DISINFO: The West wants to destroy Belarusian economy and impoverish the country
SUMMARY
Belarusians should not be deceived by the $3 billion offered by the West in exchange for reforms in the country. The West offers to destroy the Belarusian economy in return. The essence of reforms is clear. As a result, Belarus will be a plundered country that will become impoverished overnight.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the belligerent West, particularly the EU, trying to destabilise and destroy Belarus.
The EU does not seek to destroy and impoverish Belarus. The European Commission has offered a comprehensive plan of economic support to a future democratic Belarus. The plan, of up to €3 billion, reflects the European Union's commitment to supporting the Belarusian people's wishes for a peaceful democratic transition in the country.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on 28 May 2021: “Our messages are twofold. To the people of Belarus: we see and hear your desire for change, for democracy, and for a bright future. And to the Belarusian authorities: no amount of repression, brutality or coercion will bring any legitimacy to your authoritarian regime. So far, you have blatantly ignored the democratic choice of the Belarusian people. It is time to change course. When – and we believe it is a case of when, not if – Belarus starts its peaceful democratic transition, the EU will be there to accompany it.”
The EU’s HR/VP, Josep Borrell, stated: "The European Union is supporting the democratic choice of the Belarusian people with all its means. The massive financial assistance package that we can provide Belarus in the case of its democratic transition should be a genuine incentive for the current authorities to change their course. Combined with our extensive sanctions on the regime, which will be increased further in the coming weeks, as well as recalibrations of our existing financial assistance away from the State and directly to the people, we are showing that the EU remains truly committed to a democratic Belarus.”