Lithuanian border officials from the State Border Guard Service (VSAT) did not register any illegal migrants trying to cross into the country over the weekend, marking a significant contrast with Poland, which reported turning back 22 individuals on Saturday. This situation highlights ongoing challenges regarding illegal migration in the region, particularly against the backdrop of the crisis that has emerged since 2021, which many in the West attribute to the actions of the Belarusian regime.

Since the onset of the migration crisis instigated by Belarus, Lithuania has made substantial efforts to secure its borders. Last year, VSAT officials stopped over 1,600 individuals from illegally entering the country, while this year the figure has so far been significantly lower, with only 23 illegal attempts thwarted. This decrease in illegal crossings suggests that measures put in place by Lithuanian and Latvian authorities may be having a positive impact on controlling the situation at borders.

However, the larger context of the migration crisis remains concerning, especially considering that a total of around 24,600 illegal migrants have been barred from entering Lithuania since the crisis began. The influx of migrants into Eastern European Union countries, which began in 2021, continues to be a contentious issue, with ongoing debates about responsibility and the need for collective action among EU member states to manage migration flows effectively.