Prime Minister presented the decisions of the National Security Commission

On Monday, the National Security Commission meeting discussed measures to counter a hybrid attack in which air-transported contraband is used against Lithuania, disrupting the civil aviation and operation of the country's airports.

With the participation of ministers and heads of responsible institutions and services, new measures, response algorithms, and divisions of responsibility were agreed upon to prevent repeated incidents, manage the risks, and assist travelers affected by disrupted airport operations.

"At the meeting of the National Security Commission, we agreed on decisions and proposals that have been sought and coordinated during this particularly intense weekend for the institutions. They include kinetic measures to bring down balloons; pressure on Belarus, from whose territory they enter Lithuania; counter-smuggling measures; as well as assistance to citizens affected by flight delays. People's safety was and remains the highest priority," said Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė.

Among the agreed measures and institutional actions are the following:

- Contraband-laden balloons will be brought down using kinetic measures, depending on the situation and risks;

- The Lithuanian Police and the State Border Guard Service are forming a joint investigation group that will operate according to a coordinated action plan;

- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will initiate a new package of EU sanctions against Belarus and will seek the activation of the EU hybrid response team;

- The border with Belarus is currently closed. At the next Government sitting, a decision on the indefinite closure of the border with Belarus (exceptions will apply to Lithuanian and EU citizens traveling from Belarus to Lithuania) will be made;

- At the next Government sitting, a decision is also planned regarding previously initiated amendments to the Criminal Code: it is proposed to expand criminal liability for the illegal possession of excise goods of small value when aircraft (drones) or meteorological balloons are used for transport, posing a threat to public safety;

- The Ministry of Transport has initiated special buses in Lithuania for passengers needing assistance traveling between the country's airports;

- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will launch a helpline for Lithuanian citizens abroad whose return has been disrupted due to such incidents.

As institutions and agencies continue ongoing monitoring and assessment of the effectiveness of these measures, additional decisions are not ruled out in the future.

Last updated: 27-10-2025

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