Conference on "EU policy towards Belarus after the Presidential elections of December 2010"

The "Belarus Working Group", a student organisation the aim of which is to raise awareness about the political regime of the country and the violation of human rights, as well as to boost ties with university students from Belarus, organised a conference on Friday 25 March at the Natolin Campus.

The conference focussed on EU policy towards Belarus after the Presidential elections of last December which was followed by severe state repression. Among others, some questions raised were: Is the EU equipped to meet the challenge? Does the EU have the tool kit with which to build a democratic Belarus? Does the Eastern Partnership offer an opportunity to recalibrate EU-Belarus relations? What now for the socio-political opposition in Belarus? What role for the media? What role for civil society and institutions?

The BWG also invited 15 university students from Minsk, currently pursuing European studies and interested in European affairs. Therefore, this was a great opportunity to exchange views and visions on the future of EU-Belarus relations.

Chair: Kerry LONGHURST

Speakers:

Alaksandr ŁAHVINIEC Advisor to Dr. Alaksandr Milinkievič, Teacher at European Humanities University (Vilnius), Belaruski kalehium (Minsk)

Siargey CHALY, Political Analyst

Anna DYNER, Political Scientist