Belarus in the Shadow of the ‘Russian World’

This high-level event will bring together Belarusian civil society and democratic forces alongside European and international stakeholders, to examine Belarus’s current situation amid growing ideological and cultural pressure from the so-called “Russkiy Mir”.

The conference will explore the effects of this influence — from propaganda and cultural assimilation to repression and isolation — and provide space for discussion on how civil society and international partners can resist these threats and defend Belarusian identity, sovereignty, and democratic aspirations.

The agenda includes five thematic panels:

• Panel 1: Economy

Economic consequences of sanctions and growing dependency on Russia, with discussion of EU and IFI support options.

• Panel 2: Society

Public opinion, diaspora influence, and supporting civil society under repression.

• Panel 3: Countering the “Russian World”

Strategies to resist Russkiy Mir influence in media, education, culture, and local communities.

• Panel 4: EU–Belarus Relations

Evaluating EU policy effectiveness and the balance between sanctions and engagement.

• Panel 5: Democratic Forces

Strategic dialogue among democratic actors on unity, transition, and external engagement.

Venue: Warsaw, Poland
(Limited in-person capacity – registration required)

Online participation available with simultaneous interpretation into English (via Zoom). Participants on site may use personal devices for access.

🔗 Register here
📄 Download the programme (PDF)

We warmly invite you to join this timely exchange on Belarus’s democratic future and Europe's response to hybrid ideological pressure.