Minister V. Kondratovič Meets with EU Fundamental Rights Agency Director S. Rautio
Minister of the Interior Vladislav Kondratovič met with the Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), Sirpa Rautio. During the meeting, they discussed the human rights situation in the context of migration, the protection of the EU's external borders, and the challenges Lithuania faces in managing the flow of irregular migration encouraged by the Belarusian regime. The FRA Director presented the agency's activities and informed the Minister about upcoming publications related to internal affairs.
Minister V. Kondratovič emphasized that irregular migration, used as a weapon by hostile actors, remains one of the most pressing security issues in Lithuania. This year alone, nearly 900 attempts to illegally cross the border with Belarus have been prevented. Since 2021, more than 23,000 such attempts have been recorded.
"For several years now, Lithuania has been facing organized migration pressure from a neighboring state. This is a consistent form of hybrid attack targeting the security of our country and the entire EU. It is worth noting that for many of those attempting to cross the border illegally, Lithuania is not their destination country – most aim to reach Western European nations," said Minister V. Kondratovič.
The Minister also informed the FRA Director that Lithuania has filed a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice regarding Belarus's actions related to the organization of irregular migration.
"The instrumentalization of migration – where people are cynically exploited as a tool of geopolitical pressure – violates international law and fundamental human rights. We believe the international community should not remain indifferent to such actions," the Minister stressed.
At the same time, the Minister highlighted Lithuania’s efforts in welcoming Ukrainian refugees in the face of Russian aggression. Since the beginning of the war, Lithuania’s internal affairs system has provided support worth over 7.5 million euros to the relevant Ukrainian institutions. More than 90,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Lithuania since the start of the war.
Currently, about 208,000 foreigners live in Lithuania – roughly 8% of the country’s population. About half of them hold residence permits based on employment, business, or other work-related activities.
Last updated: 16-06-2025
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