The European Union (EU) is ready to deepen its relations with Belarus in the light of further developments towards the fundamental European values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The success of progress in the EU Belarus relationship is conditional upon steps by Belarus towards their realisation.

The offer to engage much more strongly with Belarus was set out in the document “What the EU could bring to Belarus [32 KB] ”, which the Commission released in November 2006. It contained the perspective of the EU entering into a full partnership with Belarus, as part of the European Neighbourhood Policy. The EU openness to engagement was demonstrated also in the country’s inclusion in the multilateral activities of the Eastern Partnership.

In November 2009 the Council welcomed increased high-level EU–Belarus political dialogue, the establishment of an EU Belarus Human Rights Dialogue , the intensified technical cooperation and the active participation of Belarus in the Eastern Partnership, as ways of building mutual understanding and creating opportunities to address issues of concern.

Due to the lack of progress on issues of human rights and democratization, the Council was not able to lift the restrictive measures in place against certain officials of Belarus. It decided to extend until October 2010 the restrictive measures. However, in order to encourage progress in the areas identified by the EU, the Council at the same time decided to extend the suspension of the travel restrictions imposed on certain officials.

Recognizing the importance of enhanced people-to-people contacts, the EU made clear that it would consider the possibility of negotiating a visa facilitation agreement with Belarus, in parallel with negotiations on a readmission agreement.

Finally, the Council invited the Commission to make a proposal for a joint interim plan to set priorities for reforms, inspired by the Action Plans developed in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy, to be implemented with Belarus.

More recent trends, including the alleged harassment of the Polish minority, have been worrisome. On 30 March 2010, High Representative Ashton urged Belarus to address the concerns regarding democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country. Recalling her firm opposition to the death penalty, she also deplored the reported execution of two men in Minsk.