The meeting with representatives of the Belarusian civil society organized by ICEUR and held under its auspices has been concluded on Friday 6 November, 2020. The Belarusian delegation consisted of 7 members representing the main political currents within civil society. The Austrian and European side included the representative of the European Commission, and of the Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs. Despite their obvious diversity, all Belarusian groups underscored their resolve to continue the endeavors to realize a peaceful transition. The discussion of sanctions as well as numerous questions of the role of the EU and Russia in the Belarusian crisis occupied a prominent place in the agenda. On top of that, scenarios for the near future, the expectable reaction of citizens, the strike movement and civic initiatives for the resolution of the crisis were addressed. In this context, Austrian mediation was welcomed.
The Belarusian delegation used this opportunity to meet with the Austrian Federal Chancellor, representatives of parliamentary parties, as well as OSCE. On top of that, ICEUR organized meetings of individual members of the delegation with representatives of the business communities, who expressed their high interest in the results of the meeting. The ICEUR initiative to institutionalize a permanent dialogue was highly appreciated in view of the deteriorating situation which demands rapid action. Such a civic dialogue would also include business as well as the trade unions.