Lithuanian border guards discover unfinished tunnel under fence on EU's external border with Belarus

The tunnel now discovered is considered evidence of attempts by organized smuggling networks to circumvent the physical barriers. In earlier incidents, tunnel constructions had already been detected at the Lithuanian-Belarusian border, prompting the authorities to further expand patrols and technical surveillance.

According to media reports, Lithuanian border guards were attacked in one case by a group of migrants who resisted their arrest. Such incidents show that the enforcement of border security does not always proceed without conflict.

Earlier incidents with migrants

The Lithuanian border guard said it would technically examine the find to clarify possible links to smuggling organizations. The question of whether the tunnel was dug toward Belarus or toward Lithuania is also to be part of the investigations.

The discovery comes at a time when EU states on the eastern flank describe their cooperation with the Belarusian authorities as difficult. Minsk accuses the EU of pushing back the migrants itself; Brussels and Vilnius, by contrast, see the Belarusian state as a facilitator of illegal migration.

Political dimension and reactions

The spokesperson of the Lithuanian border guard, Martynas Katelynas, had emphasized in earlier statements that every indication of new smuggling routes would be taken seriously. The authorities announced that they would inform the public about further developments should new findings emerge.

The EU Commission was informed of the find, according to Lithuanian statements. The case is also expected to feed into the ongoing debates about strengthening the EU's external borders, which are to be discussed at a meeting of interior ministers next week.

Observers see the incident as a further sign that hybrid migration at the EU's eastern border is continuing. Despite physical barriers and reinforced patrols, smugglers are constantly seeking new ways to bring people into the Schengen area, according to observers.

Outlook on further measures

Lithuania had reported higher reception figures in recent years while simultaneously reporting a sharper deportation practice. The government in Vilnius sees the fight against illegal migration as a priority and had repeatedly approved additional funds for border protection.

From the authorities' perspective, the tunnel now secured makes clear that securing the EU's external border cannot succeed through fences and technology alone, but also requires close cooperation with intelligence services and international partners. Further details on possible arrests or investigation results were not initially released.