Prime Minister Kallas emphasised that we must not succumb to pressure or blackmail from the Lukashenko regime. “The member states of the European Union decided together on Monday that we will adopt new and stronger sanctions. We know that sanctions work and will make a difference, otherwise we would not see the ongoing escalation at the EU-Belarus border. We agreed with von der Leyen that the new sanctions must take effect quickly,” said the prime minister.
According to Prime Minister Kallas, the role of the European Commission in combating the hybrid attack was also discussed. “The European Commission has a visible and important role to play in combating the hybrid attack on the EU-Belarus border. We see that strong diplomatic pressure on the countries from which people are flown to Minsk has been beneficial. Several airlines have suspended flights.”
Diplomatic pressure must also be used to help those who are suffering. “This requires the Lukashenko regime to allow UN relief agencies into its territory so that they could assist in the distribution of humanitarian aid and voluntary returns,” said Kallas.
Prime Minister Kallas noted that the current situation requires determination, unity, and joint action. “So far, we have succeeded to do so and it is important that we maintain the present course,” said Kallas. “The European Union and its partners have a common understanding of what is happening. This is a hybrid attack and we are firmly behind Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia,” added the prime minister.