Publication

By releasing many dissidents who participated in demonstrations after the presidential elections in December 2010 and offering roundtable discussions on economic issues to the opposition, the Belarusian authorities are trying to show they want to liberalize the political system, which is a condition set by the EU for re-establishing political dialogue with Belarus. The aim of the Belarusian government is also to reduce the social discontent associated with the worsening economic situation in the country. The proposal for roundtable discussions should be used by the opposition, along with essential support from the EU, to prepare an economic reform agenda.