Belarus: Statement by the Spokesperson on the designation of the website and social media channels of EU-funded initiatives and programmes as ‘extremist information sources’

The recent decision of the Lukashenka regime to designate the websites and social media of EUvsDisinfo, of the EU-supported SALT and "Education for Belarusians" programmes, and of Lithuania's Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) as "extremist information sources" is yet another example of the regime's systematic efforts to suppress critical thinking, restrict fundamental freedoms and shrink civic space. The European Union strongly condemns such actions.

This unjustified decision seeks to restrict Belarusians' access to independent information and educational opportunities. EUvsDisinfo works to raise awareness of disinformation and information manipulation, while the SALT and "Education for Belarusians" programmes have enabled Belarusian students and researchers to study and advance their work in Europe. These initiatives reflect the EU's commitment to supporting the Belarusian people and maintaining people-to-people contacts.

We call on the Belarusian regime to reverse this decision without delay and end their ongoing repression of the Belarusian people.

The EU will continue to stand with the Belarusian people and support their right to unbiased information and opportunities for them to study, learn and work in an environment of academic freedom.