EU-Belarus: fourth senior officials’ meeting takes place in Brussels
On 8 October, the European Union and leaders of the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society representatives held their fourth Senior Officials‘ Meeting (SOM) on Belarus in Brussels. The European Union reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with the Belarusian people.
The meeting was led by Director-General Gert Jan Koopman and EEAS Managing Director for Europe and Central Asia Matti Maasikas, together with the leader of Belarus’s democratic forces Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
Building on these exchanges, the EU committed to prioritising in the next two years support for human rights, civil society and independent media in Belarus, recognising these areas as vital for a democratic future. Participants stressed the importance of a further step up in EU support for released political prisoners and victims of human rights violations.
Belarusian participants stressed the urgency of sustained political and financial support in the face of continued pressure from the regime. EU representatives reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to the Belarusian people’s democratic aspirations and fundamental freedoms.
The EU and Member States also discussed how to strengthen support for released prisoners through rapid support for rehabilitation and reintegration.
At the same time, the EU recalled the alternative path. In 2021, President von der Leyen announced a comprehensive plan of up to €3 billion to support a democratic future for Belarus. Once the country embarks on a peaceful democratic transition, the EU will be ready to activate the plan and provide unprecedented support from the very beginning.
Find out more
MOST READ
[popular_posts columns_xl=”4″ columns_l=”4″ columns_m=”3″]
