Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya paid a working visit to Brussels. Here are the highlights:
- Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the Sakharov Prize award ceremony, told about political prisoners, about Nina Bahinskaya, Mikalai Statkevich, Maria Kalesnikava, Natallia Hersche, as well as the murders of Taraikouski and Bandarenka. She called on the world to support Belarus. Hundreds of thousands of people watched the ceremony.
- Discussed with the European Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi supplies of COVID-19 vaccine for Belarusian doctors. The European Commissioner promised to find a solution to how this can be done in the short run. The option of supplying two types of vaccines is being considered.
- Discussed with representatives of the European Commission and the EU High Representative Josep Borrell the launch of the “Comprehensive program for Belarus”, a long-term comprehensive program for Belarus, including the EU macro-assistance, support for Belarusian business and visa facilitation. The program will be presented in the coming days.
- Presented to The Directorate-General (DG NEAR) a plan of educational programs for repressed students and youth so that students can continue their studies and teachers — work without stopping their fight in Belarus. Support for small and medium-sized businesses will be provided in the form of EBRD advisory assistance.
- Handed over to Věra Jourová, Vice President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency, a letter in support of the recognition of GUBOPiK and OMON as terrorist organizations, which was signed by 50,000 people.
- Agreed to increase technical and financial assistance to independent media in Belarus, independent bloggers and new media. In particular, the European Union supports creating content, video materials for the Internet, and investigative journalism.
- Agreed with the Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo to support bilateral relations with Belarus, not recognize Lukashenka as a legitimate leader. Asked the Prime Minister of Belgium to support civil society in Belarus.
- Proposed the President of the European Parliament David Sassoli to create a Mission for Belarus in the European Parliament with the participation of former and current leaders of Europe.
- Invited the European Union to consider the possibility of simplifying the visa regime for Belarus.
