Lithuania’s government on Tuesday declared a nationwide emergency situation (ekstremali situacija) in response to a growing threat posed by smuggling balloons regularly launched from Belarus into Lithuanian territory.
“It’s clear that this emergency is being declared not only because of disruptions to civil aviation, but also due to national security concerns and the need for closer coordination among institutions,” Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovič said during a cabinet meeting.
According to the government resolution, the emergency was declared because balloons carrying contraband are being routinely released from Belarus and drifting into Lithuania, posing risks to national security as well as to human life, health, property and the environment.
Kondratovič was appointed the national operations manager for the emergency.
He said the public should not experience disruptions, as the measures being introduced are narrowly targeted.
The Interior Ministry warned that failing to declare an emergency could harm national security and stability and undermine public trust in state institutions. Documents accompanying the resolution argued that closer coordination is required among agencies responsible for managing and eliminating the effects of the crisis.
The ministry also said the situation is complex enough that it requires support from the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Expanded powers for the military
The government on Tuesday also approved a measure granting additional powers to troops during the emergency.
Under the resolution, troops may assist law enforcement in responding to the emergency and mitigating its effects. They would be empowered to issue mandatory orders to individuals, companies and organisations; pursue and detain people who ignore those orders or are suspected of committing crimes or other violations; restrict access to certain areas; halt work underway in specific locations; limit or ban vehicle traffic; and inspect identification documents, vehicles, weapons and personal belongings. They would also be permitted to use special equipment.
The Defence Ministry said the expanded powers are needed because the balloons have increasingly disrupted operations at Vilnius International Airport and pose broader risks to civil aviation. The proposal will be submitted to the parliament, Seimas, on Tuesday under fast-track procedures. If approved, the expanded powers would remain in effect for three months.
The Interior Ministry noted that implementing the resolution may require additional state funds, though exact needs will become clear only during the emergency response. It said money from the state reserve could also be used.
Seen as hybrid attack
Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said last week that the special legal regime is needed to help joint response teams more easily intercept smuggling balloons. She said the government acted on expert advice and did not rule out “going further”, a reference to the possibility of shifting to a stricter state of emergency, which can be imposed only by the parliament.
Smuggler balloons from Belarus have disrupted operations at Vilnius Airport a dozen times in recent months and once affected operations in Kaunas.
Interior Ministry data shows that about 600 smuggling balloons and 200 drones have entered Lithuania’s airspace this year. The incidents have disrupted more than 300 flights, affected 47,000 passengers and forced roughly 60 hours of airport closures.
Lithuanian officials have characterised the balloons as a hybrid attack by the Belarusian government.
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