'Europe's Last Dictatorship' Warms to European Union

In reaction to increasing tensions with its neighbour to the East, Belarus has responded by looking to the West. While experiencing political difficulties with its traditional ally, Russia, Belarus is looking to warm relations with the European Union.

Last week it was reported that in reaction Russia's grim predictions for its economy and because Russia would not provide foreign currency loans, Belarus' President, Alexander Lukashenko declared that his government would look elsewhere. They did just that. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the European Union's External Relations chief, visited Lukashenko, whose welcome exclaimed that Belarus would look to improve relations with the EU "no matter whom that displeases." His welcome was a direct shot at Russia. In recent years renewed east-west tensions have emerged as a number of nations, perhaps none more dramatically than Georgia and Ukraine, have sought better ties and integration with the European Union. For Russia, these nations have long been considered under their 'sphere of influence'. For many, Belarus' story rings a familiar tune. Some believe that Belarus' turn away from Russia, its closest and strategic ally since the collapse of the Soviet Union, could mark the beginning of the transition of "Europe's last dictatorship" to democracy and the west. While economic problems - particularly gas supply and payments - plague Russian-Belorussian relations, the EU's recently launched "Eastern Partnership" has aimed to improve ties with the former Soviet republic. The Eastern Partnership initiative, which aims to improve political and economic relations as well as promote human rights and the rule of law in Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. Characterizations of Belarus as an outcast, authoritarian regime have been the norm. In advance of elections in 2006, The Guardian described Belarus as "an authoritarian, often forgotten corner of Europe, [where] criticising the president can still land you in jail." Human Rights organization Amnesty International's 2009 Report maintained that "The government continued to exert excessive control over civil society" in Belarus, and that "peaceful demonstrators were fined and detained for short periods; and civil society activists and journalists were harassed." Yet according to the BBC the nation has released all political prisoners. Ferrero-Waldner noted that "Belarus has taken steps in the right direction and we have recognised that." Of course, further changes and human rights improvements will need to continue. To that end, Ferrero-Waldner added that the EU was willing to reward Belarus if it continues to reform.