Yulia Tikhanovskaya, a leading figure in the Belarusian opposition, discussed the potential issue of a new form of Belarusian passports with Margaritis Schinas, the vice-president of the European Commission. This update comes from a Belarusian news portal, Mirror, which frames the meeting as part of broader discussions about how Belarusian citizens could engage with European institutions.
The report suggests that the talks touched on ways to streamline asylum procedures for individuals leaving Belarus, hinting at a broader strategy to address displacement concerns. The idea referenced involves passports identified as representing a new Belarusian identity, with the aim of facilitating the refugee process by enabling easier access to international protection tools through these documents, according to Mirror’s coverage. This framing points to a humanitarian channel that could complement existing asylum pathways in EU-member states, potentially reducing barriers for Belarusians seeking safety in Europe.
Tikhanovskaya emphasized that European Union member countries should distinguish between ordinary Belarusians and the regime they oppose, with a focus on assisting those who wish to obtain visas. The clear takeaway is a call for targeted visa policies that prioritize humanitarian considerations and personal safety for individuals seeking to distance themselves from state actors perceived as oppressive. The discussion signals a continuing effort to create clearer routes for Belarusians to engage with EU systems, even as political tensions persist in the region.
In addition to visa facilitation, Tikhanovskaya reportedly urged Schinas to support the participation of Belarusian opposition figures in international forums and events. The aim appears to be increasing visibility for the opposition on the global stage, enabling voices from Belarus to contribute to international dialogues on democracy, human rights, and governance. This appeal aligns with a strategy to build international solidarity and ensure that Belarusian civil society retains channels to influence discussions beyond national borders, as reported by Mirror.
On a related note, state prosecutors in Minsk have pressed charges against prominent dissidents, including Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Pavel Latushko, accusing them of treason and corruption and seeking lengthy prison sentences. Reports indicate that a court has already moved to sentence the two to nineteen years in prison. Three other dissidents — Maria Moroz, Olga Kovalkova, and Sergei Dylevsky — face twelve-year terms in absentia. These developments underscore the severity of the political climate in Belarus and the risks faced by opposition figures who continue to challenge the government. The information, derived from Belarusian sources, highlights the ongoing legal pressure and the broader pattern of targeting dissent within the country, as noted in Mirror’s reporting. This context helps explain why discussions about asylum, visas, and international engagement have gained urgency among opposition leadership and supporters abroad.