EU Expands Scope of Sanctions Policy Against Belarus to Include Hybrid Activities

The Council of the European Union said the decision followed recent meteorological balloon incursions into Lithuania’s airspace.

Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko arrives to pose for a family photo prior to a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) Heads of State Council at the Yntymak Ordo (Palace of Unity) presidential residence in Bishkek, on Nov. 27, 2025. Vyacheslav Oseledko/AFP via Getty Images

The European Union on Dec. 15 broadened the scope of its sanctions policy against Belarus to include “hybrid activities” aimed at undermining democracy, the rule of law, or the security of member states.

“The new criterion will allow the EU to impose restrictive measures against those who plan, direct, engage in support or facilitate foreign information manipulation and interference,” the Council of the EU said in a statement.