Belarus beyond Sanctions

Relations between the European Union and Belarus have returned to square one. A number of myths need to be debunked before the EU can define a better balance of policy instruments in the country.

Belarus does not have a problem because it has Lukashenka, it has Lukashenka because of its problems. The EU also needs to find ways to isolate the President and, at the same time, expand its contacts and influence among Belarus’ most influential class, the bureaucrats. The real long-term challenge in Belarus is underlying social and political change, not only regime change.

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