Out of an Impasse
For a New European Policy on Belarus
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Germany and the European Union sharply criticise the devastating human rights situation in Belarus. Sanctions are supposed to force the regime to end its repression. This policy has been unsuccessful for five years, and the situa-tion has deteriorated further. Belarus is increasingly being equated with Russia, and there is hardly any independent policy on Belarus left. In this way, Belarus is being left to the mercy of Moscow. A different approach is needed and possible. Sanctions are no substitute for diplomacy. They must be used as a means of diplomacy. First and foremost is the goal of gaining the release of political prisoners. Then, it is necessary to increase Minsk’s room for manoeuvre vis-à-vis Moscow. This is in the eminent interest of Germany and the EU.
(Osteuropa 10/2025, pp. 145–160)