EU broadens Belarus sanctions to include hybrid activity

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BRUSSELS, Dec 15 - 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 Lithuanias 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. REUTERS