About: Alexander Lukashenko
Belarus crowds rally against closer Russia ties, wave EU flags
Roughly 1,000 Belarusians joined an unauthorised demonstration on Saturday (7 December) against the prospect of a closer union with Russia.
Amid Russia’s tightening embrace, Belarus seeks better ties with EU
Belarus is interested in building good-neighbourly ties with the European Union, and in particular with Stockholm and Helsinki, if there are no preconditions from the bloc, Belorussian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Monday (25 November).
Observers slam Belarus polls for flouting democratic norms
Parliamentary polls in Belarus did not show respect for democracy, international observers said Monday (18 November), after the opposition to authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko failed to win a single seat.
Opposition wins no seats in Belarus election
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko maintained his hold on power after results published early on Monday (18 November) showed not a single opposition candidate had won a seat in parliamentary elections over the weekend.
Belarus leader defends rights record during Austria visit
Belarus's leader Alexander Lukashenko defended his isolated country's human rights during a visit to Austria Tuesday (12 November), as he seeks closer ties with the European Union amid tensions with Russia.
Belarus leader visits Austria, seeking closer EU ties
Belarus's isolated leader Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday (12 November) visits Austria, marking his first trip to an EU member in more than three years as he seeks closer ties amid tensions with Russia.
Russia fumes over Belarus’s refusal to host air base
Russia said on Thursday (26 September) that Belarus’s refusal to host a military air base backed by President Vladimir Putin had been an “unpleasant episode”, a rare public display of disagreement between the close allies.
Lukashenko seeks better ties with West despite Russian ‘hysteric’ reactions
Belarus will seek better ties with the West even though this provokes “hysterics” from its traditional ally Russia, long-serving President Alexander Lukashenko said on Tuesday (5 March), a day after lifting a cap of five US diplomats in his country....
Serbia ramps up military capabilities, but affirms it sticks to neutrality
Continuing recent efforts to improve its armed forces, Serbia took over four more MiG-29 aircraft from Belarus. The country wants to join the European Union but not NATO, and is seeking good ties with both Moscow and Washington. EURACTIV.rs reports.
Belarus extends visa-free travel for tourists to 30 days
Belarus on Tuesday (24 July) announced that it is extending visa-free travel for tourists from five days to 30 days in a move that could attract more visitors to the ex-Soviet state on the European Union's doorstep.
Belarus ends ‘teddy bear spat’ with Sweden, names envoy
Belarus on Tuesday (22 May) appointed its first ambassador to Sweden for almost six years, resolving a bitter diplomatic spat over a pro-democracy stunt involving teddy bears.
Belarus: Atomic power on the EU’s doorstep
A nuclear power plant on the EU’s border with Belarus continues to court controversy due to a number of incidents during its construction and serious concerns raised by neighbouring countries. EURACTIV.com visited the ex-Soviet nation in October to learn more.
Russia and Belarus heal ties in shadow of metro bombing
The presidents of Russia and Belarus said yesterday (3 April) they had resolved all disputes over energy, signaling a rapprochement at a time when both leaders are grappling with street protests and the threat of new Western sanctions hangs over Minsk.
‘Dozens’ jailed in Belarus following weekend protest
More than 100 people in Belarus appeared in court on Monday ( 27 March) over protests at the weekend against hardline President Alexander Lukashenko, with dozens of them jailed, including journalists.
Now is not the time to isolate Belarus
The EU can encourage change in Belarus by offering support and closer ties. Punitive moves to sever ties with Minsk will undo much of the progress that has already been made, writes Igor Merheim-Eyre.
Belarus arrests opposition activists after rallies
Belarus arrested at least six opposition activists yesterday (22 March) as President Alexander Lukashenko cracked down on opponents after a wave of major protests against his authoritarian rule, a prominent local rights group said.
EU extends sanctions against Belarus, cracks down on North Korea
The EU yesterday (27 February) extended its remaining sanctions on Belarus and warned Minsk it would have to make progress on fundamental freedoms to see them lifted. Brussels also piled more sanctions on North Korea after it carried out more missile tests.
Belarus in energy and border fracas with big brother Russia
Russia and Belarus remained allies after the collapse of the Soviet Union but their relationship has soured lately. The main point of contention appears to be energy supply. Euractiv Germany reports.
Belarus to allow visa-free entry for 80 countries
Belarus will allow visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries, including the United States and members of the European Union, for visits of up to five days, according to a presidential decree signed yesterday (9 January).
EU ministers redefine policy with Russia, Eastern neighbours
The foreign ministers of the 28 EU countries have redefined yesterday (17 October) the Union foreign policy priorities for 2016 and the basis of its relations with Russia and the countries of the Eastern neighbourhood.
With eye on West, Belarus holds slightly freer election
Lawmakers loyal to hardline Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko retained power in an election yesterday (11 September), but the opposition's win of a seat for the first time in 20 years could help the ex-Soviet nation further improve ties with the West.
EU ends Belarus sanctions
The European Union on Thursday (25 February) formally lifted nearly all of its sanctions against Belarus, including President Alexander Lukashenko, citing improvements in the country's human rights record.
EU lifts almost all sanctions against Belarus
EU foreign ministers agreed on Monday (15 February) to lift nearly all sanctions on Belarus, including against strongman President Alexander Lukashenko, after what is considered to be an improvement in the country's human rights record.