NATO’s relations with Belarus

Belarus joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) in 1995 and relations should be understood in the context of the PfP Framework Document. The values and principles of NATO’s Partnership for Peace are clear: they include a commitment to the preservation of democratic societies, their freedom from coercion and intimidation, and an adherence to the principles of international law.

NATO reviewed its relations with Belarus following the March 2006 Belarusian Presidential elections.  Allies decided to pursue a twin-track approach: keeping open channels of communication, practical cooperation and dialogue, while also enhancing efforts to promote democracy and foster defence reform in Belarus. 

NATO will not deal with those involved in the repression.  High-level political contact and the pace and depth of NATO-Belarus cooperation depend on the progress of democratic reform in Belarus.

How does cooperation work in practice?

The belief that there is value in communication and practical cooperation is put into practice in several ways. Dialogue takes place within the framework of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) and is facilitated by the existence of Belarus’ diplomatic mission to NATO, which was opened in April 1998. Under the Partnership for Peace, NATO and Belarus are developing practical cooperation in a number of areas through Belarus’ Individual Partnership Programme (IPP).

How did relations with Belarus evolve?

Formal NATO-Belarus cooperation began in earnest when Belarus joined the Partnership for Peace in 1995. Relations have fluctuated since then – most recently, relations took a downturn due to developments surrounding the March 2006 presidential election. Nevertheless, contact and cooperation has continued in line with the Allies' belief that a policy of engagement and consultation is preferable to pursuing an approach which seeks to disengage and isolate.