### Lithuania's National Emergency: A Response to Balloon Intrusions from Belarus Lithuania has declared a state of emergency due to security threats posed by hundreds of contraband balloons entering its airspace from Belarus. This situation has escalated tensions in the region, particularly given Lithuania's strategic position as a NATO member. The balloons, often used for smuggling cigarettes, have been labeled by Lithuanian officials as part of a "hybrid attack" from Belarus, which is allied with Russia. The declaration allows for military support to patrol the border and manage the crisis effectively [https://metro.co.uk/2025/12/10/nato-member-declares-state-emergency-hundreds-contraband-balloons-25339406][https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3335857/lithuania-declares-national-emergency-over-balloons-belarus]. ### Breakdown of the Situation: Key Components 1. **Nature of the Threat**: - The balloons are primarily used for smuggling contraband, particularly cigarettes, across the border from Belarus into Lithuania [https://www.firstpost.com/world/lithuania-declares-emergency-over-belarusian-balloon-incursions-13958282.html]. - Lithuanian officials have described these incursions as a "hybrid attack," indicating a deliberate strategy to undermine national security [https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/lithuania-declares-national-emergency-over-security-risks-posed-by-balloons-from-belarus/article70378851.ece]. 2. **Impact on Civil Aviation**: - The presence of these balloons has led to repeated closures of Vilnius Airport, stranding thousands of travelers and disrupting air traffic [https://apnews.com/article/lithuania-national-emergency-balloons-belarus-a24d39880e34e17c57fd76f799c35b33]. - The government has cited nearly 600 balloon incursions this year alone, significantly affecting civil aviation operations [https://www.politico.eu/article/lithuania-declares-national-state-emergency-smuggling-balloons-belarus-border]. 3. **Government Response**: - The state of emergency allows the Lithuanian military to assist police and border guards in managing the situation [https://www.firstpost.com/world/lithuania-declares-state-of-emergency-over-smuggler-balloons-belarus-calls-concerns-exaggerated-13958226.html]. - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has denied any involvement in these incursions, calling for negotiations to ease border tensions [https://apnews.com/article/lithuania-national-emergency-balloons-belarus-a24d39880e34e17c57fd76f799c35b33]. ### Supporting Evidence: Data and Statistics - **Balloon Incursions**: - Approximately **600 balloons** have been reported to have entered Lithuanian airspace this year [https://www.politico.eu/article/lithuania-declares-national-state-emergency-smuggling-balloons-belarus-border]. - **200 drones** have also been noted, contributing to the security concerns [https://www.firstpost.com/world/lithuania-declares-emergency-over-belarusian-balloon-incursions-13958282.html]. - **Airport Disruptions**: - Vilnius Airport has faced multiple closures, affecting thousands of passengers and leading to significant operational challenges [https://apnews.com/article/lithuania-national-emergency-balloons-belarus-a24d39880e34e17c57fd76f799c35b33]. ### Conclusion: Summary of Findings In summary, Lithuania's declaration of a national emergency in response to balloon incursions from Belarus highlights significant security concerns and operational disruptions. The situation can be summarized as follows: 1. **Security Threat**: The balloons are viewed as a hybrid attack, undermining national security and public safety [https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3335857/lithuania-declares-national-emergency-over-balloons-belarus]. 2. **Civil Aviation Impact**: Repeated airport closures have stranded travelers and disrupted air traffic, necessitating immediate government action [https://apnews.com/article/lithuania-national-emergency-balloons-belarus-a24d39880e34e17c57fd76f799c35b33]. 3. **Government Measures**: The state of emergency empowers military involvement to address the crisis effectively [https://www.firstpost.com/world/lithuania-declares-state-of-emergency-over-smuggler-balloons-belarus-calls-concerns-exaggerated-13958226.html]. This situation underscores the complexities of regional security dynamics, particularly in the context of Lithuania's relationship with Belarus and the broader implications for NATO.