Belarus: Fourth meeting of the Consultative Group with democratic forces and civil society held in Brussels

The 4^th meeting of the Consultative Group between the European Union and Belarusian democratic forces and civil society took place on 11 December, in Brussels. The meeting presented the opportunity to reaffirm the EU’s support to the brave Belarusian democratic forces in their quest for a democratic, independent, and sovereign Belarus.

 

In the margins of the Consultative Group’s meeting, High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas met with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. The High Representative reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering support for Belarus’ democratic future and praised the leadership of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in advancing the cause of a free and independent Belarus.

The Consultative Group addressed the political situation in Belarus, including the growing repression and deteriorating human rights conditions, the regime’s complicity in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and its instrumentalisation of migration at the EU’s external borders.

Participants also discussed Belarus’ increasing dependence on Russia, further undermining its sovereignty.

The upcoming, so-called presidential elections in Belarus in January 2025 were also a key focus of the meeting. The EU underscored the need for free, fair, and transparent electoral processes. Currently, in view of the ongoing repression, conditions for democratic elections are not in place.

The EU also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting democratic forces and to standing by the Belarusian people in their quest for freedom and self-determination.

While noting the recent release of some political prisoners, the EU condemned the escalation of detentions and acts of repression in the lead-up to the so-called January elections. The EU expressed deep concern for the nearly 1,300 political prisoners who remain unjustly detained and called for their immediate and unconditional release. In cooperation with Belarusian civil society organisations supporting political prisoners and their families, the EEAS organised an exhibition featuring artwork and letters of political prisoners entitled “Voices from Prison”. Each artwork tells a story of a prisoner who, even behind bars, continues to resist.

The meeting was co-chaired by EEAS Managing Director Michael Siebert and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of Belarus’ democratic forces, in the presence of representatives of the EEAS, the European Commission and the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society.

Background

The EU Consultative Group with Belarusian democratic forces and civil society was launched in 2023 and acts as a platform of dialogue between the EU and representatives of the Belarusian civil society. The Consultative group ensures information sharing on the situation in the country, and helps shape further EU actions in support of a free, sovereign, and democratic Belarus.

This meeting is part of the EU-hosted Belarus Days (9-13 December), a week-long series of discussions and events, co-organized by the European External Action Service, the European Commission and the European Parliament, aimed at showcasing the EU’s unwavering support for the Belarusian people and their struggle for democracy. Belarus days also celebrate Belarusian culture and identity.

Belarus Days continue in Brussels until 13 December, offering a platform to amplify the voices of Belarusian civil society, promote Belarusian cultural identity, and reinforce the EU’s commitment to a democratic Belarus.

 

More information: European Union External Action.