Headlines
EU broadens Belarus sanctions to include hybrid activity
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on December 15, 2025
Global Banking and Finance Review
Company
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on December 15, 2025
BRUSSELS, Dec 15 (Reuters) - The European Union on Monday broadened its sanctions on Belarus' regime to include actions seen to undermine democracy, the rule of law, and the overall security in member states.
The sanctions follow the incursions into Lithuania's airspace of meteorological balloons from Belarus, which have repeatedly disrupted air traffic in recent months.
"The new criterion will allow the EU to impose restrictive measures against those who plan, direct, engage in support or facilitate foreign information manipulation and interference," the EU Council said.
"The EU will also be able to target the unauthorised entry into the territory of a member state," it added.
Lithuania last week declared a state of emergency and asked parliament to authorise military support for police and border guards after a wave of smuggler balloons from Belarus repeatedly disrupted air traffic.
Belarus has denied responsibility for the balloons and accused Lithuania of provocations.
(Reporting by Andrew Gray and Lili Bayer, writing by Louise Breusch Rasmussen, editing by Bart Meijer)
Sanctions are penalties or restrictions imposed by one country or group of countries on another to influence its behavior, often in response to actions that threaten international peace or violate laws.
The rule of law is the principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable under the law, ensuring fairness and justice in legal proceedings.
Airspace is the portion of the atmosphere controlled by a country above its territory, where aircraft operate and are subject to the laws and regulations of that country.
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