The Lithuanian authorities have said that in addition to the other parts where a physical barrier has already been installed, the country plans to do the same in marshy areas on the border with Belarus and Russia.
Plans to also install a physical barrier in the wet and swampy areas near the state border with Belarus and Russia were shared during a meeting the Lithuanian Minister of Interior Agnė Bilotaitė had with the Minister of the Environment and the Deputy Director of the State Protected Services.
During the meeting, it was said that the physical barrier is necessary in order to strengthen the border protection of the country as an increased number of irregular arrivals have been registered so far this year.
As Minister Bilotaitė revealed, around 700 migrants who tried to cross the border irregularly and enter Lithuania were stopped in marshy areas at the border with Belarus.
The same said that since the beginning of the year, the authorities detected 13 smuggling cases in the same area.
“Additional border protection measures are necessary because this year alone, about 700 illegal migrants were not allowed in marshy areas on the border with Belarus, and 13 cases of smuggling were detected.” Minister Bilotaitė
As the Lithuanian Ministry of Interior explains, there will be no need for forest cutting, as the physical barrier will be installed in the border strip.
Moreover, Minister Bilotaitė noted that the authorities together with environment protection specialists have already assessed the impact that the physical barriers would have on nature, stressing that the impact will be minimal.
“We do this very responsibly, together with environmental protection specialists, assessing the possible impact on nature. We received assurances from environmentalists that the impact on nature will be minimal.” Minister Bilotaitė
Currently, Lithuania monitors the majority of its border sections with Belarus and Russia. The country started to increase its monitoring capacities following the hybrid attacks from Belarus and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Apart from announcing plans to install a physical barrier on the marshy areas at the border with Belarus and Russia, Lithuania said that it also wants to reestablish coast border patrols.
The authorities said that the country wants to take such a measure in order to further protect the sea borders.
Taking into account the current situation, Minister Bilotaitė said earlier this month that it is very important to pay close attention to the protection of the sea border and the border with Russia. The same highlighted that Lithuania needs to be prepared for any hybrid attacks or an increase in irregular migration.
