Publication

In light of Russia’s Zapad 2017 military exercises, this paper examines Belarus-Russia relations and what opportunities the EU has to increase its engagement with Minsk. The report ultimately suggests that while Moscow continues to serve as an economic lifeline for Minsk, the European Union could expand its ties with Belarus by 1) working to strengthen Belarus’ sovereignty, 2) deepening strategic ties with the country through military exchange programs 3) increasing its engagement with pro-Western Belarussian actors; and 4) creating more opportunities to influence Minsk’s democratic and human rights policies.