Belarus: EU broadens scope of sanctions regime to cover hybrid activities against EU member states

On 15 December, the Council of the European Union introduced a new criterion for the listing of individuals, entities and bodies benefiting from, involved in or facilitating actions or policies attributable to the Republic of Belarus, which undermine or threaten democracy, the rule of law, stability or security in the EU and its member states. 

More specifically, this decision follows the recent meteorological balloon incursions into Lithuania’s airspace.

The new criterion will allow the EU to impose restrictive measures against those who plan, direct, engage in, support or facilitate foreign information manipulation and interference. Moreover, the EU will be able to sanction individuals and entities engaged in actions targeted at the functioning of democratic institutions, economic activities or services of public interest of the EU and its member states. The EU will also be able to target unauthorised entry into the territory of a member state.

Finally, the new criterion also covers actions aimed at interfering with, damaging or destroying critical infrastructure, and widespread or systematic actions resulting in the disruption of such infrastructure.

Since 1 January 2025, Lithuania has recorded a growing number of airspace violations, which have increased sharply since October 2025, the Council said in a press release. These incidents involve both drones and the misuse of meteorological balloons for contraband purposes. 

Launched from Belarus, each balloon carries up to 50kg of payload, can fly at altitudes of up to 8-15km, and at speeds of up to 100-200km/h, thus posing serious security and safety risks, primarily to civil aviation. These incursions into Lithuania’s airspace have disrupted hundreds of flights and inflicted substantial losses to airlines, thousands of travellers, and state authorities.

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Press release