The newly appointed President of the European Council, António Costa, met with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Brussels, reaffirming full support for the democratic forces and the people of Belarus.
He emphasized that the EU does not recognize Lukashenka’s fraudulent election and will continue to increase pressure on the regime. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked the EU for its efforts to support Belarusians and hold the regime accountable.
The parties discussed:
- Belarus’ role in Ukraine negotiations. They agreed that Belarus must not be sidelined in international talks. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya stressed that democratic Belarus is a key element in European security.
- Aid for independent media & repressed Belarusians. They explored ways to strengthen support for independent voices to continue their work both inside Belarus and in exile.
- Political prisoner release efforts. They discussed using UN mechanisms, including humanitarian channels, to secure the release of political prisoners.
- EU cooperation with Belarus’ democratic forces. They agreed to continue EU-Belarus Consultative Group meetings, keep Belarus on the European Council’s agenda, and simplify visa procedures for Belarusians.
Accountability for the regime. They emphasized that Lukashenka’s crimes against Belarusians and Ukrainians must not go unpunished.
