Hungary Seeks Closer Belarus Ties Despite EU Sanctions, Eyes Nuclear Energy Deal

In a move that has sparked considerable debate, Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó visited Belarus on Wednesday, aiming to deepen ties with the country despite the European Union's sanctions. Szijjártó's visit underscores Hungary's stance on sanctions and cooperation, stating, "the fewer sanctions, the more cooperation!" This visit comes amidst the EU's imposition of comprehensive sanctions on Belarus following the controversial 2020 presidential election and the country's role in facilitating a military invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces in February 2022.

During his visit, Szijjártó emphasized that sanctions have proven ineffective and highlighted Hungary's intent to bolster economic collaboration with Belarus in sectors not impacted by EU sanctions. The discussions led to a significant agreement on nuclear energy cooperation, focusing on personnel training and radioactive waste management. This agreement is particularly notable as Hungary seeks to expand its Paks nuclear facility with Russian assistance, mirroring Belarus's development of a Russia-built nuclear power plant.

Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik expressed optimism that Hungary's upcoming EU rotating presidency in July could foster positive developments in Europe, advocating for an end to confrontation and escalation. This sentiment reflects a broader desire for diplomatic engagement over isolation.

Szijjártó's trip marks his second visit to Belarus since the imposition of sanctions by the West following the disputed August 2020 election, which triggered widespread protests and a harsh government crackdown. The Belarusian government's response to these protests has led to over 35,000 arrests and numerous instances of police brutality.

The situation in Belarus remains dire, with Viasna, the country's leading human rights organization, reporting approximately 1,400 political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski. Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who contested Lukashenko in the 2020 election and subsequently fled the country, condemned Szijjártó's visit as "absolutely unacceptable and immoral." She criticized the Hungarian Foreign Minister for engaging with Belarusian officials instead of standing in solidarity with political prisoners like Bialiatski.

This diplomatic engagement between Hungary and Belarus raises questions about the effectiveness of sanctions and the EU's unified stance towards member states' bilateral relations with sanctioned countries. As Hungary prepares to assume the EU's rotating presidency, its approach to Belarus will undoubtedly be closely watched by both critics and proponents of its foreign policy strategy.