Belarus has demanded one billion euros in compensation from Lithuania, alleging a breach of the agreement governing the shipment of Belaruskali OJSC fertilizers to the Klaipėda port. This information was reported by TASS, citing the Lithuanian Ministry of Communications and Transport as the source.
The Belarusian side reportedly notified Lithuanian authorities of its arbitration filing, invoking the 1999 Lithuanian-Belarusian agreement on the promotion and protection of investments. The move signals a formal, legally grounded claim that centers on cross-border trade arrangements and the security of supply chains between the two nations.
On November 5, officials stated that the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service would initiate an expansion of its personnel over the next two years as part of broader efforts to strengthen security along the Belarusian border. The plan involves hiring approximately 450 additional civil servants, according to Rustam Lyubayevas, who oversees the border agency. The expansion aims to augment operational capacity, enhance screening procedures, and streamline cross-border oversight in a high-traffic corridor between the countries.
Earlier, on October 27, Agne Bilotaite, who leads Lithuania’s Internal Affairs Ministry, indicated that Lithuania, together with neighboring states, plans to conduct joint exercises. The purpose of these drills would be to assess the effectiveness of coordinated algorithms for closing the border with Belarus, ensuring readiness for various scenarios and improving regional security cooperation. Bilotaite emphasized the importance of interoperable procedures among partner agencies to respond rapidly to potential incidents at the border.
Bilotaite has previously suggested consideration of physical barriers along portions of the Belarusian border, particularly in swampy regions where terrain presents unique challenges for surveillance and enforcement. The proposal reflects a broader discussion about balancing practical security measures with environmental and logistical considerations, while maintaining open channels for legitimate trade and movement under established treaties and international norms.