**Lithuania Seeks 200 Million Euros in Compensation from Belarus over Migrant Crisis**
The country of Lithuania is demanding a significant amount of money – more than 200 million euros ($227 million) – as compensation for the migrant crisis caused by its neighbor, Belarus. This demand comes after Lithuania took Belarus to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on May 19, accusing Minsk of facilitating and supporting the smuggling of migrants into Lithuania.
According to Lithuanian officials, the initial estimates of damages are over 200 million euros. However, these calculations may be revised as the country continues to assess the costs incurred due to Belarus’ actions. Since 2021, Lithuania has been at odds with Belarus over a surge in irregular migrant crossings, which Vilnius claims was orchestrated by Minsk to destabilize Ukraine’s EU and NATO ally.
**Belarus Accused of Destabilizing NATO Ally**
In its lawsuit against Belarus, Lithuania alleges that the damages incurred between 2021 and 2023 were due to building a physical barrier along the border, enhancing border surveillance systems, and deploying an unprecedented number of personnel. If the court recognizes a direct link between Belarus’ actions and the resulting damages in Lithuania, it could set a precedent for establishing responsibility in future cases.
Poland may also join the lawsuit against Belarus, according to reports. Poland’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that it is aware of Lithuania’s initiative and shares the view that Belarus has violated international law. Belarus, which is one of Russia’s staunchest allies, has not yet responded to the proceedings initiated by Lithuania.
**Escalating Tensions in the Region**
The migrant crisis between Lithuania and Belarus is just one aspect of the escalating tensions in the region. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine was launched from Belarusian territory, and Moscow’s actions have been condemned by Western countries. Lithuania borders Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave to the southwest and Belarus to the east and south.
In response to Helsinki’s accession into NATO, Finland has accused neighboring Russia of weaponizing migration by encouraging migrants from countries like Syria and Somalia to cross the border. As tensions between NATO and Moscow continue to rise, Lithuania is strengthening its defenses along its borders with Belarus and Russia.
**A Potential War in Europe?**
Western intelligence agencies have warned of a potential large-scale war in Europe within the next five years, citing Russia’s increasingly aggressive posture. In response, Lithuania has announced plans to invest 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) over the next decade to install anti-tank mines along its borders with Belarus and Russia.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the migrant crisis between Lithuania and Belarus is just one symptom of a larger problem – escalating tensions between NATO and Moscow that threaten regional stability.
