The Delegation was established in 1994, shortly after Belarus regained its independence. Currently, the European Parliament does not have official relations with the Parliament of Belarus, due to the country's repeated failure to conduct free and fair elections and to fulfil international standards for democracy and the rule of law.
In response to the fraudulent presidential election of 9 August 2020 and the subsequent brutal crackdown on democratic forces, civil society activists, free trade unions, independent media and peaceful protesters, the European Parliament took an unequivocal position and did not recognise neither the results of the elections nor Alexander Lukashenko as legitimate leader and President of Belarus.
Throughout numerous resolutions adopted since 2020, Parliament strongly condemned the unprecedented repression and systemic human rights violations perpetrated by the regime, and reiterated its solidarity and unwavering support to the brave people and civil society of Belarus who continue to uphold the legacy of the first independent, free and democratic Belarus.
Today, over 1,300 political prisoners remain in prison, including opposition leaders, journalists, and activists, kept in inhuman conditions, subject to torture and ill-treatment, often denied access to health care and legal aid. Our actions and efforts, closely coordinated with other European Institutions and Members States, shall be directed towards an immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus and their full rehabilitation.
Amidst Russia's attempts at undermining the sovereignty of Belarus by turning it into its satellite state, we remain committed to continue working tirelessly with the United Transitional Cabinet led by Ms Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the Coordination Council towards achieving the goal of building a democratic, sovereign, inclusive and prosperous Belarus. The legitimate aspirations of the people of Belarus for European future of their homeland shall guide the Delegation activities in this new legislative term.
In response to the fraudulent presidential election of 9 August 2020 and the subsequent brutal crackdown on democratic forces, civil society activists, free trade unions, independent media and peaceful protesters, the European Parliament took an unequivocal position and did not recognise neither the results of the elections nor Alexander Lukashenko as legitimate leader and President of Belarus.
Throughout numerous resolutions adopted since 2020, Parliament strongly condemned the unprecedented repression and systemic human rights violations perpetrated by the regime, and reiterated its solidarity and unwavering support to the brave people and civil society of Belarus who continue to uphold the legacy of the first independent, free and democratic Belarus.
Today, over 1,300 political prisoners remain in prison, including opposition leaders, journalists, and activists, kept in inhuman conditions, subject to torture and ill-treatment, often denied access to health care and legal aid. Our actions and efforts, closely coordinated with other European Institutions and Members States, shall be directed towards an immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus and their full rehabilitation.
Amidst Russia's attempts at undermining the sovereignty of Belarus by turning it into its satellite state, we remain committed to continue working tirelessly with the United Transitional Cabinet led by Ms Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the Coordination Council towards achieving the goal of building a democratic, sovereign, inclusive and prosperous Belarus. The legitimate aspirations of the people of Belarus for European future of their homeland shall guide the Delegation activities in this new legislative term.
Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP