At the Federal Chancellery in Vienna, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Austria’s Minister for Europe, Claudia Plakolm.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Austria for its principled stance within the bodies of the European Union. She noted that the recent releases of political prisoners were the result of joint efforts by the US and the EU. However, she stressed that more than 1,300 political prisoners remain behind bars, and securing their release must be a shared goal for both Belarus and the European Union.
The discussion focused on ways to ensure that Belarus remains a permanent issue on the EU agenda. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya stressed that Belarusians want to see the EU more engaged in shaping the country’s future. In 2023, the democratic forces of Belarus adopted the Declaration of Belarus’ Future EU Membership. Work is now underway on a roadmap for Belarus’ integration into the European space after democratic change, as well as on reform projects.
The parties also discussed the inclusion of Belarus in European and Austrian support programs for media, cultural initiatives, and youth. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya highlighted the need for more educational projects, scholarships, internships, and exchanges, so that Belarusians can travel, gain a European education, and acquire essential experience. The talks also touched upon launching scholarships for Belarusians at Austrian universities and organizing cultural events.
“Austria has always been a strong voice for Belarus within the European Union. And we count on this support to grow even stronger. With your help, Belarusians will be able to achieve change, end repression, and return to Europe as a free and democratic nation”, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya stated.
