VP/HR — Warming of EU-Belarus relations and the situation of civic society

28.5.2015

Question for written answer E-008562-15
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Anna Elżbieta Fotyga (ECR)

A warming in EU-Belarus relations can be observed over the past several months. From an objective standpoint, Belarus’s position regarding the conflict in Ukraine should be appreciated. Mińsk is primarily counting on a change in EU policy, in particular expecting support as regards access to European resources and those of global financial institutions as well as trade facilitations. The West, on the other hand, is primarily expecting internal reforms, the observance of human rights and the release of political prisoners. For many years, Lukaszenko has counted the Union of Poles (Związek Polaków), an organisation associating the most pro-European minority, among the greatest enemies of his regime. This is also the largest independent social organisation in Belarus, despite attempts made by Belarussian agencies to break up the organisation and divide Polish society.

Under huge economic pressure for many years, Mińsk is extraordinarily keen to enter into discussions with Brussels and Washington, particularly prior to the presidential elections planned for Autumn this year. I warn against repeating the errors of the past, when an apparent desire to cooperate was used to strengthen Lukaszenko’s power, followed by a further retrograde step as regards the rule of law. For years, the situation of the Polish minority has remained unchanged. Furthermore, it has become a reserve enemy of the regime.

1. Is the Commission basing the discussions with Mińsk upon a well-considered strategy, extending beyond the forthcoming elections in Belarus?2. Is the openness to Mińsk’s problems and proposals accompanied by a strong will to effectively strengthen civic society in Belarus, including the Association of Poles in Belarus?