Відносини з державами-сусідами у рамках реалізації європейської політики Республіки Білорусь (90-і рр. ХХ – ХХІ ст.)

Abstract

Foreign policy of the Republic of Belarus during the 90s. ХХ - the 21st century was distinguished by a certain dualism related to the officially declared by President A. Lukashenko desire for deep integration with the Russian Federation and interest in close economic cooperation with European states. At the same time, despite permanent political scandals, since the 2000s, the Belarusian authorities have regarded the EU as counterbalancing to strengthening the expansionist aspirations of the Russian ruling regime, led by V. Putin. Thus, the current study is substantiated by the cross-border issue of the EU status of the Republic of Belarus, the current geopolitical process taking place in Eastern Europe, as well as close histories, cultural and economic links, which require detailed consideration. An analysis of Belarus's relations with the European Union's neighboring countries allows us to draw several conclusions. First of all, the political relations of these states are developing at several levels. At the same time, problematic issues, whose roots lie in the consequences of the historical and political processes of the past remain relevant. In addition, the desire of Belarus's neighbors to be guided not only by the EU's strategy for this country, but also by seeking their own ways of influencing on official Minsk in the interests of compatriots or economic benefits, should be emphasized. In conditions where the Belarusian leadership is interested in establishing relations with Western countries, such plans are in the interests of Europe as a whole. At the same time, economic cooperation comes to the fore, in which Belarus plays the role of a powerful partner, able to meet the needs of European countries in the production of oil and wood processing, processing industry, etc. However, in the context of destabilization of the international situation related with the actions of the Russian Federation in Central and Eastern Europe, Belarus' vulnerability becomes one of the main risks for future relations with neighboring countries.