Belarus and European countries

Geographically, historically and culturally Belarus is an integral part of Europe, situated at the crossroads of major transportation and trade routes that link various regions of the European continent. The country contributes significantly to security in Europe, fight against drug trafficking, illegal arms trade, illegal migration and trafficking in human beings.

Belarus ensures safe transit of energy resources supplied by Russia enroute to scores of European consumers. Another input by the country to prosperity and economic stability in Europe is the implementation of agreements and arrangements within Eurasian Economic Union.

After Belarus became independent, it established diplomatic relations practically with all European states. 28 Belarusian diplomatic missions currently operate in the following 22 countries of Europe: Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Many of them are accredited concurrently in the neighboring countries.

In the recent years, more emphasis was given to the institution of Honorary Consuls of the Republic of Belarus, representing Belarus in 21 European countries including Turkey and fostering bilateral relations, human exchanges and contacts between the business communities.

Increasing diplomatic, economic and informational pressure implied by the West on Belarus had a negative impact on the dynamics and level of bilateral relations with European countries in 2020-2021.

The unilateral coercive measures taken against Belarus based on far-fetched accusations, including in connection with the incident with the Ryanair aircraft, the migration situation on the border between Belarus and the EU, as well as Minsk’s retaliatory steps, have narrowed the possibilities for maintaining mutually beneficial cooperation with European capitals.

Despite the negative dynamics of relations, interaction has been further developed in a number of areas. Contacts were continued with individual European countries at the interagency and regional levels, primarily in the economic and humanitarian spheres. Bilateral meetings were widely practiced within the framework of international events. There were separate contacts at high and top levels.

In 2021, the trade turnover between Belarus and the EU amounted to 16.3 billion dollars (up 136.5%). Export – 9.5 billion dollars (growth 174.4%), import – 6.8 billion dollars (growth 104.5%). The balance is positive in the amount of 2.7 billion dollars. The share of the EU in total exports amounted to 23.9% (18.7% for the 2020).

Investments from EU countries in 2021 amounted to 2.67 billion dollars, including 2.24 billion dollars direct ones. In 2020, 2.89 billion dollars of investments were received from the EU countries, including 1.78 billion dollars of direct investments.

More detailed information about cooperation between Belarus and European countries is available on the websites of Belarusian diplomatic missions in Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.