EGP Resolution adopted at the 38th EGP Congress, ONLINE, 2 December 2023

The continuous oppression of civil society and political actors by the President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and his illegitimate regime has been intensifying since the 2020-2021 mass protests. Citizens are facing intimidation, violence, and incarceration. In February 2023, Lukashenko signed two bills into effect that further hamper the work of Belarusian political parties and civil society organisations and eliminate what is left of political pluralism and democratic participation in the country.

The law “On amending laws on the activities of political parties and other public associations” introduced new terms under which political parties in Belarus are formed and operate, massively raising the threshold for parties to be recognised in terms of membership numbers as well as representation across the country, while giving only 6 months to implement the legislation.[1]

The change of the law has crushed the opposition and led to the dissolution of many smaller political parties, including the longstanding EGP Associate Member Belarusian Green Party / Беларуская партыя “Зялёныя”. On 27th July 2023, the Supreme Court of Belarus liquidated the Belarusian Green Party, following its inability to re-register under the newly imposed rules.

The European Greens stand in full solidarity with the Belarusian Greens, as well as with other citizens opposing Lukashenko’s harsh regime from the political opposition, civil society and activist circles in Belarus.

The European Green Party: 

·       Strongly denounces the brutality of the illegitimate Lukashenko regime and its continuous use of violence, gross human rights violations, and repression of Belarusian society.

·       Strongly condemns the above legislation and all other authoritarian and intimidatory practices that the Lukashenko regime uses to oppress its political opponents.

·       Expresses its deep regret to lose, with the dissolution of the Belarusian Greens, a member that has been part of the political family since 2008.

·       Acknowledges the hard work of the Belarusian Greens to promote the Green agenda in the country, despite all the risks, over the past decade and more.

·       Vows to continue its work through its member parties and political representatives to support civil society in Belarus and emphasises that only a peaceful and democratic process, underpinned by independent and free media and a strong civil society, represents a sustainable solution.

·       Continues its support for and cooperation with the Greens in Belarus who continue to fight for a green and democratic post-Lukashenko Belarus.

[1] The new law increases the minimum number of party members to 5000 instead of the previous 1000. Furthermore, the law requires political parties to have offices in all regions and the city of Minsk, as well as in at least one-third of districts in each region and no less than one-third of districts in Minsk. Existing political parties were given six months following the entry into force to re-register under the new conditions, otherwise they would be dissolved.