Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met in Vienna with Austria’s Foreign Minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger. The discussion focused on the situation in Belarus, regional security, and support for Belarusian civil society.
- Release of political prisoners and international accountability
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya stressed that freeing political prisoners remains a top priority for the democratic forces, alongside documenting the regime’s crimes. Austria has already allocated more than €105,000 to support Belarusian human rights defenders through the International Accountability Platform for Belarus. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called on Austria to support Lithuania’s referral of the Lukashenka regime’s crimes to the International Criminal Court.
- Support for civil society and independent media
The parties discussed mechanisms for supporting Belarusian civil society and independent media, as well as preparations for the Civil Society Needs Assessment to be presented in Brussels in October. They also touched upon support for the work of the Contact Group in the Council of Europe, scholarship and exchange programs (including via Austrian universities and the Vienna Diplomatic Academy). Minister Meinl-Reisinger confirmed Austria’s support for the European Humanities University.
- Humanitarian aid and educational programs
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya proposed that Austria join the International Humanitarian Fund to support repressed Belarusians, noting that such aid would be especially important in the event of a mass release of political prisoners.
- Diplomatic representation and international efforts
The Belarusian leader suggested opening a Democratic Belarus Office in Vienna to strengthen bilateral relations and coordinate international diplomatic efforts. They also discussed the possibility of appointing a special envoy on Belarus and enhancing cooperation within the OSCE and the Council of Europe.
- Alien’s passports for Belarusians in Austria
The meeting addressed the simplification of migration procedures for Belarusians in Austria. The country already provides relief measures for those with expired Belarusian passports and issues alien’s passports, albeit with certain restrictions. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya informed Ms. Meinl-Reisinger that the New Belarusian Passport is already being issued as an identity document for exiled Belarusians.
