Dialogue with the European Union. President meets with head of EU Delegation to Belarus

Belarus sees no obstacles to strengthening  political dialogue with the European Union and is ready to continue moving in this direction. The President said this today at a meeting with the head of the EU Delegation in Belarus. Andrea VictorIn completes her 4-year mission in our country. Alexander Lukashenko noted that the parties have learned to hear the partners, and joint work became much more effective. At the same time, there remains a great potential for increasing interaction. The President focuses particular attention on the topic of security in the region, in particular, the situation in Ukraine. The head of state counts on the European Union’s assistance in stabilizing the situation: from issues of big politics and peace to individual projects and simplifying the visa regime. 

The EU is our second largest market. Last year the trade turnover exceeded $ 17 billion, and we sell more than we buy.

The work of the EBRD resumed, the European Investment Bank came to the country. And the number of grants for Belarusians doubled in three years. 

They actively interact in the economy, in the development of the private sector, small and medium-sized enterprises, and in support of young people.

Alexander Lukashenko thanked the European Union for the financial support of joint programs, highlighting the importance of infrastructure projects.

Andrea Victorin, Head of the EU Delegation to Belarus: "Over the past few years, Belarus and the European Union have managed to build trust with each other. This is an obvious progress."

The long-awaited Schengen issue has been practically resolved for Belarusians.

The documents have already been prepared.

Andrea Victorin, Head of the EU Delegation to Belarus: "Yes, we will sign an agreement on simplifying the visa regime. I cannot name a specific date, but in fact all the documents have already been prepared and both parties go through the necessary legal procedures. We know the deadline for signing is February 2, 2020."

The new head of the EU in our country will be German Dirk Schuebel. Prior to that, he oversaw the European External Action Service for Russia. He is familiar with Belarus, has been to Minsk several times. Moreover, Mr. Schuebel is well acquainted with the region, he was previously the representative of the European Commission in Ukraine and headed the EU in Moldova.