On 21 June, the Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament warmly welcomed a deal by EU foreign ministers on a broad range of sanctions targeting the Belarusian regime.

Dacian Cioloș, President of Renew Europe reacted to the news:

“I am pleased that EU unity prevailed and I hope these sanctions will put pressure on Lukashenka’s sick regime and its cheerleaders in Moscow.”

In the face of grotesque human rights abuses and the forced landing of a Ryanair flight, the Renew Europe Group has consistently demanded a strong and united EU response. 

“Robust and targeted measures are welcome and the EU must not be shy about adopting further measures as necessary. Sanctions should continue until political prisoners are released and free elections are held. Renew Europe stands with the people of Belarus,” Cioloș concluded.

Petras Auštrevičius MEP (Liberal Movement, LT), European Parliament standing rapporteur on Belarus, added:

“Stricter EU sanctions are the only way to stop the brutality of the Lukashenka regime towards the people of Belarus and to deter its further illegal actions.”

Earlier this month at ALDE Party’s eCongress, member parties adopted a resolution in response to the recent developments in Belarus. You can read the resolution in full here.