In response to EU sanctions, Belarus, under its ruler Alexander Lukashenko, allows hundreds of refugees to pass through to Lithuania.
Lithuania's foreign minister therefore wants the EU to impose even tougher sanctions.
Vilnius / Brussels - Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis has called for stricter action by the European Union in view of the sharp increase in the number of illegal entries into his country via Belarus.
"If the migration situation in Lithuania continues to worsen, there must be new and tougher European sanctions against Belarus," Landsbergis told the "Welt".
“I proposed that to the Council.
This is not a refugee crisis, but a "hybrid warfare" against us. "
Asylum regulations already tightened
The Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko has repeatedly threatened the EU to allow refugees from war zones to pass in response to the sanctions imposed on his country.
Lithuania, which has an almost 680 kilometer long border with Belarus, is particularly hard hit.
Several hundred migrants had illegally crossed the border in the past few weeks.
As a result, Lithuania recently tightened its asylum regulations.
"Lukashenko smuggling network" smashed
"We have to bundle our efforts in Europe to break up Lukashenko's smuggling network," said Landsbergis.
The regime in Belarus is getting rich, Gabrielius called it a "profitable business" for the country.
“Belarusian companies are active in the countries of origin who organize the trips.
One of our neighboring countries is selling tickets for 7,000 or 8,000 euros, with which people are supposed to enter the EU illegally. ”The route is also attractive for migrants because it poses no dangers.
dpa
