Lithuania installs river gates to reinforce EU border

Gates have been installed on the Mara River near the Lithuanian-Polish-Belarusian border to strengthen protection of the European Union’s external border, LRT reported, citing the State Border Guard Service (VSAT).

The gates are in Lithuania’s Lazdijai district, in the sector monitored by the Kapčiamiestis border post, part of the Varėna Border Guard Unit. VSAT says officers there often detect groups of migrants arriving from Belarus attempting to cross the border and moving along the river.

The new structure is expected to help officers reach the strategic location more quickly and prevent potential violations. It connects a physical barrier on the Lithuanian side with a similar barrier on the Polish side.

The Mara runs along part of the Polish-Belarusian border before turning into Lithuanian territory at the tripoint, where it forms part of the Lithuanian-Belarusian border. VSAT says the gates will prevent migrants trying to enter the EU from crossing the border through the river from Belarus.