The EU response to the development in Belarus in 2021: the human rights scope

Abstract

European Politics and Society: Václav Havel Joint Master Programme Charles University The EU response to the development in Belarus in 2021: the human rights scope Master's Thesis Abstract Author: Olha Kotielnikova Supervisor: Mgr. Daniela Kolenovská, Ph.D. Year of defence: 2022 Length of the thesis: 18892 words Abstract Human rights abuse in Belarus has again become a topical issue on the European Union's agenda alongside political rights violations since 2020. The Union sees its role in influencing the internal policy of the proclaimed Belarusian government for it to start respecting human rights. As a united body, it has instruments to exercise its foreign policy instruments, such as restrictive measures, negotiations, and communication. The dynamics of their usage have been changing, but there is still potential to review and adapt possible European responses. Keywords European Union, Belarus, foreign policy, human rights, human rights defence, resolution, sanctions, restrictive measures.