerland?
The European border agency Frontex accuses Belarus of systematically facilitating tunnel construction at the EU border. This is based on an internal analysis evaluated by WDR and NDR. Frontex concludes that the tunnels on the Belarusian side cannot be built without the knowledge of the services.
Tunnels with Knowledge of Services
Such a tunnel was discovered for the first time in Latvia. Near the Silene border crossing, authorities found an underground passage. Through it, 15 migrants reportedly entered Latvia. Interior Minister Janis Dombrava spoke of the first tunnel of its kind in the country. Frontex states in its analysis: «Such tunnels would not be built on the Belarusian side of the border without the knowledge and support of Belarusian services.»
For months, border guards in Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland have repeatedly discovered tunnels. The three EU states have secured their borders with Belarus with fences. Frontex warns that Belarus deliberately supports and directs migration to the EU.
Decrease at the External Border
Irregular border crossings at the eastern EU external borders have nevertheless decreased. In the first half of 2026, Frontex registered 3,209 crossings. This represents a 44 percent decrease compared to the same period last year. The figures:
- 3,209 irregular border crossings from January to June 2026
- 44 percent less than in the first half of 2025
- 15 migrants used the tunnel in Latvia
The situation remains tense. The tunnels show how adaptable smuggling networks and state actors are.
Open Questions for Switzerland
A direct link to Switzerland is not addressed in the material. Switzerland is not an EU member but is closely linked to European border protection policy through bilateral agreements. Changes at the EU's external border can indirectly affect migration movements into Switzerland.
It remains unclear whether migrants from the region will increasingly reach Switzerland in the future. Swiss border protection authorities are monitoring the development. There are currently no indications of a direct tunnel route into Switzerland.
An official statement from Frontex or the EU Commission is not available. The Belarusian government has also not commented on the accusations. The information comes from the investigative report by WDR and NDR. The editorial team continues to monitor the situation.
Sources
- Tunnel into the EU: Frontex raises serious accusations against Belarus | tagesschau.de (Secondary source, 2026-08-19, researched on 2026-08-26)
- news.google.com (Secondary source, researched on 2026-08-26)
- news.google.com (Secondary source, researched on 2026-08-26)
- news.google.com (Secondary source, researched on 2026-08-26)
- news.google.com (Secondary source, researched on 2026-08-26)
- news.google.com (Secondary source, researched on 2026-08-26)
- news.google.com (Secondary source, researched on 2026-08-26)
- news.google.com (Secondary source, researched on 2026-08-26)
