Lithuania under Belarusian attack: sanctions and defence action needed
Renew Europe welcomes the adoption of the resolution it initiated and negotiated, which firmly condemns Belarus' ongoing hybrid attacks against Lithuania, warning that these coordinated operations form part of a broader Russia-led strategy to destabilise the European Union and NATO. The attacks include drone and balloon incursions, weaponised migration, economic coercion, smuggling, cyber-attacks, and disinformation campaigns.
These hostile actions must be understood within the context of Russia's war against Ukraine and its wider efforts to undermine European security. Our group expresses full solidarity with Lithuania, emphasising that threats to one Member State affect the entire Union and demands a united response.
Renew Group President Valérie Hayer (Renaissance, France) stated :
"Regarding hybrid attacks against member States, a decisive shift from reactive defence to proactive deterrence is overdue, such as stronger EU airspace surveillance over Lithuania, enhanced counter-drone capabilities and robust protection of critical infrastructure. These priorities must be structurally embedded and properly financed in the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework. Europe must act together, act early, and act as its own security provider."
Valérie HayerRenew Europe MEP, France, Renaissance
We are therefore calling for additional targeted sanctions against Belarusian officials and entities involved in drone production and hybrid operations, including expanded restrictions in aviation and financial sectors. We also urge sustained EU investment in border security.
Petras Auštrevičius (Liberalų sąjūdis, Lithuania), Renew Europe's negotiator on this resolution, emphasised:
"The hybrid, terrorist-like attacks carried out by the Belarusian regime endanger lives, disrupt civil aviation, undermine security and cause economic losses. These attacks can and must be stopped by imposing additional sanctions and legal measures based on the principle of European solidarity."
Petras AuštrevičiusRenew Europe MEP, Lithuania, Liberalų Sąjūdis
Finally, Renew Europe welcomes the European Drone Defence Initiative and Eastern Flank Watch as crucial steps toward proactive deterrence.