Friday 29 March 2024 | 15:36

After EU sanctions are lifted,civil society worries about its ability to influence Belarus-EU agenda

01.03.2016  |  Politics
After EU sanctions are lifted,civil society worries about its ability to influence Belarus-EU agenda

Though the EU emphasised some positive trends in cooperation with the Belarusian authorities, the decision to lift sanctions contained critical remarks regarding Belarus’ non-respect for human rights.

The Belarusian authorities are counting on bolstered financial cooperation with the West without making political concessions, but through softening domestic policies. Most opposition leaders were sharply critical of the EU lifting sanctions and had not yet adjusted their strategies to the new political environment. The Kremlin, in turn, appears to be loyal to the ‘thaw’ in the Belarusian-European relations as it probably counts on the consideration of Russia’s interests within the Belarusian-European agenda.

The EU Ministerial Council decision has lifted the sanctions against 170 Belarusian senior government officials, including President Lukashenka, and 10 companies. Sanctions have been extended in respect of four persons, who were allegedly involved in forced disappearances of opposition politicians in 1999-2000: former Interior Ministers Vladimir Naumov and Yuri Sivakov, Head of the Presidential Administration Viktor Sheiman and Interior Troops Brigade Head Dmitri Pavlichenko.

The EU emphasised some positive trends in cooperation with the Belarusian authorities and praised the release of political prisoners. Nevertheless, the decision contained critical remarks regarding Belarus’ non-respect for human rights.

The Belarusian authorities expressed full satisfaction with the EU decision, despite the fact that some sanctions were still in place. The president emphasised the Foreign Ministry’s role in the warming of the Belarusian-European relations and the need to strengthen financial cooperation, "Well done, EU-policy makers, they realized this was the moment and they should depart from the bloc mentality and confrontation with Belarus. They took a completely satisfying decision for us”.

Most politicians from the ‘old opposition’ were sharply critical of the EU decision to lift sanctions against the Belarusian leadership. In their viewpoint, a dialogue between Minsk and Brussels would weaken the pro-European wing in the Belarusian opposition and, consequently, it would lose the support among the pro-European part of society. Most opposition leaders believe that Brussels has softened its policy towards Belarus for geopolitical reasons. In addition, they particularly emphasised that the Belarusian authorities could treat the lifting of the EU sanctions before the Parliamentary Elections as the EU’s final agreement to the lack of political reform. Nevertheless, the leaders of the United Civil Party and the Belarusian Christian Democracy who condemned the lifting of sanctions; and ‘Tell the Truth!’ leaders who supported the EU, are planning to participate in the 2016 Parliamentary Elections.

Some civil society representatives and analysts anticipate that amid the ‘thaw’ in the Belarusian-European relations, the Belarusian authorities may refrain from repression against the opposition and protest movements. In addition, human rights activists and opposition parties have hopes for some improvements in holding the parliamentary elections.

However, the civil society’s main concern is about preserving the ability to influence the agenda of the Belarusian-European relations. They fear that the EU may pay less attention to the civil society organisations and the media, which make the authorities unhappy. For instance, Poland-based Radio Racyja and Chanter97 expressed their concern about possible threats to their broadcasting due to Minsk’s pressure on Warsaw.

Unlike the Belarusian opposition, the Kremlin welcomed the EU’s decision to lift the sanctions against the Belarusian authorities. In addition, Russian commentators have not raised ‘concern’ about yet another Belarus’ ‘geopolitical shift’ towards the West.

Overall, the Belarusian authorities do not intend to meet the EU requirements, but are ready to make some minor concessions in order to mitigate tension in relations.

Solidarity with Belarus Information Office

Other news section «Politics»

Andrei Yahorau — Al Jazeera: “Lukashenko is irresponsible”
Andrei Yahorau — Al Jazeera: “Lukashenko is irresponsible”
He said Belarus would likely face economic tightening not only as a result of the coronavirus pandemic but also a Russian trade oil crisis that worsened this past winter.
Shhh! Belarus Wants You to Think It’s Turning Over a New Leaf
Shhh! Belarus Wants You to Think It’s Turning Over a New Leaf
Minsk’s muddled media clampdown could jeopardize warming of relations with the West.
Statement of the BNP in connection with the wave of searches in the editorial offices of the Belarus
Statement of the BNP in connection with the wave of searches in the editorial offices of the Belarus
The Belarusan National Platform of the EaP CSF issued a statement in connection with the wave of searches in the editorial offices of the Belarusan media and the detention of journalists.
Statement of the Belarusan EaP CSF National Platform on solidarity with the civil society of Armenia
Statement of the Belarusan EaP CSF National Platform on solidarity with the civil society of Armenia
The Belarusan National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum issued a statement on solidarity with the civil society of Armenia.
"Vilnius Consultations": Key points and recommendations on the future of EU Eastern Partnership
"Vilnius Consultations": Key points and recommendations on the future of EU Eastern Partnership
On September 11, the inaugural „Vilnius Consultations“ conference was organized by Vilnius Institute for Policy Analysis and Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
From farewell to a new Eastern policy and towards a new development
From farewell to a new Eastern policy and towards a new development
Poland and Germany were both initiators and drivers of a New Eastern policy linked to the Eastern neighborhood and Russia/Soviet Union.
Uladzimir Matskevich: The sooner the "Union State" is denounced, the better for Belarus
Uladzimir Matskevich: The sooner the "Union State" is denounced, the better for Belarus
Not only does the "Union State" undermine the establishment of civilized relations with Europe, but it hinders the possibility of normal relations between Belarus and Russia.
Uladzimir Matskevich: The regime can no longer control the situation in the country
Uladzimir Matskevich: The regime can no longer control the situation in the country
The authorities are unable to prolong the social contract with the people: there is no way out of the social crisis.
Press release in connection with the dialogue in the format of the EU-Belarus Coordination Group
Press release in connection with the dialogue in the format of the EU-Belarus Coordination Group
Belarusan National Platform of the EaP CSF welcomes the dialogue process in the format of the EU-Belarus Coordination Group, the third round of which was held in Minsk on 3-4 April 2017.
Statement of the BNP in connection with the events of March 25-26, 2017 in Minsk and other Belarusan
Statement of the BNP in connection with the events of March 25-26, 2017 in Minsk and other Belarusan
Belarusan National Platform of the EaP CSF issued a statement in connection with the events of March 25-26, 2017 in Minsk and other Belarusan cities.
Statement by the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum on mass repressions in Belarus
Statement by the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum on mass repressions in Belarus
The EaP CSF Steering Committee issued a statement on repressions against civil society activists and journalists in Belarus, in view of the demonstrations planned on 25 March 2017.
Uladzimir Matskevich: Belarus-Ukraine relations need to be re-established
Uladzimir Matskevich: Belarus-Ukraine relations need to be re-established
"Case of Zhadan" demonstrated that Belarus does not actually have a clear policy - neither domestic nor foreign.
Belarus
Belarus's Lukashenko alleges “fifth column” plot as unrest continues
Belarusan President Lukashenko said on Tuesday a “fifth column” was plotting to overthrow him with the help of foreign-backed fighters, days before a planned street protest in Minsk against a new tax.
In Belarus, a rising fear: Will we be the next Ukraine?
In Belarus, a rising fear: Will we be the next Ukraine?
The relationship between Russia and Belarus has never been an easy one.
Andrei Yahorau: European window of opportunity is slowly closing, relations take form of fatigue
Andrei Yahorau: European window of opportunity is slowly closing, relations take form of fatigue
The Belarusian regime is not able to pursue a truly multi-vector policy, and the EU cannot decide what it needs in the region on the whole and from Belarus in particular.
Uladzimir Matskevich: Today Belarus is in a very difficult situation
Uladzimir Matskevich: Today Belarus is in a very difficult situation
But even under the circumstances the authorities have various ways out.
Uladzimir Matskevich: Lukashenka does not disrupt Russian plans to annex Belarus
Uladzimir Matskevich: Lukashenka does not disrupt Russian plans to annex Belarus
But Lukashenka is afraid for his fate and position - he needs Belarus to be sovereign to fully exercise his power.
Andrei Yeliseyeu: Russia is taking drastic unconstructive steps  
Andrei Yeliseyeu: Russia is taking drastic unconstructive steps  
There should be no actual passport control for the Belarusians arriving in Russia within the framework of the existing Belarusian-Russian agreements.
Uladzimir Matskevich: Visa-free regime is not a political concession to the West
Uladzimir Matskevich: Visa-free regime is not a political concession to the West
It is a process of normalization of Belarus-EU relations. Belarus just fulfils its international commitments.
Andrei Yahorau: Belarusian regime is self-improving, the only threat so far is the economy crisis
Andrei Yahorau: Belarusian regime is self-improving, the only threat so far is the economy crisis
Political analyst emphasizes that Belarus is the first modern authoritarianism in the European space, a phenomenon not yet studied by anyone.
Gintautas Mažeikis: The relation of political field and arena in the framework of information war

In his report, philosopher Gintautas Mažeikis discusses several concepts that have been a part of the European social and philosophical thought for quite a time.

“It is our big joint work”

It is impossible to change life in cities just in three years (the timeline of the “Agenda 50” campaign implementation). But changing the structure of relationships in local communities is possible.

Shhh! Belarus Wants You to Think It’s Turning Over a New Leaf

Minsk’s muddled media clampdown could jeopardize warming of relations with the West.

Mikhail Matskevich: How to create a local agenda and make it a problem solving tool

To achieve changes, you need to be interested in them and stop pinning all hopes on the state.