Lithuania has asked the European Commission (EC) to help release Lithuanian trucks detained in neighbouring Belarus, BNS reports. Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys and Transport Minister Juras Taminskas urged the EC to draw up a coherent action plan to support EU haulage companies. Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said that around 280 Lithuanian trucks were stuck in Belarus, while the Lithuanian National Road Carriers Association (LINAVA) estimated the number at nearly 4,000 vehicles, including 1,250 heavy-duty trucks. Lithuanian hauliers have received warnings that vehicles left idle for four months will be confiscated. Belarusian authorities blocked their departure apparently in retaliation to Lithuania’s decision to close the border with Belarus following repeated incursions of smuggler balloons into Lithuanian airspace. Lithuanian trucking companies plan to protest in Vilnius, LRT reported. Ruginiene argued that the demonstration should be held in Belarus instead.
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