The European Union will not be intimidated by threats from Belarus, Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said Thursday, following Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko"s warnings he could cut off gas transit if the bloc pushes ahead with more sanctions against his regime, writes POLITICO.

In addition to another round of EU sanctions, Poland closed one of the main border crossings with Belarus earlier this week. One of the remaining border points is reporting trucks have to wait more than 50 hours to cross.

“We should not be intimidated, of course, by Lukashenko"s threats”, - Gentiloni told a news conference presenting the Commission’s new economic forecasts.

Earlier in the day, according to Belarus’ Belta news agency, Lukashenko said: “We provide heat to Europe, and they are threatening us with the border closure. What if we block natural gas transit? I would recommend the leadership of Poland, Lithuanians and other brainless folk to think hard”.