„We need European engagement in Belarus“

Milinkevich emphasized the historical and cultural affiliation of Belarus with Europe, and the wish of many Belarusians to join the European Union one day. According to the opposition politician, this will be possible, when the ruling authoritarian regime is substituted by a democratic one. The worsening economic situation in his country should be met with economic modernization and political opening. Milinkevich also referred to the necessity of having good neighborly relations with Russia, without giving up on unrestricted economic and political sovereignty. Russia will always be the number one strategic partner for Belarus.

After his speech Milinkevich took up an intensive discussion with the audience. On this occasion he honored various solidarity movements for a democratic Belarus all over Europe, but also asked for more engagement in the country itself and the improvement of possibilities for Belarusians to travel to the states of the European Union. Thus he advocated the loosening of visa regulations. He also mentioned the not free and closed character of elections and the history policy, which is strongly influenced by Soviet thinking, as examples of democratic deficits in Belarus.

On a long-term basis Milinkevich was optimistic to overcome the isolation of Belarus and advocated a neutral, sovereign state Belarus that could one day join the European Union.

For further information regarding the event: Gereon Schuch, schuch@dgap.org

The just published DGAP-Standpunkt “Die Gunst der Stunde nutzen: Chancen für eine Annäherung zwischen Belarus und der EU“ by Maria Davydchyk and Marie-Lena May also emphasizes the necessity of further engagement in Belarus on behalf of the European Union. But thereby the European Union should also demand the granting of basic democratic rights.

Download – Standpunkt

For further information regarding Belarus: Marie-Lena May, m.may@dgap.org