EU Foreign Affairs Ministers approve the extension of the EU sanctions regime against Belarus

On 15 December in Brussels, the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers approved the extension of the EU sanctions regime against Belarus. Lithuania's proposal adds three additional criteria to the EU sanctions regime against Belarus, namely, for hybrid attacks, disruption of critical infrastructure, disinformation, and information manipulation actions. Based on these criteria, the EU will have the basis to impose additional individual and sectoral sanctions on Belarus.

"I am glad that Lithuania has achieved its goal of adding criteria for hybrid activities to the EU sanctions regime against Belarus. This provides the EU with the tools to respond effectively and rigorously to malicious activities now and in the future. With this decision, the EU has demonstrated not only its ability to mobilise politically in the face of challenges, but also to take the necessary decisions," said Budrys.