Overview
- The government moved after repeated airspace violations by balloons from Belarus that disrupted civil aviation.
- Vilnius Airport was shut multiple times in recent weeks, stranding thousands as meteorological balloons forced closures.
- Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius said the declaration is focused on tighter institutional coordination with narrowly targeted steps.
- The cabinet asked parliament to let the military operate alongside police and border guards, with powers to restrict access, search vehicles, check documents, detain suspects, and use force.
- Belarus denied responsibility and accused Lithuania of provocations, as EU leaders labeled the incursions a hybrid attack and Europe stays on alert after unprecedented drone activity in September.