It is impossible to become successful in modernization processes, refusing the dialogue with Europe

Commenting on the statement made by the ambassador of Belarus to Belgium, Permanent Representative to the EU, Andrei Yevdochenko, that Belarus "will not cooperate with the European Union in the programs developed unilaterally", the chairperson of the...

Commenting on the statement made by the ambassador of Belarus to Belgium, Permanent Representative to the EU, Andrei Yevdochenko, that Belarus "will not cooperate with the European Union in the programs developed unilaterally", the chairperson of the International Consortium of "EuroBelarus", Ulad Vialichka, specified the Belarusan authorities’ unwillingness to participate in the dialogue.

He has reminded that the European Dialogue on Modernisation with Belarusian society is not "a program developed unilaterally", but an initiative. The European Union has proposed a number of steps, which would allow Belarus to carry out certain reforming processes. The participation in this process was open for official Minsk as well. This initiative is not imposed, but offered, and it is aimed at filling the gap in the relations between Belarus and the EU, which has to do with the practical absence of any bilateral dimension in these relations. Therefore, in such a context, the EU’s initiative to overcome this problem, from the point of view of Ulad Vialichka, is an extremely positive step.

The Chairperson of "EuroBelarus" has noticed that the "Dialogue on Modernization" has two features. First, this initiative is rather unique and is not similar to all other programs implemented by the European Union worldwide. This initiative is individual as it considers as much as possible Belarus’ peculiarities. Second, it has an open format. Initially, there is much indetermination in it - it is not clear what and how will be happening. In order to discuss it, there is a need of Belarus’ political will. Today, such a will can be found among the political opposition and civil society. These subjects are ready to participate in the modernization dialogue and to carry on actively negotiations with the European Union, discussing the topic of what actually this modernization dialogue should be.

According to Andrei Yevdochenko, it may seem that the European Union did not address to the Belarusian party concerning the declared European dialogue on Modernization with Belarusian society.

- Official Minsk, seeing that the dialogue was proposed not only to it, but also to the subjects who do not represent, in its opinion, the country (to civil society and the political opposition), refuses such a dialogue in every possible way, - explains Ulad Vialichka. - The problem is that the Belarusian authorities do not want to discuss with the European Union and Belarusian civil society the idea of cooperation within the framework of the modernization dialogue. It is obvious that the Belarusian authorities’ non-participation in such a dialogue will, of course, negatively affect the Belarusian-European relations and the prospects of certain reforms in the country. Unfortunately, it is impossible to become successful in modernization processes, refusing participation in the dialogue with Europe. Meanwhile, this dialogue is needed not by the European Union or civil society, but first of all by Belarus. It is a pity that the Belarusian authorities do not admit it.