The meeting of the Belarus–EU Consultative Group, a communication platform between the European Union and Belarus’ democratic forces and civil society, concluded in Brussels. The meeting was attended by 34 representatives, 17 from each side. From Belarus, the participants included Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Valery Kavaleuski, Pavel Latushka, and Alina Koushyk. Representatives from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office and the Coordination Council, including Andrei Yahorau and Anzhalika Melnikava, as well as human rights, media, and NGOs, also took part.
During the meeting, the following topics were discussed:
1. Addressing legalization of stay issues faced by Belarusians in EU countries who cannot return to Belarus, issuing alien passports and travel documents, and recognizing expired documents.
2. Diplomatic efforts for the release of political prisoners, the humanitarian list, an information campaign in support of political prisoners, and assistance to those repressed and political prisoners who have served their terms.
3. Financial support for independent media, journalists and bloggers, human rights, and cultural initiatives.
4. Supporting passenger connections and open borders for Belarusians, continuing the issuance of Schengen visas through EU countries’ consulates in Minsk.
5. Expanding student scholarships and exchanges for young Belarusians, as well as opportunities for internships in EU countries and in Brussels.
6. Sanctions against the regime and its accomplices, including judges, prosecutors, and propagandists, and closing loopholes in the sanctions.
7. Holding the regime’s accomplices accountable for supporting the war in Ukraine and repression against Belarusians through the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.
8. An information campaign promoting the European Union among Belarusians, countering Russian propaganda, and joint events with independent journalists.
9. Strategy for Belarus in the context of the war in Ukraine: countering Russia’s attempts to absorb Belarus, the stationing of nuclear weapons, and the regime’s provocations with migrants and military exercises.
10. Non-recognition of the sham election scheduled by the regime for 2025.
A broader meeting of the Consultative Group and several cultural events on Belarus are scheduled for December.
