The upcoming elections in Belarus
Editorial 28 October 2024EU-Belarus relations are at a critical juncture ahead of the Belarusian elections in January 2025. Alexander Lukashenko retains power through authoritarian control and the suppression of all opposition, backed by his strategic ally, Vladimir Putin. In response to this alliance, the EU has imposed sanctions to condemn human rights violations and the lack of democracy in Belarus, fully aware that these economic and diplomatic pressures have limited impact on the regime due to Moscow’s support.
The EU now faces a difficult choice: to continue pressure or explore new channels of dialogue without compromising democratic principles. While sanctions affect Minsk, they also risk pushing the country further under Russian influence. The January vote will be crucial, though unlikely to bring substantial changes. The EU will need to keep supporting Belarusian civil society, nurturing a vision of openness and independence from Russian control, even in the long term.
