Over the past few days, representatives BELPOL conducted a number of targeted international visits that provided up-to-date information on the domestic political situation in Belarus, in particular - about the ongoing repressions concealed by the regime of Alexander Lukashenko.
Special attention was paid to the discussion of both the immediate sanctions measures and potential elements of future restriction packages. A report on the involvement of the Belarusian regime in the aggression against Ukraine was presented as a separate analytical block at all events.
1. Bornholm, Denmark - participation in Folkemødet
At the annual Danish forum FolkemødetThe Belarusian-Ukrainian panel, the largest platform of socio-political dialog in the country, was held, within the framework of which the representatives of BELPOL covered regional security issues. The main emphasis was placed on the threats posed by the coordinated actions of Lukashenka and Putin in the Baltic region. The panel discussion also included a report on the complicity of the Belarusian regime in the war against Ukraine, which aroused the interest of both the expert community and the general audience.
Bornholm, Denmark - participation in Folkemødet
2. Brussels, Belgium - private briefing with the EEAS
Facilitation European External Action Service (EEAS) made it possible to hold a private briefing BELPOL on the premises of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Poland to the European Union. The main topics of the meeting were:
- Presentation of the report on the involvement of the Lukashenko regime in the Russian aggression;
- Discussion of the parameters of the 18th sanctions package and possible areas for its expansion;
- Providing specific material on ways to circumvent existing sanctions, including documented cases.
The transmitted analytical data was recognized as significant for further adjustment of the EU sanctions policy. The materials make it possible not only to clarify the list of objects and subjects subject to restrictive measures, but also to improve the effectiveness of the sanctions mechanism by eliminating the identified vulnerabilities.
Brussels, Belgium - closed briefing at EEAS
3. Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania - private briefing and U.S. Independence Day
A meeting was held with our overseas partners to discuss problematic issues of interaction and prospects for cooperation.
Presenting the report, BELPOL reiterated that the sanctions pressure should only be intensified, as it is obvious that Lukashenko and his entire system is not only complicit in the aggression against Ukraine, but also poses a threat to the entire European continent in the future.
We also attended a gala event organized by the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Lithuania to celebrate the 249th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America, thanks to which we managed to expand the circle of partners of our organization.
Vilnius, Lithuania - closed briefing and U.S. Independence Day
4. Vienna, Republic of Austria - private briefing and presentation of the report
With the support of our Ukrainian partners from the organization "Mr. Mrea", People's Embassy of Belarus in Austria and Organizations "Belarusians of Austria" a presentation of the report "Participation of the Lukashenko Regime in the Russian aggression against Ukraine" in the Parliament of the Republic of Austria, for representatives of all parties in the ruling coalition.
In addition to the report, a number of questions were discussed concerning the more active participation of Austrian parliamentarians in pressurizing Lukashenko's regime.
Vienna, Austria - private briefing and presentation of the report
Conclusions and follow-up:
The results of the briefings confirm that the European Union's strategy towards Lukashenka's regime retains the vector of systemic pressure and international isolation. Special attention was paid to the mechanisms of data utilization BELPOL in the process of preparing sanctions proposals, as well as the transfer of the evidence base of our report to international judicial bodies, including those involved in the collection of materials for the international tribunal.
Thus, active foreign policy activity BELPOL not only helps to inform international partners, but also has a direct impact on shaping decisions aimed at deterring the regime and ensuring international legal accountability.
Long Live Belarus!
