Lithuania calls for additional sanctions against Belarus

At a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on November 15, European ministers may decide on extending sanctions against Belarus at Lithuania’s request, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said.

Lithuania is calling on the EU to impose additional sanctions in response to incursions of weather balloons into its territory. Budrys emphasised that the upcoming council meeting is particularly important for Lithuania, as the country hopes EU ministers will agree to adopt new criteria to strengthen the Belarusian sanctions regime, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The Lithuanian minister noted that the EU should add three specific measures targeting Belarusian hybrid activities against the bloc. He stressed that Lithuania seeks not only solidarity among EU member states but also united action, warning that sanctions should be expanded if these activities continue.

Budrys further highlighted that only a united stance among European countries can compel authoritarian regimes to retreat.

By Sabina Mammadli