The Commission calls for stronger measures to prevent sanctions evasion
The Radio and Television Commission of Lithuania (RTCL) has imposed a €10,000 fine on UAB Melbikomas, which repeatedly facilitated the distribution of Russian television channels included in the European Union’s sanctions list. The case highlights the need for new and more effective measures to prevent the circumvention of EU sanctions.
Repeated violations identified
In 2023, the RTCL found that Lithuanian consumers were able to access banned Russian television channels — Pervyi Kanal, NTV, Rossiya 1, and RTR Planeta — whose broadcasting in the EU had been suspended due to their role in spreading Kremlin propaganda. At that time, the company claimed to have stopped the violations.
However, a 2025 investigation showed that the situation had not changed: IP addresses managed by Melbikomas continued to provide access to sanctioned content. It was also established that the same client, already known to the company from previous investigations, was involved again.
Although Melbikomas does not broadcast content directly, the hosting services it provides enabled sanctioned programmes to reach users in the European Union. Such activities are prohibited under Regulation (EU) No. 833/2014. The RTCL emphasises that hosting service providers play a crucial role in preventing the dissemination of illegal online content: when they are aware that their infrastructure is being used to distribute sanctioned material, they must act immediately to stop it.
“This is the first case in Lithuania where a fine has been imposed on a hosting service provider for indirectly contributing to the distribution of sanctioned content,” said RTCL Chairman Mantas Martišius. “Without new measures, it is no longer possible to effectively prevent the circumvention of sanctions.”
Consistent implementation of EU sanctions
As the authority responsible for enforcing EU sanctions in the fields of audiovisual media and online content, the RTCL consistently carries out this function.
In 2024 alone, the Commission blocked more than 1,000 IP addresses to curb the spread of Russian and Belarusian propaganda and worked with Google and other international partners to ensure the effective implementation of EU sanctions in Lithuania.
This demonstrates that the RTCL’s mission is not only to take decisions but also to actively protect Lithuania’s information space from hostile propaganda.
Cooperation across borders
The decision was based not only on the Commission’s own monitoring but also on public complaints and information received from other institutions. During the investigation, the RTCL also obtained data from the Latvian National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP) confirming that Melbikomas’ infrastructure was used to distribute sanctioned content in Latvia as well.
Such cases highlight that sanctions enforcement is a shared responsibility among European institutions, and the RTCL ensures that violations are addressed effectively in Lithuania.
Taking into account the company’s cooperation, explanations, and assistance in clarifying the violation, the RTCL imposed the minimum fine provided for by law — €10,000.
“This decision sends a clear signal to the market: sanctions circumvention will not be tolerated,” said RTCL Chairman Mantas Martišius. “Responsibility lies not only with those who directly retransmit prohibited content but also with those who provide the technical means to access it. To effectively counter Kremlin propaganda, we must stay flexible and adopt new measures.”