Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, in Brussels.
Ms. Metsola and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed:
- Support for Belarus and non-recognition of the sham election. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Ms. Metsola for the European Parliament’s consistent and principled stance, including its resolution rejecting the legitimacy of the Lukashenka regime and its January 26 “election”.
- EU strategy vis-a-vis Belarus. They discussed the need for a sustained EU policy supporting the democratic forces and civil society, as well as maintaining international pressure on the regime.
- Release of political prisoner Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk and solidarity campaign. Ms. Metsola had taken symbolic godparenthood of political prisoner Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, who was released on February 1. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya conveyed Palina’s gratitude and called for intensified efforts to free all political prisoners. The parties agreed on joint initiatives, including a solidarity campaign and more support for political prisoners.
- Contacts with the new US administration and coordination with the EU on regional security talks. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called for keeping Belarus on the international agenda.
- Belarusians’ mobility and residence legalization issues in the EU. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya raised concerns about visa issuance and residence legalization challenges Belarusians face in Europe. The parties also discussed the potential recognition of the New Belarusian Passport.
- Internships for Belarusians in the European Parliament. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya proposed resuming internships for young Belarusians to gain experience working within EU institutions.
- Address in the European Parliament. They discussed the possibility of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressing the European Parliament during one of its plenary sessions.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “The European Parliament takes a firm and consistent stance on Belarus and dedicates significant attention to our political prisoners. This is largely thanks to Roberta Metsola’s strong position. We will continue working to secure the release of political prisoners, find ways to support independent media and civil society, and ensure that Belarus remains part of discussions on Europe’s future security architecture. As peace negotiations move forward, Belarus must preserve its independence, and I know the European Parliament will stand with us”.
