Brussels, December 10-12 – Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, arrives in Brussels for a series of important engagements aimed at furthering the cause of democracy in Belarus and strengthening ties with European partners.
During her visit, Tsikhanouskaya is scheduled to address EU Foreign Ministers at the invitation of EU High Representative Josep Borrell. Her address will cover critical topics including the plight of political prisoners in Belarus, the legitimacy of the upcoming 2024 elections, the need for more effective sanctions against the Lukashenka regime, and the vision for a European future for Belarus. Tsikhanouskaya will also emphasize the importance of holding Lukashenka’s officials accountable for their actions.
In addition, Tsikhanouskaya will participate in the next meeting of the EU-Belarus Consultative Group, a platform for dialogue between Belarusian democratic forces and the European Union. The group will deliberate on the current political climate in Belarus, reaffirm the country’s European aspirations, address the situation of political prisoners, and discuss the challenges faced by Belarusian civil society and media.
Tsikhanouskaya’s agenda includes a meeting with Stephanie D’Hose, President of the Belgian Senate, to discuss matters of mutual concern such as the abduction of Ukrainian children by the Lukashenka regime and Russia. This marks their first meeting, highlighting Belgium’s strong support for Ukraine’s struggle for freedom.
Furthermore, a meeting with Jan Jambon, Minister-President of Flanders, is set to take place where discussions will focus on continued support for Belarus’s democratic movement. The Flanders Government has been instrumental in supporting the Belarusian democratic mission by providing premises in Brussels.
Tsikhanouskaya will also hold talks with Swedish Foreign Minister Billström to explore the Swedish-Belarusian partnership and plans leading up to 2024, including a proposed Swedish-Belarusian conference.
As part of her commitment to raising awareness about Belarus among the younger generation, Tsikhanouskaya will deliver a lecture at Ghent University. She will share insights about the situation in Belarus with students and meet with university officials to discuss how Belarus can be more prominently featured in academic discourse.
Tsikhanouskaya’s visit underscores her unwavering dedication to advocating for a democratic Belarus. It is a testament to the international community’s recognition of the importance of supporting democratic values and human rights in Belarus and beyond.
