The European Parliament wants to tighten sanctions on Belarus. This is a reaction to hybrid attacks
Why is this important?
Hybrid attacks from Belarus, including violations of Lithuanian airspace, destabilize the region and affect the security of the European Union and NATO. The lack of a common Western position towards Minsk may weaken the effectiveness of sanctions and the solidarity of allies. Belarus's actions affect not only politics, but also the economy and everyday life of the region's inhabitants.
What are the allegations against Belarus?
Since the beginning of 2024, Lithuania has recorded hundreds of violations of its airspace by objects sent from Belarus, including weather balloons. There were incidents near Vilnius and Kaunas airports, leading to multiple airport closures and the disruption of hundreds of flights. MEPs emphasize that these actions pose a real threat to life and safety.
What sanctions does the European Parliament propose?
MEPs want the EU to impose sanctions on Belarusian officials, companies and individuals involved in hybrid attacks. They also propose new restrictions for the aviation and financial sectors, import and investment bans, service bans and restrictions on access to positions in bodies managing European critical infrastructure. The Parliament also calls for a ban on accepting donations from Belarusian authorities and public entities.
What sanctions are already in force?
The European Union has so far imposed sanctions on 310 people and 46 entities from Belarus, including Alexander Lukashenko. They include, among others: freezing of assets in the EU and travel ban – in the case of people covered by sanctions. Following the forced, unlawful landing of a Ryanair plane in Minsk in 2021, the EU banned Belarusian airlines from using European airspace and airports. Agricultural products and fertilizers from Belarus are subject to import duties.
Read also:
What are the reasons for imposing sanctions on Belarus?
What sectors of the Belarusian economy are to be covered by new sanctions?
What is already known about Lithuanian airspace violations?
What sanctions apply in the EU against Belarus?
