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The relations between the European Union (EU) and Belarus have reached a recent low since the beginning of the migration crisis on the EU's eastern external border. The situation is blocked. Especially at the Polish-Belarusian bor- der, a state of emergency, a dilemma between border protection and humanitarianism, has been prevailing for months. The crisis is hitting the European Union at a sore point. Central issues of European asylum and migration policy have not yet been resolved, and they continue to divide the EU member states. The situation is aggravated by the conflict that has been simmering for years between Brussels and Warsaw over fundamental questions of democ- racy and the rule of law. The status quo at the border is undoubtedly a severe test for the Western community of states, but it is crucial to preserve European values even in times of crisis. NATO and the EU pledge their support to Poland, but also to Lithuania and Latvia, which have been severely affected by the situation. Initial successes have already been achieved in the conflict with Belarus. Following the EU's sanction threats against airlines transporting migrants to Belarus, Turkey became the first transit country to restrict departures to the Belarusian capital Minsk.
How should we evaluate the situation at the border between Poland and Belarus? What measures is the PiS-led gov- ernment taking? What is the role of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex? What goal does the Bela- rusian government pursue? How capable is the European Union of acting and what alternative paths can be followed in order to end the crisis? How important is a common European asylum and migration policy?
The event "KAS Europe Talks: EU-Poland-Belarus relations between calculated confrontation and European crisis defense" will take place on Thursday, 9th December 2021 from 13:00-14:00 CET via Zoom. We are looking forward to debate the above-mentioned topics with our colleagues David Gregosz, Head of the Polish office of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and Jakob Wöllenstein, Head of the Belarusian office of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. After the discus- sion between Mr. Gregosz, Mr. Wöllenstein and Dr. Hardy Ostry, Head of the European Office of the Konrad-Adenauer- Stiftung, the audience will have the opportunity to raise their questions in the conversation. The event will be held in German and will also be simultaneously translated into English.
To participate in the event, please register through this LINK.
We are looking forward to your participation!
