On 18 January 2023, the Lithuanian government renounced the agreement signed with Belarus 16 years ago on the principles of cross-border cooperation.

The bill terminated the agreement signed by the governments of Lithuania and Belarus in Vilnius on 1 June 2006, to set out areas of cross-border cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

In June 2021, Lithuanian officials claimed that Belarusian authorities could encourage illegal migration from Iraq and Syria to Lithuania by organizing groups of refugees and helping them to cross the Belarusian-Lithuanian border.

Lithuania completed the 502 km (312 mi) barrier in August 2022 and the modern surveillance equipment was installed by the end of the year.

[17] Two border crossings, Šumskas and Tverečius, were closed by Lithuania on 18 August 2023 due to concerns over Wagner Group mercenaries and smuggling.

[18] In January 2024, Lithuania decided to impose movement restrictions and close two more border crossings, Lavoriškės and Raigardas, effective 1 March 2024.

[17] The Lithuanian government cited national security concerns, smuggling and violations of international sanctions as the reasons behind the decision.