Belarus

Estonia has offered assistance to Belarus since 2000, and Belarus has been a priority in Estonian development cooperation since 2011. At the moment, Belarus itself has ruled out development cooperation, which is why Estonia supports civil society, the independent media, and the resistance operating in exile. Representatives can also work within the country to a limited extent by continuing ongoing projects: laying the grassroots of democracy, investing in education, and encouraging equity in entrepreneurship and a market-based economy.

Through its efforts to support civil society empowerment, education, small business development, support of women’s and children’s rights, and environmental cooperation, Estonia makes it possible for Belarus to lay the groundwork for a promising future. Additional funding has been dedicated toward supporting various scholarship programmes, thereby enabling Belarusian youth to receive a high-quality education.

In case of governmental changes, the European Union is ready to continue its support for reforms by involving Belarus in actualizing the investment plans of the Eastern Partnership and supporting large-scale infrastructure projects. Additionally, in case of democratic changes, Estonia is ready to fully restore its development cooperation with Belarus.

Since 2000, Belarus has received the support of Estonian development cooperation through projects and aid, amounting to nearly nearly four million euros. During this period, 125 projects have been implemented in Belarus. As of August 1, 2023, there is one ongoing project active in Belarus.

Priority Areas of Estonian Development Cooperation in Belarus

• Democracy – supporting critical thinking and the free media in exile, and developing journalistic responsibility and know-how
• Education – supporting students through scholarship programmes at European institutions
• Entrepreneurship – supporting the development of small businesses by introducing the principles of creating start-ups and involving women and young people in entrepreneurship