Lithuania on December 9 introduced a nationwide emergency regime after a multiple flyovers of contraband-laden balloons released from Belarus drifted into Lithuanian territory, disrupting air traffic. 

Officials in Vilnius describe the balloon launches as a hybrid tactic orchestrated by Belarus, aimed at destabilising Lithuania and straining its institutions.

As reported by bne IntelliNews, in retaliation, Lithuania closed its border with Belarus, but the move backfired after Poland unexpectedly opened its own border with Belarus. As a result, hundreds of Lithuanian trucks were stranded in Belarus, with haulers estimating losses in the millions and accusing the government of indecisiveness.

“In responding to Belarus’s hybrid attack, we must adopt the strictest measures and protect the sectors most affected by it. All relevant institutions are joining forces to prevent the threat posed by smuggling balloons. The public will not experience inconvenience as a result of the declared emergency situation,” said Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene, Lithuania’s interior ministry said in a statement. 

The introduction of the emergency regime aims not only to contain the threat to civil aviation but also to safeguard Lithuania’s national security interests and ensure closer coordination among state institutions.

“Once the emergency is declared, we will be able to cooperate more closely, as troops will receive certain special powers that will enable them to act more effectively – both together with officers from the Ministry of the Interior’s services and independently,” noted Minister Vladislav Kondratovicius, the ministry said.

It is recalled that since October, due to the threat posed to civil aviation by smuggling balloons, Vilnius Airport has been closed for more than 60 hours, with over 350 flights affected and around 51,000 passengers impacted.

Lithuanian authorities report that around 600 balloons and 200 drones have crossed into national airspace this year. Vilnius Airport has borne the brunt, but Kaunas Airport has also been impacted.

According to the government’s formal decision, Belarusian groups have been dispatching balloons that routinely cross into Lithuanian airspace, creating risks not only to aviation but also to people, property and the environment. The public, the minister stressed, should not expect noticeable disruptions, as the measures will focus narrowly on managing this specific threat, Lithuania's national broadcaster LRT.lt reported.

Supporting documents from the interior ministry warned that declining to call an emergency could weaken state security and public confidence. The ministry argued that the complexity of the situation calls for unified action across all agencies, including assistance from the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

The government also endorsed granting soldiers exceptional authority for the duration of the emergency period. The proposal, to be fast-tracked to the parliament, would permit troops to support police and other services in containing the situation.

If approved, military personnel could issue compulsory instructions to individuals or organisations; detain those who ignore such orders or are suspected of violations; cordon off or restrict access to areas; halt ongoing work; impose limits on traffic; and check IDs, vehicles, and personal belongings. They would also be allowed to use specialised equipment, LRT.lt said.

Following a meeting of the National Security Commission on November 27, Ruginiene said fresh intelligence from state agencies suggested that around 280 Lithuanian trucks remained unable to leave Belarus. That figure was far below the estimates previously issued by both hauliers and the government itself. Linava president, Erlandas Mikenas, told independent news agency BNS the true tally stood on November 27 at around 4,000 Lithuanian vehicles, including 1,250 trucks. It has not been reported if the situation has improved over the last few days.

Lithuania also expects the EU's involvement in the matter. Brussels has been criticised for its slow response.