24/03/2009 – Over the past five months, the EU has embarked on a new period of engagement with Belarus, including the suspension of travel restrictions, increased bilateral political dialogue and technical cooperation with the Belarusian authorities, and the prospect of the country’s inclusion in the new Eastern Partnership. Furthermore, the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 16 March 2009 specifically recommended the launch of a human rights dialogue with Belarus in the near future.
