Minsk proposed economic cooperation to Warsaw for giving up Belsat funding

The Polish Foreign Ministry has abolished the agreement on the establishment of “Belsat”, but promised help with finding donors. Contradictory statements by the Polish authorities and Belsat management about future funding mislead the Belarusian society and reduce support for the channel. In turn, the Belarusian authorities show willingness to engage in a dialogue on improved access of Polish business to the Belarusian and Eurasian market, and on complex bilateral issues. The Belarusian authorities may ease pressure on unregistered Polish minority organisations, but are unlikely to legalise their activities in order to retain a pressure lever on Warsaw. In addition, the authorities may agree to the broadcast of Polonia TV Channel in Belarus, which does not criticise the Belarusian authorities and has limited potential audience.