Uladzimir Astapenka, representative of international and European cooperation of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, deputy head of NAM, spoke at the panel discussion "More Europe for Belarusians in 2025" at the "New Belarus" conference about the results of Lukashenko's 30-year policy and how to save the country from these consequences.
Since 1994, Lukashenko has been pursuing a direct anti-European policy. He ignored the open doors of Europe and all opportunities to establish cooperation with European partners. Now Belarus is in a very difficult situation. Why?
Belarus is the only country in Europe that is not a member of the Council of Europe. It is the only country in Europe that applies the death penalty. Belarus does not have contractual basic relations with the European Union. Belarusians are the only ones among neighbors (except Russia) who need a visa. Our country is the only one in Europe that does not develop its native language and may even lose its independence.
This is the bottom from which we must push ourselves to begin our journey up.
The European choice is vital for the existence of Belarus
The success of this political choice, on the one hand, depends on democratic forces, institutions, and our work. On the other hand, it depends on each and every Belarusian who cares about the future of their descendants. I believe that Belarusians will make this choice, and we will contribute to such a development of events.
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