22 January 2025
In a debate on addressing the ongoing oppression and upcoming sham elections in Belarus, ECR MEPs have issued a stark warning about the worsening plight of citizens under the Lukashenka regime.
During Tuesday’s plenary debate, Małgorzata Gosiewska, MEP and Chair of the Delegation for Relations with Belarus, condemned the upcoming elections as a “farce” and a blatant attempt by the regime to tighten its oppressive grip on power.
Gosiewska called on the European Union to take firm and decisive action, stating, “Europe cannot afford to be passive. We must act decisively and send a clear and unequivocal message: we will not tolerate a regime that flagrantly violates human rights and fundamental democratic principles.”
“Europe must remain a bastion of democracy and a staunch defender of human rights. Ignoring the unfolding situation in Belarus risks undermining the civilised world, beginning with Belarus,” she warned.
Following today’s vote, in which the resolution was adopted by 567 votes in favour, 25 against, and 66 abstentions, ECR foreign affairs coordinator Adam Bielan echoed the call for a stronger European response.
“We need a united and structured approach to protect our Eastern flank. We urge our European institutions and Member States to jointly determine solutions to hold Lukashenka’s regime accountable for its crimes and to support Belarusian civil society, both within the country and in exile,” Bielan urged.
He concluded: “Belarus has become a prison, whose warden is nobody but Mr. Lukashenka, Putin’s puppet.”