Lithuania has reported progress on the border fence with Belarus, with work continuing along an estimated length of about 550 kilometers. The project coincides with Vilnius showing strong concerns about an uptick in border crossings, which officials say may be linked to actions by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in response to European Union sanctions. The fence is seen as a concrete step to reinforce border control and reduce migratory pressure on Lithuania and its neighbors.
The authorities describe the barrier as a four-meter-tall structure topped with barbed wire, designed to bolster the effectiveness of border guards in screening and intercepting unauthorized movement. Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte has defended the measure, emphasizing that the physical barrier will make it harder for individuals to cross irregularly and will support staff on the ground in protecting national security and public order.
Lithuania shares a border with Belarus spanning around 680 kilometers, a segment of which runs through rivers and lakes. In recent months, there has been a noticeable rise in attempts to cross the frontier, with record numbers reported on successive days. Numbers cited include 124 crossings in one recent week and 125 on the following Monday, underscoring the ongoing migratory dynamics at the border.
The surge in crossings echoes the situation observed during the height of migration pressures last year. Migrants crossing into Lithuania have originated from various regions, including Middle Eastern countries such as Syria and Afghanistan, along with individuals arriving from African nations. As the numbers climbed, the Lithuanian authorities moved to tighten entry policies and enhance screening at key points along the Belarus border. These developments have been interpreted by the Vilnius government as part of a broader strategy to respond to perceived coercive actions by Minsk.
Since mid 2021, Lithuania has implemented stricter immigration controls in response to the growing flow of people attempting to pass through Belarus. The government has publicly framed Minsk’s actions as a deliberate tactic to pressure European Union leaders, a stance that has shaped the tone of regional discussions about border security and humanitarian responsibilities. The border fence, along with enhanced patrols and upgrading of surveillance technology, forms a multi-layer approach aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty while balancing international obligations and humanitarian considerations.