BSR Policy Briefing 4/2020

Lithuania and Belarus: Will Lithuania become Belarus’ “Iceland”?
Authored by Ruslanas Irižkevičius

Belarusian events after the Presidential elections of August 9 came as a surprise to everyone, be it in Minsk, Vilnius or even Moscow. The protests with ‘Belarusian characteristics’ still running well into October despite the Belarusian authorities’ brutal conduct and numerous arrests. Belarusian political nation has been born, and there is not a chance of returning to pre August 9 status quo. Belarus is changing. Lithuania is sharing not only its longest border with Belarus but also history. Naturally, Lithuania is interested in its neighbour and it is actively discussing about the events and possible scenarios of Belarus’ developments. In this paper we will be looking at the extent economic and political relationship between the two countries before and after the August 9 events. We will also look on how Lithuanians perceiving its government principle stance against New/Old President A. Lukashenko, and some ideas from Lithuanian think tanks and commentators on the possible scenarios of Belarus’ further developments. 

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