EU Government Leaders Hold Digital Summit on Belarus

The heads of government of the EU countries will hold talks on Wednesday afternoon about the tense situation in Belarus.

The digital summit, according to European Council President Charles Michel, is intended to show solidarity with the Belarusian people after protests against the re-election of President Lukashenko were brutally crushed.

With an end to violence, de-escalation and dialogue, the country can emerge from the crisis, according to the EU.

Intervention from other countries is not helpful, is the message that the leaders want to send to Russia. Moscow has responded positively to a request for support from the Belarusian leader.

The EU is already in the process of drawing up a sanction list of those responsible for violence, repression and falsification of election results.

Their bank balances in the EU will be frozen, and they will be denied travel to Europe. Work is also underway on a proposal for a dialogue between the Lukashenko regime and the opposition.

The video summit starts at noon. Prime Minister Mark Rutte can only participate for about an hour due to a debate in the House of Representatives. He, therefore, has no opportunity to speak to the press.