The European Commission (EC) has officially acknowledged that Belarus has unlawfully detained the property of Lithuanian carriers, which has raised serious concerns regarding international transport law. This issue is being escalated to the highest levels within the EU and is being discussed in various international forums, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the AETR expert group. The EC is collaborating with Lithuania and Poland to advocate for the immediate return of the seized vehicles, emphasizing that the detention lacks a legal basis.

Erlendas Mikėnas, president of the Lithuanian carriers' association 'Linava', pointed out that this is not an isolated incident, but rather a broader issue involving the freezing of assets belonging to Lithuanian companies. He highlighted that the situation represents significant financial losses, potentially amounting to millions of euros, and sets a concerning precedent for carriers across Europe. The discussion suggests an urgent need for Belarus to rectify the situation and allow for the legal return of the vehicles to their rightful owners.

Moving forward, 'Linava' is committed to addressing this issue not only through diplomatic channels but also by seeking concrete solutions for compensation related to the losses incurred by the carriers. The association has reported that property worth tens of millions of euros, including trucks and trailers, is currently stuck in Belarusian territory, demanding immediate attention from both national and EU authorities to resolve the matter effectively.