On the need for actions to address the continued oppression and fake elections in Belarus
B-10-2025-0059
on behalf of the ECR Group · Rapporteur: Adam Bielan, Reinis Pozņaks, Rihards Kols, Mariusz Kamiński, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Aurelijus Veryga, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Alexandr Vondra, BertJan Ruissen, Ondřej Krutílek, Maciej Wąsik, Michał Dworczyk, Alberico Gambino, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Assita Kanko
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This resolution rejects the legitimacy of the upcoming presidential election in Belarus on 26 January 2025, calling it a sham to solidify Lukashenka's dictatorship, and refuses to acknowledge his legitimacy as president.¶ It calls for investigations into crimes by the Lukashenka regime, application of universal jurisdiction, release of political prisoners, enhanced sanctions, border security measures, and support for Belarusian civil society and democratic forces.¶¶¶ It condemns forced Russification, weaponisation of migration, and calls for a coordinated EU response to hybrid threats.¶¶¶
Key points
- Rejects the legitimacy of the presidential election on 26 January 2025 in Belarus and refuses to acknowledge Lukashenka's legitimacy as president.¶
- Calls for investigation into crimes by the Lukashenka regime and for EU Member States to apply universal jurisdiction, initiating legal proceedings against Belarusian officials, including Lukashenka.¶
- Underlines support for democratic forces and calls for international pressure to isolate the regime and support civil society in Belarus and in exile.¶
- Condemns forced Russification of Belarusian culture and history, including exclusion of the Belarusian language from schools and public spaces.¶
- Calls for enhanced financial and defence support for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, and intensification of sanctions against Belarusian and Russian officials or entities benefiting from the mutual visa recognition agreement.¶
- Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all Belarusian political prisoners and urges authorities to uphold detainees' human rights.¶
- Calls on the Commission, Council and EEAS to enhance border security, reinforce sanctions, close loopholes, and adopt a new sanctions package, particularly on potash and fertilisers.¶
- Calls on Member States to support Belarusian civil society and opposition, inform EU citizens of risks of travelling to Belarus or Russia, and insists Belarus must not become a geopolitical pawn.¶
- Reaffirms solidarity with the people of Belarus and commitment to collaborate with democratic forces, civil society and independent media.¶
- Condemns the Lukashenka regime's weaponisation of migration as a tool to destabilise neighbouring EU Member States.¶
- Calls on the Commission, Council and EEAS to develop a firm and coordinated response to counter the hybrid threat of weaponising migration while protecting EU external borders.¶
Who is affected
- Belarusian political prisoners and detainees: calls for their release and improved conditions.¶
- Belarusian civil society and opposition forces: calls for support and solidarity.¶¶¶
- EU Member States: urged to apply universal jurisdiction and support border security and sanctions.¶¶
- Belarusian and Russian officials: targeted by sanctions and potential legal proceedings.¶
- EU citizens and entities: warned of security risks and sanctions implications of travelling to Belarus or Russia.¶