EU adopts new €30 million package for the people of Belarus

Today, the European Commission adopted a new €30 million package for the people of Belarus. 

The decision was announced by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of Belarus’ democratic forces, at a high-level conference at the European Parliament.

“The people of Belarus will one day shape their own country. The European Union will continue to stand with them and keep that hope alive,” Kaja Kallas said. “Authoritarian power always has limits. And when that time comes in Belarus, the European Union will support the people to reclaim their rights.”

Developed in close consultation with Belarusian democratic forces and civil society, the new package will assist victims of repression, support journalists providing trusted information, and promote efforts to ensure accountability for the crimes of the Lukashenka regime. 

Commissioner Marta Kos said: “Our assistance empowers Belarusian human rights defenders to assist victims of repression and enables journalists and civil society to continue their work and keep the vision of democratic Belarus alive.”

With this package, EU assistance to Belarusian civil society since the sham 2020 elections now stands at €200 million.

The EU also reiterated that “all political detainees must be released unconditionally and allowed to live without intimidation”. 

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Press release