Normalisation of relations is in the common interest of Belarus and the EU

In a Resolution on the situation in Belarus adopted today by the European Parliament, MEPs call for political prisoners who are released in Belarus to be immediately rehabilitated and their civic rights restored. Adopted ahead of the Presidential election scheduled for 11 October, the Resolution also assesses the political and economic situation in Belarus.

"The release of political prisoners in Belarus on August 22 is undoubtedly an important step that could potentially lead to the normalisation of relations between the EU and Belarus. However, the authorities in Minsk have already effected such actions in the past. This time, we need to be assured that it is not a mere tactical move. I am cautious in my expectations, but I would like this gesture to be a sign of lasting change in policy in Minsk", said the Chairman of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Belarus, Bogdan Zdrojewski MEP, who initiated the debate and vote on the situation in Belarus.

"It is in our common interest to seek a way of normalising EU-Belarus relations. For this reason, the European Union should respond to the release of political prisoners, but this response should be cautious and proportionate", added Zdrojewski.

MEPs underlined that the upcoming Presidential election in Belarus will be crucial in this respect and will decide on further action in bilateral EU-Belarus relations, including any changes in the policy of restrictive measures. In light of the irregularities observed by independent international observers during previous elections, it is important to ensure that the upcoming election is conducted in accordance with international standards.

"Depending on the OSCE assessment of the Presidential election in October, the EU should consider an upgrade of the dialogue with Belarus and a review of sanctions", said Sandra Kalniete MEP, Vice-Chairwoman of the EPP Group responsible for Eastern Partnership and Enlargement Policy.

"Minsk should also take more decisive steps towards reforming the Belarusian economy. One of the practical dimensions of this policy would be speeding up the visa facilitation negotiations, which would have a positive impact on Belarusian society, and the abolition of the death penalty currently applied by the authorities in Minsk", concluded Zdrojewski.

As highlighted by MEPs, Belarus is the only country in Europe where the death penalty is still in place. Since 2010, 10 people have been executed, 3 of them just last year. Another death sentence was announced in March this year.