About: Alexander Lukashenko

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.

Belarus opposition activist: Lukashenko is fooling the West, like Ceausescu

The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, is fooling the EU, like Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceau?escu did during the Cold War, Ales Bialiatski told EURACTIV in an exclusive interview.

EU lifts sanctions against Belarus

The European Union agreed on Monday (12 October) to suspend sanctions against the regime of Belarussian strongman Alexander Lukashenko after he won a fifth term as president, even though observers said the poll was flawed.

Lukashenko wins election as Belarus’ ties with West improve

Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko won a fifth term in office by a landslide on Sunday (11 October) in an election that could see an easing of relations with the West and raise questions about his ties to Vladimir Putin's Russia.

EU mulls suspension of Belarus sanctions

The EU is ready to suspend sanctions against Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, in a shift following the release of the country's last political prisoners, European sources told AFP today (9 October).

Nobel Prize in literature goes to journalist from Belarus

Svetlana Alexievich, a Belarussian journalist and dissident writer, won the Nobel Prize in literature on Thursday (8 October) “for her polyphonic writings, a monument to suffering and courage in our time", the Swedish Academy announced.

EU hails release of six jailed Belarussian opposition leaders

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has released six opposition leaders, including a former presidential rival, less than two months before presidential elections in a move hailed Sunday by the European Union.

Belarus and Ukrainan rebels keep death penalty alive in Europe

Belarus, recent host of the Minsk Ceasefire summit, was the only country in Europe and Central Asia to execute prisoners last year. But, after reintroducing capital punishment in territory they hold, pro-Russian Ukrainian rebels have sentenced at least one man to death since September 2014.

EU no longer sees Lukashenko as ‘last dictator’

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's hosting of Ukraine peace talks may have a side effect at home - helping thaw relations between the European Union and a man the West calls "Europe's last dictator".

Putin and Poroshenko shake hands, but discord prevails

The meeting between the Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko in Minsk Tuesday (26 August) will be remembered by their handshake. But there was no sign of progress on the fundamental point of disagreement: Ukraine's charges that Moscow is sending arms and fighters to help Ukrainian rebels, and Russia's adamant denials.