The European Union assessed Lukashenko's 'elections' in Belarus and announced consequences.

Fake elections in Belarus: EU statement

The European Union claims that the presidential 'elections' that took place in Belarus were neither free nor fair. This was stated by the EU's High Representative, Kaia Kallas, and the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi. They believe that the people of Belarus should have a real opportunity to choose their leader.

'Today's fake 'elections' in Belarus were neither free nor fair. The people of Belarus deserve a real voice in who will govern their country. Ongoing and unprecedented human rights abuses, restrictions on participation in political life, and access to independent media in Belarus have stripped the electoral process of any legitimacy. We call on the regime to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners, more than a thousand of whom are unjustly detained, including an employee of the European Union representation,' said the EU.

Kallas and Várhelyi reminded that the Lukashenko regime did not allow the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe/Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to observe the electoral process, inviting them only 10 days before the 'elections'. This once again indicates a lack of trust in this body.

Furthermore, the EU will continue to impose restrictive measures against the Belarusian regime for various reasons, including Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine and hybrid attacks on neighboring countries.

The European Union will also financially support civil society, Belarusian democratic forces, and culture. They are ready to assist Belarus during the period of democratic changes, namely the stabilization of the economy and the reform of institutions.

Earlier, Kallas had already commented on the results of the 'elections' in Belarus.