The European Economic and Social Committee reaffirmed its unwavering support for a democratic Belarus by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Belarusian democratic forces, represented by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. This new Memorandum of Understanding formalises a new phase of structured collaboration to support Belarusian civil society and its European aspirations.

At its June plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) hosted a debate on the Democratic future of Belarus with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the Belarusian democratic movement, Maksim Pazniakou, acting chair of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions, and Andrey Gnyot, Belarusian journalist and filmmaker. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was signed during the plenary debate, formalises the cooperation between the EESC and Belarusian civil society.

The EESC’s support for Belarusian civil society was commended by Ms Tsikhanouskaya, who said: ‘We are delighted to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with the European Economic and Social Committee. This partnership marks an essential milestone for Belarus on its path towards a European future.’

In the same vein, EESC president Oliver Röpke underlined the Committee’s engagement and support for Belarusian civil society, saying: ‘Today’s plenary debate and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding are a clear expression of the EESC’s deep and lasting commitment to the democratic future of the country and its people. This is not just about symbolic gestures; it is about giving space, voice and visibility to those who are silenced at home.’

The MoU will focus on the implementation of joint initiatives and events to raise awareness of the internal situation in Belarus with respect to human rights violations, with more than 1200 people currently in prison. Another of the main objectives of the agreement is support for and promotion of independent media representatives and journalists.

‘Preventive arrests for contact with dissidents are common under this regime. The regime destroys the ties between those who escaped and those who stayed,’ Mr Gnyot said, adding: ‘People inside the country face arrest just for talking to those who have managed to escape. But they do not turn away from their friends or beliefs. They still find secret ways to stay in touch.’ (at)