At the beginning of her working trip to Brussels, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya conducted a joint briefing with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. During the briefing, they addressed the issues of achieving the release of political prisoners, supporting the democratic forces and civil society, as well as holding the regime to account.
In particular, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized the illegitimacy of the “election” scheduled for 2024: “We call on European ministers not to recognize the results of Lukashenka’s so-called election in 2024. It is an imitation and a farce”.
On his part, Josep Borrell noted that the EU is aware of the situation in Belarus and pledged continued sanctions against the Lukashenka regime. During the press briefing, he also announced additional aid for Belarusians: “Today I will announce additional financial aid, in the amount of 30 million euros, for Belarusian civil society and democratic forces. With our announcement today, we will have reached a total of 140 million euros provided since 2020. I know, dear Sviatlana, that this is just a drop in the ocean of what the Belarusian people and opposition need, but we are doing everything we can to support you”.
At Mr. Borrell’s invitation, the Belarusian leader also addressed the EU Foreign Affairs Council and will join the next meeting of the EU–Belarus Consultative Group on December 12.
