Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Denmark’s Minister for European Affairs, Marie Bjerre, during her visit to Copenhagen. Pavel Barkouski, Representative for National Revival at the United Transitional Cabinet, also joined the meeting.
The discussion centered around Belarus’ European future and preparations for democratic change. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya stressed that changes in Belarus may precede those in Russia, which is why the European Union must remain ready to support democratic processes. She emphasized the need to be prepared for a new window of opportunity and potential scenarios for a transition of power in Belarus.
Ms. Bjerre and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also discussed:
- Belarus’ European choice. During Denmark’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, plans include preparing a roadmap for Belarus’s potential rapprochement with the EU and presenting reform projects that the country must undertake.
- Women’s leadership and the role of Belarusian women in politics and civil society. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya spoke about the initiative to establish a Women’s Leadership Academy and urged continued support for women who continue their work despite repression. Additional initiatives to strengthen women’s leadership in Belarus were discussed.
- Education and culture. Pavel Barkouski presented proposals for roadmaps in education and culture. The discussion also covered the possibility of Belarusian NGOs joining EU-wide programs, as well as joint cultural events and youth initiatives. Cultural cooperation and Belarusian participation in European cultural projects were discussed separately.
- Human rights and sanctions. The discussion addressed ways to make sanctions more effective in securing the release of political prisoners and stopping repression, as well as support needed in the event of the release and deportation of 1,300 political prisoners.
- Security and regional risks. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya presented the Red Paper on Belarus’ role in regional security and spoke about the upcoming Zapad-2025 military exercises and the risks they pose.
- Diplomatic cooperation. The parties discussed opportunities for diplomatic cooperation and joint events in the fall, as well as support for the Belarusian community through European structures.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called for keeping Belarus on the European agenda during Denmark’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and expressed her gratitude for the support Denmark has been providing to Belarus’ democratic forces and civil society. She thanked Denmark for its support of human rights and educational initiatives, cultural programs, and for the help of the Danish Embassy in Vilnius.
