Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 31 March (BelTA) – Belarus significantly contributes to the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, British political scientist Charles Grant told journalists before the meeting between Belarusian MPs and a group of experts from the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) on 31 March, BelTA has learned.

“Belarus makes a significant contribution to the efforts to reconcile the parties to the Ukrainian conflict. Many European citizens praise Belarus’ role in the Ukrainian peace process,” Charles Grant said and pointed out that these Belarus' efforts can bolster the EU-Belarus cooperation.

When asked whether the attitude of the European Union towards Belarus has changed, Charles Grant explained that he has come to Belarus as a member of a delegation of experts, journalists, and representatives of government agencies to look for opportunities to strengthen the bilateral ties. “I believe that when the Ukrainian crisis broke out, some people in the European Union started thinking strategically. It is in the interests of the EU to develop a closer cooperation with Belarus,” he noted.

Charles Grant also answered journalists’ questions about the Eastern Partnership Initiative. The expert believes that the EU is set to introduce some changes to the project or even to restart it. He thinks that when the Eastern Partnership Initiative is changed, there will be a chance for the Belarus-EU cooperation.

The delegation of the European Council on Foreign Relations has come to Belarus to discuss how the EU can support Belarus in the context of the Ukrainian crisis and the sanctions imposed on Russia. Charles Grant said that the EU can provide technical assistance (including financial support) to Belarus. Another important topic of the discussion is the cooperation between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union.