Belarusian youth: Europeanisation on the agenda

Abstract

In this article, the author presents the choices young Belarusians have to make today, after nearly 20 years of living under an authoritarian government. Some have known no other form of state system. The economic crisis of 2011 has forced many young professionals to seek employment abroad. Belarus is facing the great threat of brain drain, though remittances from abroad are helping to keep the weak Belarusian economy afloat. Despite all the inherent difficulties, Belarusians favour European values rather than a closer alliance with their eastern neighbour, Russia. The EU can help the younger generation in Belarus to Europeanise their country by engaging more and being present in the country, supporting reforms in education, assisting civil society and political parties alike, and facilitating greater mobility.