“Dear Minister Logar, Mayor Fajfar, Mr. Grk, ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honor for me to speak in front of such a distinguished audience about the future of Europe.
The theme of this year’s Forum helps me look at the future of our continent through the prism of the aspirations of Belarusians for their country.
For almost three decades, Belarusians have stood for freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights – the core European values. The drive to get rid of the dictator’s suffocating grip has been especially strong since the presidential election of 2020. But even in the face of unprecedented repressions that are raging as we speak, Belarusians continue claiming their right to decide on the future of their own country. People want to be that only source of power in Belarus that the Constitution proclaimed. Belarusians have demonstrated that the future they want for their country is the one based on these common European values.
At the moment, our country is a dark spot on the European map. The repression is aiming to destroy the freedom of thought and break the will of people. The regime is forcing tens of thousands of Belarusians to leave their homeland. When we speak about hundreds of political prisoners and thousands of unlawful criminal cases, we remember that behind each of them is a person, a life, a family, a hope for a better future for Belarus and for Europe.
Internationally, the regime turned into a pariah that is increasingly isolated. The forced landing of the Ryanair flight to capture a journalist sent global shockwaves last May. In response to the calls for dialogue and elections, the regime has manufactured a crisis at the border with the EU by weaponizing irregular migration, stressing out regional security again.
Yet, the regime’s behavior contradicts our core values: good relations with neighbors and respect for international norms. It is certainly unacceptable to Belarusians who seek to live in a country that is democratic, prosperous, and responsible with European values at its core. This is the Belarus we want to build.
For this to happen, Belarusians are fighting like never before. We are convinced that it is up to us to resolve the crisis and shape the future of our country. But we are also counting on the solidarity of our international friends and partners. Slovenia has proven to be exactly that – a constructive partner and a compassionate friend. I would like to thank Slovenia for prioritizing the Belarusian agenda during the Presidency in the Council of the European Union.
Slovenia's Presidency and its slogan “Together. Resilient. Europe” reflects the approach needed for the positive transformation in Belarus. The EU should also come together in preserving the role of Belarus in the Eastern Partnership. While the regime has left this initiative, the Belarusian people choose to participate. We see significant potential in this platform to build up our relationship with the EU and want to increase our presence in it and not reduce it.
By now, the EU has directed significant efforts at resolving the crisis in Belarus. The policy needs to be holistic and responsive to the changes. But the main condition for this policy to succeed is to stay consistent. The Eastern Partnership Summit to be held in December should welcome representatives of democratic forces who have the legitimacy to speak on behalf of Belarusians.
When I imagine the future of Europe, I see a New Democratic Belarus as its valued, respected and responsible partner. A country governed by the rule of law where people can freely choose their leaders, enjoy freedoms and carry responsibility for the well-being of their nation. I am convinced that we have a similar vision for the future of Belarus, and therefore for the future of Europe. Let us do everything in our power for this future to become a reality as soon as possible.
Thank you!”.
