"Belarus Headlines", issue VII, May 2012
This issue features news, articles and policy reviews of the most important political, economic and social developments in Belarus.
Among the main events of the last month: the release of two well-known political prisoners, the former presidential candidate Andrei Sannikau and his campaign aid Dzmitry Bandarenka, the launch of the European Dialogue for Modernisation with Belarus as well as the return of EU ambassadors to Minsk after they left during a row between Belarus and the EU.
In his article ‘The Law of the Jungle in Belarusian-Russian Relations’, Siarhei Bohdan explains why the trade wars between Belarus and Russia, and their outcome, are easy to predict and why Belarus is bound to fall prey to the political approach of Russian economy. The research section of the Headlines explores the microeconomic stability of Belarus and gives an insight into the future of the economy of the country after Russia joins the World Trade Organisation. The experts of BISS and the Agency for Policy Expertise help to unravel the labyrinth of Belarus’ current economic development and its monetary and fiscal policies under heavy external borrowing requirements.
Olga Loginova continues her trail around the Vitsebsk Region and tells another story about the ‘Unknown Belarus’. She traces down a Belarusian relative of the Scottish Loch Ness monster. Read her travel notes to find out why lake Lepel is so popular with tourists.
This issue also evaluates the expertise exchange project which is being operated by the ODB in cooperation with BISS and the Belarusian Union of Transport Workers with the support of the European Commission. The project engages Belarusian experts in different areas to help them increase their capacity by establishing contacts and sharing best practices with their colleagues from the EU and EaP countries.
In addition, you can check our regular overview of the most popular articles on the Belarus Digest web-site, prepared by Yaraslau Kryvoi.
"Belarus Headlines", issue VI, February 2012
The sixth issue of Belarus Headlines features a review of the most important political and social developments in Belarus and covers a debate by various experts on the current policies that the EU implements in respect to the country.
First pages of the bulletin are dedicated to recently unfolding discussion over existing EU policy towards Belarus and, in particular, the pro and contra arguments regarding restrictive measures in the form of visa ban list and targeted economic sanctions. Belarusian and international experts express their views on the current policies and debate possible recommendations that would potentially be more effective in reaching the goal of democratisation and transformation of Belarus.
In their article on the upcoming parliamentary election BISS academic director Alexei Pikulik and senior expert Dzianis Melyantsou discuss the (non)participation of the opposition in this campaign. They argue that a nationwide campaign by the latter with the use of legal instruments but conducted under the opposition's own initiative and with clearly defined objectives will be the only chance for the latter to struggle out of the "ghetto" where it finds itself for years.
The Belarusian nuclear programme is dangerous, says Siarhei Bohdan, author of the article on the decision by the Belarus' government to build a nuclear power plant using Russian money and Russian services. This project threatens Belarusians with catastrophic indebtedness and destruction of the country’s environment for the profits of a Russian corporation and some regime insiders.
The research section of the Headlines offers material by BISS and the Agency for Policy Expertise showing that a new majority is being formed in Belarus who stay "in the middle", being represented neither by the incumbent government, nor by the opposition.
In addition, Yaraslau Kryvoi provides an overview of the most popular articles on the Belarus Digest web-site.
Finally, the Unknown Belarus section tells you about Vitsebsk, one of the largest Belarusian cities and a stronghold of Belarusian culture and tradition. We hope you will enjoy reading this issue of the Belarus Headlines and, as always, we would very much appreciate your feedback.
Summary of the News
News in short
EU and Belarus
EU Policy towards Belarus: Is There Need for Change?
Politics and Society
Elections or Boycott as Elements of the Opposition Zugzwang
Research
In this section the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies and the Agency for Policy Expertise present a digest of their new studies, publications and expert opinions on the most burning issues of political, economic, and social life in Belarus.
Polling Memo: Occupy the Middle
Common Economic Space and the WTO: Too Late to Argue?
How will Arrival of Foreign Companies in Belarus Influence Workers?
Unknown Belarus
Vitsebsk: the City of Dreams
In Fact
"Belarus Headlines", issue V, December 2011
The fifth issue of Belarus Headlines features a review of the most important events in the political, social, and economic life of the country, an announcement about a high level expert conference on Belarus in Brussels, and a number of analytical articles.
Firstly, we would like to welcome new researchers Aliaksei Pikulik, the new Academic Director of the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies, and Alexander Chubrik, the Director of the Research Centre for the Institute for Privatisation and Management, into our team of authors.
In a joint memo, Aliaksei Pikulik and Dzianis Melyantsou, a senior expert with BISS, analyse the recent agreements between Belarus and Russia and how they might impact the political and economic situation in the country. The authors explore the shifting political alignments in the region and Belarus’ gravitation away from the Eastern Partnership.
While Alexander Chubrik takes a closer look at the country’s economic crisis, the possibilities of conducting structural reforms and the EU’s role in future transformations, Siarhei Bohdan from Belarus Digest explores the current trends among the Belarusian nomenclature and determines if there is any hope that democratic change could be delivered by regime incumbents.
The Research section of the bulletin provides an overview of latest publications by the Agency of Policy Expertise and BISS, including the Belarus Foreign Policy Index.
In addition, Yaraslau Kryvoi provides a review of the most popular articles on the Belarus Digest web-site covering the developments inside Belarus, its relations with Russia, as well as cultural issues.
In the “Unknown Belarus” section we offer you a trip to the Belarusian town of Orsha, which over its almost millennia-long history saw many glorious victories and bitter defeats that still influence the city’s spirit.
"Belarus Headlines", issue IV, October 2011
The fourth issue of Belarus Headlines features a review of the most important developments in the political, social, and economic life of the country as well as a number of articles.
The article on the EaP summit analyses a proposal articulated by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to provide financial assistance of nine billion dollars to Belarus if the country meets EU conditions. It also pays attention to the efficacy of Belarus’ diplomacy in dealing with EaP countries to prevent them from aligning with the EU position on Belarus. The article on Belarus’ friendships in the Middle East takes a closer look at Belarus’ cooperation with Iran and the Arab states and tries to determine if these friendships are profitable for Belarus or if they are a ploy to be used in negotiating better terms for the regime in its talks with the West.
In addition, we offer a review of the criminal trial concerning a terrorist attack in Minsk in April this year.
The Research section of the bulletin provides an analysis of the latest public opinion poll conducted by the Independent Institute for Social and Political Studies (IISEPS) which recorded the lowest rate of support of the incumbent president ever. It also provides a summary of the analysis of reasons behind the attractiveness of the Russian labour market for Belarusians as well as the strategy by the government to attract low-skilled migrants to the Belarusian agricultural sector.
In the “Unknown Belarus” section we offer you a trip to the Belarusian wonderland of Rakaw, once a prosperous town famous for its crafts, trade, smuggling business and bustling social life, which has now turned into a quiet village. However, the place still has a lot to offer a curious traveller or treasure hunter.
Content:
Summary of the News
News: P1-2
EU and Belarus
Seminar “EU visa policies and Eastern Partnership Countries: Prospects and Barriers for Visa Liberalisation” in Stockholm P.3
Press Review
The Loudest Criminal Case of Belarus: P.7
Research
P. 8-12
Unknown Belarus
Rakaw: Belarusian Wonderland P. 10-11
In fact: P.11
"Belarus Headlines", issue III, September 2011
The third issue of Belarus Headlines provides you with a summary of notable events and the latest economic and political news from Belarus. The most important political development is the release of a number of political prisoners which most analysts believe is a result of Western pressure on officials in Minsk. The authorities' attempt to abandon multiple currency exchange rates is the most notable economic development.
In addition, the third issue of Belarus Headlines features the arms trade and environmental problems. The arms trade article tries to determine whether Belarus poses a serious threat to international security. Another topic which is less discussed but may have serious international implications is the Belarusian government's plan to start a new peat extraction project. The project threatens to destroy the last large swamps in the country which may impact the climate in the rest of Europe.
In the research part of our bulletin we offer you a review of the monitoring of public opinion in Belarus and an analysis of the deepening administration and decision making crisis in the country. The issue also summarises the current research on the foreign relations of Belarus and the effect of the European Neighbourhood Policy.
We also continue to help you discover interesting facts about Belarus in the ‘Unknown Belarus’ section, this time by offering a trip to the Castle of Halshany.
Content:
News: p1-2
EU-Belarus:
Seminar "Transfer of Macedonia NGOs Experience on Visa Liberalisation" Takes Place in Belarus
In Fact
Unknown Belarus
Halshany: The Haunted Town
"Belarus Headlines", issue II, June 2011
Recent protests and the rapidly deteriorating economic situation in Belarus are the focus of the second issue of Belarus Headlines. We analyse why the Belarusian opposition has become almost invisible despite the growing discontent of Belarusians with the economic crises. We take a closer look at the difference between the very active position of Russia, which is increasing economic pressure on Lukashenka, and the more passive position of the West, choosing to adopt merely symbolic measures.
For many, Belarus still remains terra incognita. Our authors will continue to help you discovering the land, and this time, by offering gentle guidance on its capital city Minsk.
We are happy to welcome the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies (BISS) which joined the editorial team of Belarus Headlines. For this issue BISS provided a summary of their most recent research projects.
However, at the same time we are saddened by the loss of our good friend and colleague, Vitali Silitski, the first director of BISS.
Content
In memoriam: Vitali Silitski
Main News from Belarus for the period of June 1-20, 2011
Finance and Commerce
Belarus Getting Loans under Strict Conditions
Research
In Fact
Unknown Belarus
Minsk. Gentle Guidance for Prospective Tourists
"Belarus Headlines", issue I, May 2011
From this issue forward, Belarus Headlines will be published in cooperation with the London-based online periodical Belarus Digest.
In addition to having a new design, this issue also features a different approach to content. You will see original texts written on the most pressing Belarus-related problems from a non partisan perspective. In the future, the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies plans to join the Belarus Headlines team.
Every month we will supply you with political and economic analysis, news summaries, and interesting facts about Belarusian culture and history. We hope to help you understand the situation in Belarus better and to avoid being trapped in some common myths and stereotypes.
This issue primarily focuses on the economic turmoil on a scale which Belarus has not seen since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Will Belarusian authorities start serious economic reforms or do they plan to keep surviving on foreign loans? Will Russia bail out Belarus as before?
What can the West do beyond sanctions to influence the situation in Belarus? These are just some questions we hope to clarify in this issue.
We hope you will like Belarus Headlines in its new format and would very much appreciate your feedback.
Belarusians Advocate Visa-Free Travel
Belarusians: Two Souls per Capita
Marc Chagall: Over Belarus
"Belarus Headlines", issue LVIX covering the period of 3 November – 2 December, 2010
For your attention we offer:
A short summary of news on Belarus that includes:
• Information on the round-table on Belarus in Brussels organized by the Office for a Democratic Belarus, in collaboration with the Centre for European Policy Studies and the European office of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung with the support of the Open Society Institute and the Consortium EuroBelarus;
• A short review of the Belarusian presidential electoral campaign developments;
• A short review of finance and commerce news from Belarus;
• An article by Maryna Rahlei on the Belarusian famous gymnast Olga Korbut (Section ‘Famous Belarusians of the World’);
• An article by Ales Kudrytski on the Belarusian philosopher Vaĺancin Akudovič (‘Section Mysterious Belarus’).
"Belarus Headlines", issue LVIII covering the period of October 15 – 27, 2010
For your attention we offer:
A short summary of political and economic news from Belarus that includes:
• A monitoring of the electoral campaign in Belarus conducted by ‘Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections’;
• A short review of finance and commerce news from Belarus;
• An article by Maryna Rahlei on the Belarusian world-known hundred year-old scholar Barys Kit (Section ‘Famous Belarusians of the World’);
• An article by Ales Kudrytsky on a vegetable trendsetter from Belarus Uladzimir Matusevič. Enjoy reading! (‘Section Mysterious Belarus’);
"Belarus Headlines", issue LVII covering the period of September 21 – October 11, 2010
For your attention we offer:
A short summary of political and economic news from Belarus that includes:
• A monitoring of the two first weeks of the electoral campaign in Belarus conducted by ‘Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections’;
• information on Minks-Moscow latest clash;
• an article by Vital Silitski, the head of the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies, on the EU possible tactics towards Belarus;
• a short review of finance and commerce news from Belarus.
"Belarus Headlines", issue LVI covering the period of August – 20 September 2010
For your attention we offer:
short summary of political and economic news from Belarus that includes:
• information on the coming presidential election;
• information on Belarusian journalist Aleh Biabenin’s death;
• a short review of the Belarusian economy in the month of August conducted by IPM Research Centre, and some other news.
"Belarus Headlines", issue LV covering the period of 15 June – 15 July 2010
For your attention we offer:
• Information on the seminar “Interaction between the Labour Market and Education in Belarus” that took place on 24 June 2010 in Minsk and was organised by the European Training Foundation, in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union to Belarus and the Office for Democratic Belarus (Brussels, Belgium);
• Short summary of political and economic news from Belarus;
• The continuation of the article by Ales Kudrytski about the Belarusian photography with numerous illustrations.
"Belarus Headlines", issue LIV covering the period 2 May – 8 June 2010
For your attention we offer:
• Information on the Belarusian experts’ on transport study trip to Brussels and a round table discussion on the EU environmental policy in Minsk. Both events were organised by the Office for a Democratic Belarus in close cooperation with the European Union Representation to Belarus with the financial support of the Danish Foreign Ministry;
• Short summary of political and economic news from Belarus for the months of May – beginning of June;
• An article by Ales Kudrytski about the early age of Belarusian photography.
"Belarus Headlines", issue LIII covering the period of April 8 – 28, 2010
For your attention we offer:
• The preliminary results of the local elections in Belarus;
• An article by Jan Lanbeek ‘Will Belarus survive the financial crisis’;
• Short summary of political and economic news from Belarus;
• An article by Ales Kudrytski about Francišak Bahuševič, a man who brought a nation to life with a twist of his pen.
"Belarus Headlines", issue LII covering the period of March 11 – March 26, 2010.
For your attention we offer:
• Current Activities – information on the second session of the ‘Energy Club’ in Minsk dedicated to the alternative sources of energy;
• Information on the Belarusian experts on environment visit to Brussels;
• Short summary of political and economic news from Belarus;
• Continuation of the article by Ales Kudrytski about Salamieja Piĺštynova. This time a reader will follow Salamieja’s adventures in Narva Castle (Estonia) and then in Vienna of the XVIII century.
"Belarus Headlines", issue LI covering the period of February 22 – March 10, 2010.
For your attention we offer:
• Belarus Review – an article by a Belarusian journalist Tatsyana Manyonak on the situation in the energy sector of Belarus;
• Short summary of political and economic news from Belarus;
• Continuation of the article by Ales Kudrytski about Salamieja Piĺštynova. This time the readers will have a chance to see St. Petersburg, Russian capital of the 18th century, with the Belarus born adventuress’ eyes.
"Belarus Headlines", issue L covering the period of February 3 – 18, 2010.
For your attention we offer:
• Information on the seventh visit of Belarusian experts on energy to Brussels organised by the Office for a Democratic Belarus and supported by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and two round-tables on the EU and Belarus policy in the field of transport and education that were conducted in Minsk in close cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union to Belarus;
• Short summary of political and economic news from Belarus;
• an article by Ales Kudrytski about Salamieja Piĺštynova, Belarusian famous doctor of the 17th century
‘Belarus Headlines’, issue XLIX covering the period of January 3 – 20, 2009.
For your attention we offer:
• An article by Mikalay Nekrashevich on Belarus-Russia oil and gas conflicts;
• Short summary of political and economic news from Belarus;
• An analysis of changes that have recently been introduced to the Belarusian Electoral Code conducted by the Society for Comparative Legal Studies (Belarus)
‘Belarus Headlines’, issue XLVIII covering the period of November 17 – December 9, 2009.
For your attention we offer:
• Information on the visit of Belarusian experts on education to Brussels, jointly organised by the ODB and FLTD with the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) ;
• short summary of political and economic news from Belarus;
• an article by Ales Kudrytski The Black Lady of Niasvizh Castle. A romantic Story of the Most Famous Ghost of Belarus. Read the article in our new section ‘Mysterious Belarus’
‘Belarus Headlines’, issue XLVII covering the period of October 30 – November 12, 2009.
For your attention we offer:
• Information on the first meeting of the Energy Club in Minsk, a new project of the Office for a Democratic Belarus (Brussels, Belgium) supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
The Conference “Regional Cooperation in the Field of Energy Security: Challenges and Perspectives for Belarus” gathered a diverse audience and attracted prominent domestic and international experts in the field of energy-policies, representatives of the Belarusian ministries, foreign diplomats, journalists and independent analysts.
It was held under the auspices of the European Commission office in Minsk and was jointly organized by the Office for Democratic Belarus (Brussels), BISS and FLDT in cooperation with the Nashe Mnenie portal and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation;
• short summary of political and economic news from Belarus;
• an article by Ales Kudrytski about Belarusian photographer Benedict Tyshkevich.
Belarus Headlines, issue XLVI covering the period of October 12 – 22, 2009.
For your attention we offer:
• Information on the Energy Club first session in Minsk, a new project of the Office for a Democratic Belarus (Brussels, Belgium) supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
The Conference “Regional Cooperation in the Field of Energy Security: Challenges and Perspectives for Belarus” is being held under the auspices of the European Commission office in Minsk and is jointly organized by the Office for Democratic Belarus (Brussels), BISS and FLDT in cooperation with the Nashe Mnenie portal and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
• short summary of political and economic news from Belarus;
• the continuation of an article by Ales Kudrytski about one of the most valuable treasures of the Belarusian nation;
Belarus Headlines, issue XLV covering the period of September 20 – October 5, 2009
For your attention we offer:
• Information on the third visit of Belarusian experts on transport and transit to Brussels organised by the Office for a Democratic Belarus (Brussels, Belgium) in cooperation with the Foundation for Legal Technologies Development (Ukraine, Kyiv) and supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
• short summary of political and economic news from Belarus;
• an article by Ales Kudrytski about one of the most valuable treasures of the Belarusian nation;
Belarus Headlines, issue XLIV covering the period of September 2– 17, 2009
For your attention we offer:
• short summary of political and economic news from Belarus;
• an article by Ales Kudrytski about Barys Zaborau, a Belarusian artist who lives and works in Paris.
Belarus Headlines I
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Belarus Headlines XXX
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Belarus Headlines XXXVI
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Belarus Headlines XXXVIII
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Belarus Headlines XL
Belarus Headlines XLI
Belarus Headlines XLII
Belarus Headlines XLIII