[1] Following a slight improvement in relations in 2008, the 2010 Belarusian presidential election (which officially saw a landslide victory of almost 80% for Lukashenko) led to mass demonstrations and arrests in Minsk.

The EU declared that the imprisonment of opposition figures and protesters contravened human rights laws, and imposed new targeted sanctions on major Belarusian officials and businesspeople.

For instance, Pavel Topuzidis [ru] represents Greece and Romania in this capacity,[9] while Alexey Sychev was the honorary consul of Slovakia.

Belarus is a member of trade relations agreements based on the EU Generalized System of Preferences and the Most favoured nation.

[13] The deterioration of Belarus-EU relationships continued in the 21st century, with the European Union imposing sanctions against Belarusian officials, businessmen and several government-owned companies.

Yet, as noted by both EU officials and international organisations, further improvement has slowed due to ongoing human rights violations and suppression of political opposition that are still present in Belarus.

[20] In 2019, it was announced that the EU would simplify requirements for obtaining Schengen visas for Belarusians, reducing its costs and time needed for application approval.

[21] Belarus-EU relations are complicated by the stronger Belarusian ties with Russia, who emerged as active EU critic and opponent after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Two passengers, journalist Roman Protasevich, who had published negative comments about the Belarusian government, and his girlfriend Sofia Sapega, were taken and arrested by authorities and the plane was allowed to depart seven hours later.

Furthermore, the Council has enforced an additional prohibition on the export of firearms and ammunition, as well as goods and technology potentially applicable in the aviation and space industries.

[34][35] Charles Michel, President of the European Council went further on 19 August saying the EU would soon impose sanctions on a “substantial number” of individuals responsible for violence, repression, and election fraud.