(B2) It was at the highest level, that of Heads of State and Government, that the 27 met on Wednesday (19 August) to lend their support to the Belarusian people. To the regime of Alexander Lukashenko, which does not seem shaken by the protests, the message is more moderate than expected: call for dialogue, and the release of prisoners
Charles Michel President of the European Council facing the 27 by interposed screens (Credit: Consilium)
When the holding of an extraordinary European summit was requested the day after the August 9 elections, Charles Michel considered that the situation did not justify it. A week later, the scale of the demonstrations and the fear of Russian intervention prompted the President of the European Council to convene the 27.
The result of the elections not recognized
The August 9 presidential elections in Belarus were not " neither free nor fair ". " We don't recognize the resultss” can be read in the final declaration. However, there is no question of openly calling for new elections. When questioned, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, explains that it is the population itself which is asking for a new ballot “ free and fair » and that the Europeans « [support] the people of Belarus to choose the path they want to follow ».
Call for an end to violence
State violence is strongly condemned and an investigation " thorough and transparent is requested. The 27 also call for “ all persons unlawfully detained "be" released immediately and unconditionally ". As for members of civil society and the opposition who take part in discussions on the political transition, they must be protected against arbitrary arrest and acts of violence ».
Individual sanctions soon to be adopted
As Belarus experiences its 11th day of protests and repressions, “ our message is clear, the European Union does not accept impunity “, said Charles Michel. The leaders confirmed the foreign ministers' decision of July 14 (read: Belarus: the principle of sanctioning the Lukashenko regime approved by the 27). Targeted sanctions are in preparation and will target “ a substantial number of those responsible for violence, repression and falsification of election results ". Which officials? The Europeans have been careful not to answer it, but the possibility of including Alexander Lukashenko is on the table according to Charles Michel, who specified that the decision will be taken at the technical level, " as part of this process ". When ? " Soon ". According to our information, a list should be presented to the Foreign Ministers at their meeting in Berlin at the end of next week.
... but no agreement on economic sanctions
As for economic sanctions demanded by the group of Visegrad countries, the idea did not obtain support from the rest of Europe. But the threat remains. " The progress made in recent years in EU-Belarus relations is under threat. Any further deterioration in the situation will affect our relations and have negative consequences. can we read in the conclusions.
The solution must be political, and Belarusian
Not appearing as actors interfering in the crisis, and therefore appeasing the Kremlin, was a major concern of the 27. “ The protests in Belarus have nothing to do with geopolitics. This is a national crisis. The future of the people of Belarus should not be decided in Brussels or Moscow “, hammered the President of the European Council. Only being able to observe that Lukashenko is still in power, the Europeans call him " find a peaceful solution to the crisis, by ending violence, easing tensions and launching an inclusive national dialogue ". A dialogue that must be supported by all, “ including third countries points out Charles Michel.
Towards an OSCE mediation
The idea of a European mediation, which was still circulating last week (supported above all by the Baltic countries), has disappeared. Eyes are now on the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Advantage: Russia and Belarus are members. And it already plays a role in eastern Ukraine. A way of not pushing Russia away and of associating it with a positive role in resolving the crisis.
Timid practical support for Belarusians
Messages of support and solidarity towards the citizens of Belarus have multiplied. But their translation was not as ambitious as some capitals would have liked. Poland and Lithuania notably wanted the creation of a European support fund for victims of violence. An idea " noble " But " pay attention to the timing “Insists a European source, pointing to the desire of Europeans not to appear as agitators. The alternative was sought on the side of the Eastern Partnership, whose funds intended for Belarus will be reprogrammed, " by distancing them from the authorities and directing them towards civil society “said Ursula von der Leyen. Two million euros will go to support civil society and independent media. A million for the victims of violence. And 50 million will be for the “ emergency support linked to the coronavirus, whether for the health sector such as SMEs or social services.
(Leonor Hubaut)
Download the conclusions of the President of the European Council (FR/EN)
