Charles Tannock (ECR). – Mr President, the Freedom Day on March 25 of this year was a celebration of independence, but is actually a kind of litmus test for the state of democracy in Belarus. I’m afraid that 2018 which has been the first year that Lukashenko has permitted such formal celebrations has provided no surprises.

It was hoped that there might be a marked change in the government’s approach to the repression of its people, they still have the KGB, by the way. But reports have been made of opposition leaders, supporters and bloggers detained and the independent news website Charter 97 is still blocked. It seems that any promises made by Lukashenko to work towards a thriving democracy in Belarus are paper thin.

Despite EU sanctions and multiple efforts to engage in human rights dialogue, no electoral reform has been attempted and the opposition media and NGOs continue to be oppressed by President Lukashenko’s regime. The door is ajar to constructive dialogue and cooperation but sanctions should remain in place from the EU until real progress is made for the Belarusian people.