On 24 March, the Chairman of the ATLAS Network of European Special Intervention Units, Commander of the Swedish elite Special Intervention Unit NI, Mårten Langer, visited Latvia for an in-person meeting with the Head of the Latvian State Police, General Armands Ruks, and the Counter-Terrorism Unit OMEGA — Latvia’s representative in the ATLAS Network. During the visit, current security challenges and the unit’s international cooperation were discussed.
ATLAS is a network of law enforcement special intervention units within the European Union, which since 2001 has provided a platform for close cooperation, joint training, and mutual support. It brings together 38 special intervention units from 27 EU Member States and partner countries. Since 2019, the ATLAS Network has been working in close cooperation with Europol. The ATLAS Support Office, established within the European Counter Terrorism Centre (ECTC), strengthens cooperation and promotes the exchange of expertise in the fields of counter-terrorism and serious and organized crime.
The network’s objectives are, firstly, to ensure a unified approach to tactics, training, technology, and interoperability among special intervention units of the Member States. Secondly, it significantly strengthens the ability to respond in a coordinated manner to crisis situations at both national and international levels, including conducting joint operations on land and at sea, involving units from other countries.
As emphasised by ATLAS Network Chairman Mårten Langer: "It is essential for us to understand the perspectives of special intervention units across Europe. We are here to learn about challenges at both national and international levels and to strengthen mutual cooperation. ATLAS is built on close collaboration, experience sharing, and continuous capability development, enabling units to cooperate effectively and provide mutual support in crisis situations. Our motto, ‘All Together to Protect You,’ has never been more relevant than it is today. Diverse experiences and perspectives strengthen our collective capabilities."
Participation in the ATLAS Network provides significant added value to the Latvian State Police Counter-Terrorism Unit OMEGA. The unit regularly participates in international exercises, enhances its tactical and technical capabilities, and adopts experience from other countries in handling complex crisis situations. This strengthens its ability to respond swiftly and effectively within Latvia.
General Armands Ruks, Head of the Latvian State Police, emphasises: ""In today’s geopolitical environment, elements of hybrid warfare are increasingly becoming part of everyday challenges. Participation in the ATLAS Network strengthens our ability to identify such threats in a timely manner and respond effectively in cooperation with international partners. At the same time, the network provides opportunities to carry out joint training and operations, which is essential for addressing modern security challenges in a coordinated and efficient way."
Such cooperation also has a direct impact on public safety by enhancing preparedness for crisis situations, enabling faster response, and ensuring closer international cooperation when threats extend beyond national borders. The visit to Latvia marks further development of cooperation, fostering the exchange of experience, a unified approach to crisis response, and strengthening the foundation for joint initiatives in the field of security.
