EU Poised to Broaden Sanctions Against Belarus Over Hybrid Activities

EU Ministers Convene in Brussels Amid Rising Tensions

Brussels, Belgium – The European Union is on the verge of agreeing to broaden its sanctions against Belarus' regime, specifically targeting what it describes as 'hybrid activities' against the bloc. This development was announced today, December 15, 2025, by Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys, ahead of a crucial meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels.

Minister Budrys emphasized the necessity of expanding the sanctions regime if these hybrid activities persist. The anticipated agreement underscores the EU's growing concern over destabilizing actions emanating from Belarus, particularly those impacting its eastern member states.

Understanding Belarus' 'Hybrid Attacks'

The 'hybrid activities' prompting this latest round of sanctions are multifaceted and have significantly impacted Lithuania and other EU borders. Key among these are:

• Airspace Incursions: A wave of smuggling balloons, often laden with illegal cigarettes, has repeatedly violated Lithuanian airspace. These incursions have disrupted air traffic, leading to temporary closures of airports, including Vilnius International Airport. Reports indicate that these incidents have affected hundreds of flights, impacted tens of thousands of passengers, and resulted in substantial financial losses for airport operators, exceeding 750,000 euros for Lithuanian Airports alone.
• Economic Coercion: Belarus has been accused of detaining approximately 1,000 Lithuanian freight trucks on its territory and imposing unlawful fees, which Vilnius has labeled as 'blackmail'.
• Weaponization of Migration: Historically, the EU has accused Belarus of orchestrating migration flows, using vulnerable individuals as a political tool against its neighbors.
• Other Disruptions: Recent reports also cite GPS jamming and spoofing, as well as drone incursions, as part of the escalating hybrid threats.

In response to these escalating threats, Lithuania declared a state of emergency last week and sought parliamentary authorization to provide military support for its police and border guards.

EU's Firm Stance and Previous Sanctions

The European Union has consistently condemned Belarus' actions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has previously stated that such hybrid attacks are 'completely unacceptable' and confirmed that the EU was preparing further measures under its sanctions regime. The EU's diplomatic arm has also summoned Belarus' envoy over 'hybrid actions emanating from the Belarusian territory and constituting a threat to the EU'.

This is not the first time the EU has imposed restrictive measures on Minsk. Since 2020, the bloc has enacted repeated sanctions against the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko, targeting individuals and entities for the brutal repression of dissent following the 2020 presidential election and for Belarus' support of Russia's war in Ukraine.

Anticipated Impact and Future Outlook

The expected agreement today signifies a reinforced commitment from the EU to counter Belarus' destabilizing tactics. While the exact details of the broadened sanctions are yet to be formally approved, they are anticipated to target officials and institutions responsible for these hybrid operations. The move aims to deter further aggression and protect the security and stability of the EU's eastern borders. The ongoing discussions in Brussels highlight the EU's resolve to maintain pressure on the Belarusian regime until it ceases its hostile activities.