Belarus against the European Union after 2004: forced changes or a political game?

The enlargement of the European Union in 2004 led to the re-evaluation of political relations between Belarus and the European Union. Belarus became a next-door neighbour of the EU. The above-mentioned situation gave Belarussian authorities a chance for the next “attempt” of a dialogue with Brussels and improving mutual relations. However, despite positive reactions and gestures this chance was not utilized. Belarus is still not interested in serious concessions in the area of human rights, civil freedom and democratization. All changes in these areas constitute a direct threat for the present political system. The Belarussian side proposes fi rst of all economy, which is politically neutral, as the main dialogue area with the European Union. The improvement of political relations with Belarus will not be an easy task and within easy reach for the European Union as at present the only condition to improve them is to start democratization processes in Belarus and their victory