Belarus: we need action, not just debate

 "European Dialogue for Modernisation with Belarusian society (DoM) has the potential to become a template for dialogue and the progressive implementation of democratic reforms in all countries under authoritarian rule. However, to make it more efficient, we need to back ideas with action and ensure that this instrument does not become another under-funded, ineffective EU tool whose existence needs justification", said Filip Kaczmarek MEP, Chairman of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with Belarus, concluding the first panel of an EPP Group High Level Conference on European Dialogue for Modernisation with Belarusian Society.

José Ignacio Salafranca MEP, who chaired the second panel of the meeting, insisted that the EU and the actors involved in the dialogue should identify the areas that need to be improved in order to be really efficient. "This is not a matter of Belarus alone. It is a universal issue", he stressed.

"The EU reaches out to all democratic actors in Belarus who support democracy, the rule of law and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. Working towards democracy and the rule of law is the only way forward for the people of Belarus. It is time to overcome the chains of oppression and allow the people of Belarus to have a say in their own future", said Elmar Brok MEP, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament.

"To increase the ability to transform we should first of all intensify the involvement of the various actors participating in the Dialogue at EU level and strengthen its governance. Actions planned and approved on a technical level within the dialogue should be adequately funded and implemented by using EU instruments in a better and stronger way instead of just being words on paper. Since the targeted sanctions adopted by the EU against the most repressive individuals in Belarus did not bring the expected results, we must do our utmost to provide support for those in this country who think differently from the regime and who share the same values as we do in the EU", insisted Filip Kaczmarek.

The DoM was launched in March 2012 as a tool for exchanging views and ideas between the EU and representatives of the Belarusian civil society and political opposition on necessary reforms for the modernisation of Belarus as well as possible EU support in this regard. Hosted and chaired by the EU Delegation in Minsk, the Dialogue is held in four Working Groups. In the first semester of 2013, the EU will be launching a new two-year project for a total value of €0.5m.