This EPC-European Institute for Peace Policy Dialogue discussed the role of Belarus in a changing geopolitical environment. Minsk appears to find itself at a critical geopolitical juncture: traditionally, the closest of Russia’s allies, its relationship with Moscow is going through a serious crisis. This has prompted Minsk to diversify its energy deliveries and, more broadly, improve cooperation with the EU, US and China.

The first ever shipment of US oil destined for Belarus arrived at the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda in June. Moreover, the country’s Presidential elections on 9 August 2020 seem set to be the most unpredictable in decades, with the future of Belarusian foreign policy depending to a large degree on how the domestic situation evolves.

Speakers shared their analysis on these and other topics in an online panel debate jointly moderated by Amanda Paul, EPC Senior Policy Analyst,and Roxana Cristescu, Senior Adviser at the European Institute for Peace.