The EU Consultative Group on Belarus has convened in Brussels, bringing together representatives of Belarus’ democratic forces and civil society and European institutions.
This year’s meetings focus on:
- The political situation in Belarus and regional security;
- Visa mobility for Belarusians in the EU;
- The state of independent media and efforts to counter propaganda;
- Support for the democratic forces and civil society.
This is already the fifth such meeting. Previous sessions included key EU partners as well as representatives of Belarus’ democratic institutions in exile, activists, and civil society. The group’s discussions and outcomes help coordinate EU actions in support of democratic change in Belarus.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the opening session, emphasizing the importance of this cooperation: “The European Union is not just our ally. It is the goal of democratic Belarus. And I believe we will reach it”.
She also took part in a panel on the political situation in Belarus, where she outlined several key issues:
- Repression in the country:
“We are now witnessing more sophisticated forms of repression that target all parts of society. The regime has shifted from authoritarianism to totalitarianism, using the war and so-called ‘internal enemies’ as a pretext”.
- The regime’s complicity in the war:
“The war has become a source of benefit for Lukashenka. At least 287 state-owned enterprises are supplying the Russian army. The regime offers its territory and infrastructure for Russian drones in exchange for Putin’s support”.
- The economy:
“The regime is exploiting loopholes in sanctions to re-export banned goods to Russia and sell potash via Russian seaports. These wartime revenues have helped stabilize the economy and increase GDP. Minsk is also strengthening ties with China, Iran, Cuba, and North Korea – seeking both resources and international legitimacy.”
