Prospects for Relations between the EU and Belarus
Prospects for Relations between the EU and Belarus

Author(s): Anna Maria Dyner
Subject(s): Economic policy, International relations/trade, Developing nations, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Geopolitics
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: Belarus; Eastern Europe; European Union
Summary/Abstract: Due to strong ties with Russia, Belarus has limited ability to shape its own foreign policy, especially in relations with the European Union. However, the Belarusian authorities are interested in increasing cooperation with the EU, in order to reduce their dependence on Russia and convince Belarusians of the importance of their state in international politics. The European Union should use its political and economic instruments to engage the Belarusian authorities in this respect. Signing a new document on partnership and cooperation will also be important in the long term. Together with support for civil society, these steps should strengthen Belarusian statehood.

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