DISINFO: Integration with the EU would bring a complete loss of independence to Belarus
SUMMARY
Integration with the EU would mean a complete loss of Belarus’ independence. Genuine Belarus’ independence is achieved through the development of the Union State between Russia and Belarus.
RESPONSE
This message is consistent with pro-Kremlin narratives about negative effect of EU's membership on national sovereignty and generally about the EU's decay. It goes in hand with another narrative about the incomplete Belarus statehood without a close union with Russia. Closer cooperation with the EU does not require partner states to share their sovereignty and lose their independence. Cooperation within the Eastern Partnership helps strengthening state and societal resilience: it makes both the EU and the partners stronger and better able to deal with internal and external challenges.