Henrik Kroner: Belarus Will Never Become EU Member with Lukashenko At Head :: Charter'97 :: News

Belarus has no chances of being a member of the united Europe with the current regime, retaining grip on power, deems secretary general of the International Association “European Movement” Henrik Kroner. “In order to turn into a EU member you got to reform yourselves from the inside first. That refers to any other country as well. You need to establish a reliable democratic system governed by the rule of law. As concerns the economy, you need to have structure and forces in order to be competitive enough at the free market. Belarus has absolutely no chances to join EU with the present-day political regime,” – said Henrik Kroner in an interview to “BDG”.

- What did you know about Belarus before coming here?

- I knew that Belarus is the last remaining country in Europe where they still preserve Stalinism. You suffer a lot in these conditions both politically and economically, for you have no freedom of entrepreneurship, necessary to lift the country out of poverty. Only imagine what can become out of your country, given you had the freedom of speech, entrepreneurship, trade and movement. That would indeed be a totally different country. It is so awful that you have to live in such conditions, as if in a jail. Nobody has the right to treat you this way. I was shocked to learn that something like that is still possible in Europe.

- What astonished you most in the life of our country?

- I was glad to learn that you are still able to work in these extremely tough conditions, that you still enjoy some relative freedom to assemble together and discuss some alternative political issues. You may express your discontent with the policy of your government. That was my positive impression. However, I do realize that you are in trouble here. I was especially amazed to know that Vyacheslav Sivchik, one of the members of the organizing committee of the European movement, had been arrested. I’m terrified by something that’s happening in a European country in the 21st century.

- Belarusian authorities, dwelling in a political isolation, oftentimes try to use visits to Belarus by representatives of influential European organizations in their propagandistic purposes. Did the presidential Administration contact you with a proposal to organize some personal encounter?

- No, nothing like that ever happened. However, it would be wrong to tell that the Belarusian authorities have no idea who I am and that I am here. Your ambassador in Brussels pretty much realizes what goals I am pursuing.

- Does Belarus have a chance of becoming a member of the united Europe with the current regime in power?

- In order to turn into a EU member you got to reform yourselves from the inside first. That refers to any other country as well. You need to establish a reliable democratic system governed by the rule of law. As concerns the economy, you need to have structure and forces in order to be competitive enough at the free market. Belarus has absolutely no chances to join EU with the present-day political regime.