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Financial assistance is not key to systemic and sustainable modernization, says head of EU Delegation to Belarus

The European Union does not believe that financial assistance is what it takes to achieve systemic and sustainable modernization, Maira Mora, head of the EU’s Delegation to Belarus, said in an interview with BelaPAN when asked whether the EU could provide as much money as Russia did to win Belarus over to its side.

“The EU remains ready to improve and deepen its relations with Belarus, but this remains conditional on progress towards respect by Belarus for the principles of democracy, the rule of law and human rights,” Ms. Mora said. “For the EU, Belarus is an important neighbor. It is worth noting that all Eastern Partnership countries save Belarus have made substantial progress in the negotiations of Association Agreements with the EU.”

“The choice Belarus supposedly has to make between east and west has long been and will remain a false one,” Ms. Mora said. “Every country has the right to choose alliances that serve its interest best, and involvement in one alliance does not preclude involvement in others as long as they all are based on compatible rules, values and principles. In addition, while Russia may be more flexible in helping Belarus' authorities address their immediate wants, the EU believes not in quick fixes but in conscious, systemic reforms that ensure sustainable development of economy and society and contribute to regional and global stability. The European Dialogue on Modernization with Belarus is one way for Belarus to take advantage of EU Member States' experience and expertise.” // BelaPAN