EU states show solidarity with Belarus

By Dzianis Melyantsou

The EU as a whole and EU member states bordering Belarus have demonstrated solidarity with Minsk amid deteriorating epidemiological situation in the country.

On April 23^rd, Lithuanian President Nauseda phoned President Lukashenka for the first time in over a quarter of a century to discuss, among other things, the COVID-19 outbreak and response measures to contain the virus spread. According to reports, Nauseda offered humanitarian aid to Belarus, such as medical supplies and equipment. Additionally, the parties touched upon issues related to the Astravets NPP, oil, gas and transport cooperation, and the Eastern Partnership Programme.

It is worth noting that, after the telephone conversation, Nauseda has changed his mind about the coronavirus situation in Belarus. Previously, he was quoted as saying that Belarus’ official information on coronavirus could not be trusted. Now, he said that Belarus was aware of the threat posed by the coronavirus and that there were no reasons to mistrust the official data.

On April 24^th, humanitarian aid arrived in Belarus from Poland to fight the coronavirus spread. On this account, the Polish ambassador to Belarus said that “when trouble lands on you or us, I believe it is extremely important that we feel solidarity and support from each other”.

On April 22^nd, Foreign Minister Makei had a telephone conversation with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. The parties discussed, among other things, a joint response to the consequences of the coronavirus spread. Borrell also informed that his visit to Belarus, initially planned for late April, would be postponed due to COVID-19.