The External Relations Section (REX) of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a debate on 23 February to address the alarming deterioration of trade union freedoms in Belarus. Despite sustained international pressure and the appointment of an International Labour Organization (ILO) special envoy in June 2025, the Belarusian authorities continue to refuse any dialogue aimed at restoring compliance with fundamental labour standards. Around twenty trade unionists remain imprisoned.

The debate brought together representatives from EU institutions and the ILO Special Envoy for Belarus, Lelio Bentes Corrêa. A central moment of the discussion was the personal account from Aliaksandr Yarashuk, Chairman of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions, who was recently released from prison and forcibly deported to the EU. 

Describing the system of governance in Belarus as 'extremely cruel and vindictive', Mr Yarashuk said that even after his release he continues to cope with the consequences of deportation and confiscation of documentation. He warned that Belarus has become 'one of the ten most dangerous countries for workers and trade unionists', noting that the authorities had effectively eliminated the remaining trade union freedoms in 2022 through prison sentences and repression.

REX section president Stefano Palmieri underlined: 'Despite several releases of political opponents, the situation remains difficult. Beyond the detention of people there are also new forms of repression such as the removal of children from the families of targeted trade unionists.' 

The ILO Special Envoy Lelio Bentes Corrêa explained that his mandate included engaging with the authorities to secure the release of detained trade unionists and restore recognition of the legal standing of independent trade unions. 'However, the Belarusian authorities have so far refused to recognise my mandate or enter into dialogue. To date, around twenty trade unionists remain imprisoned, while their families continue to face intimidation and pressure', said Mr Corrêa.

The EESC has steadily increased its engagement with Belarusian civil society in exile and with political prisoners since the fraudulent presidential election of August 2020. This has included statements, opinions drafted in cooperation with Belarusian experts, debates, and an online exhibition. The EESC's solidarity efforts gained renewed momentum in June 2025 with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Belarusian democratic forces.

Participants concluded that the objectives remain clear: to secure the release of all imprisoned trade unionists, restore freedom of association, and re-establish independent trade unions in Belarus. (at)