Belarus is navigating a critical phase in its development, grappling with challenges such as escalating political repression, the erosion of democratic institutions, and increasing Russian influence. These dynamics have significant implications for Belarus’s sovereignty and independence, as well as for European security and democracy. How can civil society persist under repression? What are the consequences of Belarus’s alignment with Russia, and how do sanctions impact the Lukashenka regime’s resilience?

In this context, SCEEUS prioritises research and analysis that provides valuable perspectives on Belarus’s socio-political trends and their broader implications for regional stability. Our expertise encompasses several areas, including the analysis of elections, protests, civil society resilience and political opposition in exile. We also focus on international sanctions and their effectiveness as well as Belarus’s relations with Russia and the EU.

In addition to our publications, we organise various events to enhance understanding and foster dialogue on Belarus. These include roundtable discussions and conferences that bring together experts, policymakers, and Belarusian activists. Notable events include a senior expert meeting on Belarus (May 2023), an expert conference on sanctions with the Stockholm Institute of Transitional Economics (April 2024). In May 2024, SCEEUS, in collaboration with the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, organised a high-level conference for over 200 participants, focusing on the theme of national identity, democracy, and more in a future Belarus. In connection with this, SCEEUS released 10 guest commentaries.  In addition to that, SCEEUS organized a European Belarus Forum in Brussels (December 2024) in cooperation with WUB Hub and financial support from NATO.

Moreover, SCEEUS collaborates with regional and international partners on the Belarus track, such as the Warwick Ukraine-Belarus Hub, RUSI, the Danish Foreign Policy Society, the Latvian Institute of International Affairs, OSW, and PISM. These partnerships focus on Belarus’s role in the war against Ukraine, the resilience of civil society, sanctions, security challenges posed by the Lukashenka regime, and Belarus’s relations with Russia and the EU.

Experts

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