EU Calls Belarusian Balloon Incursions a 'Hybrid Attack' and Summons Belarusian Envoy

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday described repeated penetrations of Lithuanian airspace originating from Belarusian territory as a 'hybrid attack' and said the Belarusian representative in Brussels had been summoned to explain the incidents.

Von der Leyen said the situation along the Belarus–Lithuania border is worsening, with an increasing number of small balloons and other aerial objects entering Lithuanian airspace. Her comments followed a report from Vilnius airport that temporary airspace restrictions were imposed over the weekend after air traffic control detected navigation signals characteristic of balloons moving toward the airport.

Lithuanian officials say the disruptions have had a major immediate impact. Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys reported that more than 7,400 passengers and about 50 flights were affected during a single night, with 31 flights cancelled, 10 diverted and nine delayed. The airport later lifted the temporary restrictions.

EU response and diplomatic action

The EU’s diplomatic service summoned the Belarusian Chargé d’Affaires in Brussels to deliver a demarche — a formal diplomatic note — regarding what EU officials described as 'hybrid actions emanating from the Belarusian territory.' EU foreign policy spokesperson Anitta Hipper said those actions represented 'a threat to the EU.' Von der Leyen added that such tactics are unacceptable and that Brussels is preparing additional measures under its sanctions regime.

Context and regional security concerns

Authorities in Lithuania say that in October dozens of small hot-air balloons crossed into Lithuanian airspace and some were found carrying contraband cigarettes; investigators were not immediately able to determine their point of origin. In response to repeated airspace violations, Lithuania temporarily closed its border with Belarus in late October, prompting criticism from Minsk.

The balloon incidents come amid heightened regional tensions after several incursions by drones and aircraft into NATO airspace. In September, around 20 drones entered Polish airspace from Ukrainian territory and were shot down by NATO jets after scrambling. NATO also reported alleged overflights of Estonian territory by Russian jets, and other allies have reported suspected airspace breaches. In response, NATO has strengthened its presence in Eastern Europe.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė has said the country's armed forces are prepared to take 'all necessary measures' to protect its airspace, including the possibility of shooting down objects that pose a threat.

'The situation at the border with Belarus is deteriorating,' von der Leyen said. 'We are preparing further measures under our sanctions regime.'

Diplomacy is ongoing: EU officials have delivered a formal protest to the Belarusian mission in Brussels and have signalled that additional coordinated responses are under consideration as they assess the security and humanitarian implications of these incidents.