EESC and Belarusian democratic forces deepen strong strategic engagement

The European Economic and Social Committee reaffirmed its unwavering support for a democratic Belarus by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Belarusian democratic forces, as 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 signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which took place in the context of the plenary debate, formalises the cooperation between the EESC and Belarusian civil society.

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.

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, reinforcing our shared values of democracy, human rights, social dialogue and civic participation.’

In her opinion, the EESC’s consistent support and cooperation play a crucial role in empowering Belarusian civil society, amplifying the voices of Belarusians striving for freedom, dignity and fundamental rights. Ms Tsikhanouskaya has strongly reiterated the goal of the Belarusian democratic opposition: ‘Together, we are laying the groundwork to ensure Belarus not only moves closer to Europe, but becomes an integral part of a united, democratic and resilient European family.’

Along the same lines, EESC President Oliver Röpke underlined the Committee’s engagement and support for Belarusian civil society, stressing: ‘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. We stand with Belarusians who continue to fight for freedom, dignity and democracy against all odds.’

While not legally or financially binding, the MoU is a concrete step towards deeper collaboration, including future logistical and financial cooperation. Both sides will appoint focal points and meet regularly to move the partnership forward.

Belarusian advisors have helped shape EESC opinions on independent media, while the Committee has given the floor to Belarusian journalists, activists and filmmakers in order to raise awareness of the ongoing repression of freedom of speech, the suppression of civil society and the systemic abuses perpetrated by the government.

‘Preventive arrests for contact with dissidents are one of the regime’s interventions. The regime destroys the ties between those who escaped and those who stayed,’ said Andrey Gnyot, Belarusian journalist and filmmaker, during his speech, 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.’

In a moving testimony, journalist in-exile Andrey Gnyot spoke of his detainment in Serbia and the threat of extradition to Belarus. Now free but under legal uncertainty in Poland, he thanked the EESC Vice-President for Communication Laurenţiu Plosceanu - "his guardian angel" – for helping secure his release.

The participants discussed the situation of trade unions in Belarus, where more than 70 trade union leaders and activists have experienced criminal prosecution, with 30 of them still in prison. Maksim Pazniakou, representing the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions, said that, despite the methods of the regime to silence the voice of Belarusian workers by intimidation, persecution and violence, ‘the trade unions have not yielded’.

‘Today in Belarus, trade union activity is not about meetings and collective arguments. It is about courage, solidarity and the struggle for basic rights: the right to freedom of association, social dialogue and decent work, without fear of repression’, said Mr Pazniakou.

The EESC members expressed their respect and admiration for the courage and perseverance demonstrated by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the Belarusian people in their fight for freedom, dignity and democracy by giving them a standing ovation.

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Stefano Mallia, President of the EESC Employers’ Group, stressed: ‘We commend the unwavering commitment and resilience of Belarusian democratic forces, whose efforts continue to inspire hope for a free and democratic country. We support the legitimate aspirations of the Belarusian people, including entrepreneurs, businesses and SMEs, which will be instrumental in building a stable and prosperous economy in a democratic Belarus.’

Lucie Studničná, President of the EESC Workers’ Group said: ‘Under Lukashenka’s regime, human rights are disregarded and human dignity is not respected. Workers’ rights are also non-existent. Independent trade unions are illegal, and more than seventy leaders of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions have been prosecuted. Thirty of them, including their president, Aliaksandr Yarashuk, are still in prison.’

Simo Tiainen, Vice-President of the EESC Civil Society Organisations’ Group, said: ‘You are the rightful winner of the 2020 Belarusian presidential election. The European Union, and also the EESC, has a clear responsibility in this matter. Targeted and strong sanctions against the repressive Belarusian regime by the EU are essential. We must actively support Belarusian civil society, the opposition and independent media.’