The Seimas on Thursday began debating amendments to the criminal code aimed at criminalising participation in foreign armed conflicts on the side of “hostile states”, as well as sabotage and cooperation with foreign intelligence services.
Deputy Justice Minister Martynas Dobrovolskis described the proposal as a response to evolving security threats.
“This is the first attempt to criminalise hybrid attacks in criminal law. We are starting with what we see on the ground, such as weather balloons, our airports, and seaports,” he said.
Dobrovolskis said the amendments were prompted by growing risks to national security and gaps in the legal framework that could be exploited by foreign intelligence agencies.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said the changes reflect a “changed security situation in the region and growing hybrid threats”.
Under the proposal, criminal liability would apply to individuals who take part in armed conflicts abroad on behalf of countries acting against the “independence, sovereignty or territorial integrity of another state”, or in ways that violate Lithuania’s international commitments.
“The bill clearly limits which conflicts would fall under liability – only those incompatible with Lithuania’s international obligations,” Dobrovolskis said.
The bill also seeks to criminalise unauthorised involvement in the activities of foreign intelligence or security services, including carrying out tasks on their behalf against Lithuania’s interests.
In addition, the legislation would introduce criminal liability for sabotage, defined as damaging or destroying strategic assets or otherwise harming Lithuania’s interests, including disrupting companies vital to national security. Such offences would be classified as serious crimes punishable by imprisonment.
Organisations could also face liability if they profit from sending individuals to participate in foreign conflicts or from unlawful cooperation with foreign state-controlled bodies.
The amendments would grant intelligence and law enforcement agencies expanded powers to conduct surveillance related to suspected sabotage.
Lawmakers approved the bill after its initial reading with 101 votes in favour, none against and one abstention. It will return to the plenary session in June following review by the Committee on Legal Affairs.
Lithuanian officials have cited a number of recent incidents, including attacks on historical sites and attempts to damage property linked to military aid for Ukraine, as examples of “hybrid threats”. Authorities have also described contraband balloons launched from Belarus as part of such activities.
While individuals involved in these incidents are often identified and prosecuted, officials say organisers are frequently linked to Russian intelligence services operating beyond Lithuania’s jurisdiction.
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