Eastern neighbours

The society of Belarus was under the influence of the Soviet regime for 70 years, the consequences of which can be seen to this date – in political and social culture, in how institutions and social structures are organized, and in the way governance is exercised and power is enforced. Without awareness of this heritage it is impossible to understand how local communities function or how citizens participate in the decision-making process.

The fact that Belarus joined the EU Eastern Partnership is a major event that gives a new momentum to the recent dynamics in EU- Belarus relations. The reanimated public debate raised hopes of civil society groups about the future of the Belarusian relations with the EU. Will the partnership be however able to meet the expectations and lead to a true change for example in the country’s rigid association laws? Are the public rapprochement with the European partner an authentic agenda for change or merely a facade?

About the plans of building a nuclear power station in Belarus, about hopes of the authorities and position of the NGO's writes Tatiana Novikava

The Republic of Belarus belongs to the group of countries without their own considerable energy and fuel resources (EFR). The EFR include: crude oil, natural gas, peat, water resources and biomass. Belarus’ own power resources satisfy 15-17% of its EFR requirement. There are practically no other sources of energy in Belarus other than those of renewable character. Therefore, the share of renewable energy amounts to 80% of the country’s own EFR.

On the one hand, the state declares a will to improve women’s status and promote equal rights, but on the other, women are still deprived of opportunities in professional advancement, salary increases, access to professional positions and power.

Even though independent women’s organisations have managed to gather some experience and skills, and gain recognition and authority in the women’s issues, it cannot be called a mass movement that would be able to influence the social development and political decision making.

Once the EU’s policy towards Minsk has changed, instead of increasing their popularity in the European capitals, leaders of the Belarusian opposition need to focus on winning the sympathy of Belarusians. Under the pressure of the West, Lukashenka should come to terms with the opposition, which will be given access to the parliament and local governments, in exchange for certain concessions in favor of the authorities.

The case of Belarus is unique, even when compared to the neighboring countries. Its specific character is proved by the low level of national identity caused by severely underdeveloped nation-shaping processes. The authoritarian state remains, until this day, the main architect of the Belarusian national project.

Undoubtedly, Belarus could already be an EU member. According to experts, its starting conditions in the early 1990s were no worse than those of Poland or the Czech Republic’s.