Tusk as EU head will mean more attention to Belarus from Brussels, predict Belarus’ authorities and opposition

President Alexander Lukashenko congratulated Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on his election as President of the European Council.

The Belarusian authorities believe that Tusk’s appointment will enhance Polish influence on the EU foreign policy towards Belarus, which is undergoing a transformation – from dishing out harsh sanctions, to finding opportunities for a dialogue amid a growing security threat in the East European region from the Kremlin. The Belarusian opposition hopes that Tusk as EC President will increase the EU’s attention towards Belarus, including boosting support for civil society and greater attention to security in the East European region.