Belarus: How to keep doors open for a shift to a pro-European democratic pathway?

Belarus’ autocratic regime of Alexander Lukashenka has consolidated its powers based on massive repressions against opponents, strict control of mass media and political and economic support from Russia that needs an allied Belarus in its war against Ukraine. Ties to the West are widely cut off. The pro-democratic movement has possibly lost its momentum and faces difficulties to mobilize even its supporters in EU exile. However, unexpected events like shifts in Russia’s policies or critical health condition of the autocrat might quickly challenge this ostensible stability. The expert roundtable discusses what needs to be done in order to keep the option of a democratic and pro-European pathway for Belarus on the agenda as a realistic scenario. 

The event is part of the Berlin Belarus Future Forum 14.-15. October 2024 - a cooperation of Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Friedrich Naumann Foundation and Heinrich Böll Foundation.

Discussions will be held under Chatham House rule. No recording.

Guests

9.30 - 11.00 Panel 1
How to keep up hopes and a pro-European orientation of Belarusians in Belarus and abroad?

Andrei Vardomatski, Sociologist, Belarusian Analytical Workroom
Stanislava Glinnik, Vice-Speaker of Coordination Council of Democratic Forces
Kamil Klysinski, Senior Researcher, OSW Centre for Eastern Studies

Moderation: Robert Sperfeld, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung

11.30 - 13.00 Panel 2
Implementation of the Belarus-Resolution of the German Bundestag: Where do we stand one year after its adoption?

Dr. Astrid Sahm, German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP Berlin)
Yuliya Salauyova, Association of Belarusians in Germany RAZAM e.V.
Michael Nowak, Head of Division for Russia and Belarus, Federal Foreign Office, Berlin

Moderation: Anna Kravtšenko, Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung

13.00 Lunch

Language: English

Contact: Heinrich Böll Foundation, Darya Tsark, tsaryk (@) boell.de

Further recommendation: Film screening 15.10. Kino Krokodil "The Accidental President", Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung 

» Participation on site
at the the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Conference Center, Schumannstr. 8, 10117 Berlin
Please register in advance. Unfortunately, the number of seats for this event are limited.