In August, a fraud-marred presidential election brought hundreds of thousands onto the streets of Minsk, ushering in weeks of unrest and forcing Belarus’s strongman to solicit Moscow’s grudging support.
More
Ever since he came to power in 1994, Alyaksandr Lukashenka has used controlled elections and other levers at his disposal to prolong his own power and to restrain or eliminate rivals -- in some cases literally, according to those who believe he was behind the unsolved disappearances of several opponents.
More
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU) are scaling up their support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine (EaP) amid a severe economic downturn resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
More
It is difficult to imagine going about your day without access to the internet. The coronavirus pandemic has driven life further online. The internet enables millions around the world to work, study, socialise and stay in touch with loved ones during these trying times.
More
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending a €25 million loan to OTP Leasing to boost the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Ukraine against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic and its economic impact.
More
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU) are providing new finance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Moldova. A €17.5 million loan to Moldova Agroindbank (MAIB) will offer much-needed access to finance to this critical business segment.
More
The human rights situation in Belarus continues to deteriorate, particularly with respect to peaceful assembly, the UN rights chief said on Friday, urging the government to put an end to ongoing violations and “take steps towards a genuine, respectful and inclusive national dialogue”.
More
The award ceremony for this year’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, conferred upon the Belarusian democratic opposition, will be held on 16 December.
More
“Belarus has effectively criminalized human rights work at a time when the work of human rights defenders is more essential than ever”, said Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. ‘Special courage’ As the Government continues to crack down on demonstrators protesting the election, Ms. Lawlor said that “women human rights defenders are being particularly targeted”. At least three of them have come under
More
EU sanctions must include Aliaksandr Lukashenka, who is not the legitimate president Violence in Belarus must end New, free and fair elections must be held under international supervision Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Coordination Council is the legitimate representative of the people Parliament says negotiations on the EU-Belarus Partnership Priorities must be suspended until new, free and fair
More