Фото: pasienis.lt
On September 30, the Lithuanian government approved restrictions on citizens of Belarus and Russia purchasing real estate.
Under the proposed amendments, the right of Russian and Belarusian citizens holding Lithuanian residence permits to purchase real estate in areas near facilities important to national security or military training grounds would be suspended. Belarusian citizens without Lithuanian residence permits, as well as legal entities owned by them, would be barred from purchasing property in such areas, LRT reports.
The amendments propose barring individuals and legal entities from Russia and Belarus, as well as representatives of organisations seeking to engage in public activities in education, science, culture, sports, art and entertainment, from entering Lithuania if they are found to engage or have engaged in such activities in territories of Ukraine annexed or temporarily occupied by Russia, or to directly or indirectly support the war against Ukraine or have participated in it.
The restrictions would not apply to individuals who have opposed aggression, occupation or annexation, publicly expressed disagreement with these actions, and have not contributed to advancing the interests of the occupation authorities.
In addition, the amendments propose denying entry to Lithuania to individuals who take actions or pursue policies undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence; support human rights violations and repression against civil society and democratic forces in Russia and Belarus; or whose activities pose a threat to democracy and the rule of law.
Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry proposes requiring Belarusian and Russian citizens seeking to travel to Lithuania to work in education, culture, sports, art or entertainment to sign a public declaration condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine and supporting its territorial integrity. Those who refuse to sign the declaration would be prohibited from engaging in such activities in Lithuania.
The amendments must be approved by the Seimas. If approved, they will enter into force on January 1, 2027.