Democratic Forces Rely on Poland’s EU Presidency

Poland is the first country visited by the united democratic forces in 2025. This choice is due to the large number of Belarusians living there, and consequently, the many issues that need to be addressed. Additionally, Poland will hold the presidency of the European Council for the next six months, making it an ideal ally in exerting pressure on the Lukashenka regime in Minsk.

The visit of the leader of Belarusian democratic forces, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and representatives of the United Transitional Cabinet to Warsaw resulted in significant agreements with Polish authorities, including the non-recognition of the January 26 election results and recognition of the illegitimacy of Lukashenka regime. Poland reaffirmed its support for Belarusian democratic forces, pledging to simplify conditions for Belarusian businesses, recognize Belarusian diplomas, keep borders open for Belarusians, and enhance efforts to free political prisoners — including Andrzej Poczobut.

The agreements also include Poland’s consideration of joining Lithuania’s case against the Lukashenka regime in the International Criminal Court, financial support for Belsat and other Belarusian media, the creation of an interministerial working group to address Belarusian issues, and the establishment of the “For Democratic Belarus” group in the Sejm and Senate.

The parties agreed to hold a Belarusian-Polish business forum, the Kosciuszko Forum in Gdansk as part of Poland’s EU presidency, and signed a memorandum of understanding between the United Transitional Cabinet and the Community of Democracies.

A significant part of the agreements focuses on:

• conducting a joint campaign against transnational repression and discrimination against Belarusians (including extradition and deportation);
• simplifying the process of obtaining visas and residence permits for Belarusians (student and work visas, international protection, Schengen visas);
• resolving issues for Belarusian businesses, including opening bank accounts, access to financing, and legalization procedures;
• advocating for simplified legalization procedures for Belarusians, including the issuance of documents.

The choice of Poland as the first country for the visit by the democratic forces is not accidental. A significant portion of Belarusians in exile resides in Poland (250,000 to 300,000 people). Moreover, starting January 1, 2025, Poland is presiding over the European Council for six months.

The Polish presidency’s program, under the slogan “Security, Europe!” focuses on European security across all spheres — from food security to military defense. It includes seven key objectives: strengthening EU defense capabilities, enhancing border protection, countering foreign interference and disinformation, ensuring business security, transitioning to renewable energy, safeguarding healthcare security, and developing competitive agriculture. As evident, the first three objectives directly concern Belarus and Russia.

Another priority of Poland’s presidency is strengthening sanctions against Russia and Belarus, as well as countering attempts to circumvent them. To this end, Polish Foreign Ministry representatives will hold a special conference on February 25 with EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan. The European Union, led by Poland, is preparing to introduce a significant sanctions package against Russia and Belarus by February 24.

Thus, Poland serves as an ideal tool and ally for democratic forces in exile in their efforts to intensify pressure on the Lukashenka regime.