EU NEIGHBOURS east. On 6 March, the Consultative Group between the European Union and Belarusian democratic forces and civil society organisations held its sixth meeting, in Brussels. The EU reaffirmed its strong support for the people of Belarus and their aspirations for a democratic, independent and sovereign Belarus.
The meeting brought together representatives of the EEAS, the European Commission and Belarusian democratic forces and civil society.
In the margins of the meeting, High Representative Kaja Kallas and European Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos met with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of Belarus’s democratic forces, Pavel Latushka, Viktar Babaryka, and Maria Kalesnikava. They reiterated the EU’s unwavering support for Belarus’s democratic future.
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During the meeting, the participants discussed recent developments in Belarus, including its cooperation with and dependence on Russia, and the regime’s role in supporting Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. They reflected on their shared goals of a free, democratic, sovereign and independent Belarus as part of a peaceful and prosperous Europe. The EU reiterated its dual-track approach: maintaining pressure on the regime, including through targeted restrictive measures, while continuing to support the people of Belarus.
The Consultative Group also addressed the ongoing human rights situation in the country, including the continued detention of nearly 1,150 political prisoners. Participants stressed the necessity of their immediate and unconditional release, and the need to ensure accountability for those responsible for systemic repression. They discussed recent releases of political prisoners and the challenges linked to their legal status and reintegration into society. The EU side said it would continue to provide relocation, legal, medical and psychological support to victims of repression, including political prisoners and their families, through the Victims Facility.
Participants also took stock of concrete measures to foster democratic resilience, including in the context of the EU Democracy Shield, and through enhanced support to civil society, Belarusian independent media, CivicTech initiatives, youth mobility and access to education in the EU. Since the fraudulent 2020 presidential elections, the EU has mobilised €200 million to support the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people.
