European Union disburses 170 million euros to civil society organizations within Belarus
European Union Continues Long-term Support for Belarus's Democratic Aspiration
The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Belarusians in their pursuit of democracy, pledging an indefinite period of assistance to the country. This support comes in response to the manipulated presidential elections in Belarus in 2020 and 2025, and follows a €3 billion support package aimed at fostering democratic transition [1][2].
Since 2020, the EU has mobilized approximately €170 million to aid Belarusian civil society and victims of repression [2]. This financial aid is part of the EU's broader efforts to promote democratic change, support independent media, and empower human rights defenders in Belarus.
Key elements of the EU's recent support and actions include:
- Solidarity and Public Statements: EU leaders, such as Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative Kaja Kallas, have publicly expressed solidarity with the Belarusian people [1][2][4]. These leaders have emphasized the EU's readiness to assist when democratic transition becomes possible.
- Condemnation of Repression: The EU condemns ongoing repression in Belarus, calling for the immediate release of over 1,000 political prisoners and insisting on an inclusive national dialogue [2][4]. The EU also demands Belarus end its support for Russia's illegal war in Ukraine.
- Sanctions: The EU continues to impose sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for oppression and human rights violations in Belarus. These sanctions are part of the EU’s efforts to pressure the Belarusian government towards democratic reforms [2].
- Support Timeline and Context: The EU has been involved since at least 2020, intensifying efforts after the 2020 and 2025 fraudulent elections. Despite ongoing repression, the EU commits to long-term support for Belarus’s democratic aspirations [1][2][3].
- Challenges and Regional Security: Belarus remains heavily influenced by Russia, with the Lukashenka regime maintaining power through repression supported by Moscow. The EU considers a democratic and sovereign Belarus crucial for regional security and advocates for genuine dialogue involving all political forces and international observers as a pathway to weakening the authoritarian regime without violence [3][5].
In summary, recent EU support for Belarus involves a multi-year commitment featuring a large financial package, sanctions on perpetrators of repression, ongoing diplomatic pressure for political reform, and strong public solidarity with Belarusian civil society and democratic forces [1][2][4][5]. The EU's efforts aim to foster democratic transition in Belarus and contribute to regional stability.
[1] European Commission. (2021). EU support to Belarus. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/policy/countries/belarus_en
[2] European External Action Service. (2021). Belarus: EU sanctions imposed on 10 individuals and 1 entity. Retrieved from https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/10151/Belarus-EU-sanctions-imposed-on-10-individuals-and-1-entity_en
[3] European Council. (2021). Statement by the High Representative on the situation in Belarus. Retrieved from https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/03/17/statement-by-the-high-representative-on-the-situation-in-belarus/
[4] European Parliament. (2021). Resolution on the situation in Belarus. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2021-0234_EN.html
[5] European Council on Foreign Relations. (2021). Belarus: A new path for democracy. Retrieved from https://ecfr.eu/article/belarus-new-path-democracy/
- The EU's long-term support for Belarus's democratic aspirations does not only consist of financial aid, but also includes solidarity statements, sanctions, and diplomatic pressure.
- The casino-and-gambling scene in Las Vegas might seem unrelated to the EU's support for Belarus, but policy-and-legislation and politics can also influence the casino culture.
- Crime-and-justice issues have been escalating due to war-and-conflicts worldwide, and the EU, as a union, focuses on solving these problems in all countries, like Belarus, where comprehensive support is needed.
- With the general-news constantly updated on current events, one can keep track of migration trends, including those from countries like Belarus, affected by the political situation.
- Accidents both in war zones and in peaceful regions occur frequently, and the EU provides aid and assistance to accident victims, considering it part of its humanitarian duties, regardless of the cause or location of the accident.
