Deputy Minister Danielė: Europe must strengthen the resilience of its satellite navigation system amid hybrid threats

According to the Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of Lithuania, Akvilė Danielė, it is essential for the European Union to reach an agreement on a specific action plan that would enable a coordinated response to hybrid threats stemming from disruptions to satellite navigation systems (GNSS). She notes that the GNSS interference is expanding beyond airspace into other vital sectors and is becoming increasingly sophisticated.

The Deputy Minister underlined this on Thursday in Brussels during a roundtable discussion, hosted by Lithuania, on GNSS interference, its impacts, and possible joint response measures – Assessing Preparedness to Combat Jamming and Spoofing: Business and Regulatory Perspectives.

“The rising frequency and extent of GNSS interference, particularly in the Baltic Sea region, is affecting an increasing number of sectors – from aviation, maritime navigation, and other modes of transport to telecommunications, radio, television broadcasting, and agriculture. In response to hybrid threats, it is essential to take coordinated measures to address these challenges and enhance the EU’s security and the resilience of its critical infrastructure,” stated Deputy Minister Akvilė Danielė.

Based on data from the Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania, at least 5 sources of interference were identified in the neighbouring Russian region of Kaliningrad in March 2025, with the number rising to 31 by October. Moreover, Russia operates this equipment in a centralised manner, allowing it to function at maximum, medium, or minimum intensity.

It is emphasised that GNSS interference constitutes a deliberate breach of international obligations and agreements. These actions are intended to pose a threat and disrupt the stable functioning of regional infrastructure, causing significant economic damage.

The discussion, initiated by Lithuania, brought together senior representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament, Lithuanian and international companies and experts to share best practices and highlight private sector efforts to boost resilience to hybrid threats.

During the summer, transport and telecommunications ministers from 16 EU Member States submitted a joint letter to the European Commission, calling for EU-level measures and putting forward a twelve-point plan of action. The discussion is expected to spur further initiatives in this area.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has recently condemned Russia for causing GNSS interference, reiterating that such actions violate international law and threaten flight safety.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has likewise held Russia responsible for such interferences and urged it to take corrective measures.