On Thursday, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning Belarus for what it described as an escalating campaign of hybrid attacks against Lithuania and the European Union. The resolution was adopted with 438 votes in favor, 37 against, and 48 abstentions.
The document highlights repeated violations of Lithuanian airspace by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and balloons originating from Belarus. It also notes incidents of cyberattacks, state-sponsored disinformation campaigns, economic pressure tactics, and the use of migration as a political tool. According to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), these actions are deliberate, coordinated, hostile, and part of a broader strategy led by Russia to undermine the EU, its member states, and NATO.
The resolution points to a marked increase in airspace violations since 2024. MEPs assert that some UAVs were deployed in a controlled manner and at least one carried explosive material. The text also addresses Lithuania’s decision to close its border with Belarus and condemns what it describes as retaliatory detentions of EU freight operators by Belarusian authorities.
Expressing support for Lithuania, MEPs state: “They demand that Belarus cease all hybrid activities against Lithuania, release detained European hauliers and their property, compensate financial losses caused, and ensure aviation and border-crossing safety.” The resolution criticizes the United States for lifting some sanctions on Belarus without coordination with the EU. It reiterates that the EU does not recognize Aliaksandr Lukashenka as the legitimate leader of Belarus.
The Parliament calls on EU member states to impose further targeted sanctions on Belarusian officials, entities involved in UAV production or deployment, and those engaged in other hybrid operations targeting critical infrastructure or democratic institutions.
The resolution urges stronger cooperation between the EU and NATO on airspace security measures such as surveillance enhancements and counter-UAV capabilities. It advocates for improved intelligence-sharing among member states and increased investment in eastern-border security infrastructure. Support is expressed for new initiatives like the European drone defence initiative and Eastern Flank Watch. MEPs also emphasize closer collaboration with Ukraine on drone technology development, cyber protection measures, and resilience against hybrid threats.
Finally, MEPs stress: “the need for the EU to counter Belarusian disinformation, pursue international accountability for Belarus’s actions, and strengthen societal resilience across the EU.”
