Belarus in the Context of the Neighbourhood Policy: Between the EU and Russia

Abstract

Belarus's location in the geographical heart of Europe places the country in a strategically important position between Russia and the European Union (EU), and the country's history – ancient and modern – reflects this reality. In the period of post-Soviet independence, positive and negative tendencies in the country's relations with those two powers have been encountered. From the inception of Belarus's sovereignty, successive governments have striven to develop a multi-vector foreign policy relationship with the outside world. However, owing to subjective and objective factors, this has not always been possible, resulting in a policy imbalance, under the external pressure of its greater neighbours. The opinions of experts and of the public reflect historical experiences, and manifest a measure of mistrust towards the EU, while also recognizing certain benefits from pursuing a more positive engagement than hitherto. As a sovereign state, Belarus has no need to dissolve its identity either in the EU project or into a greater Russia; rather, it is capable of asserting itself as a sovereign player in the international area, conscious of its national interests and priorities. Only in such circumstances of equal partnership will Belarus be appreciated and recognized in its external milieu.