Belarus’ border security is ensured, better funding, however, would not hurt

The concept of ensuring border security in 2018-2022 is a framework document, unrelated to any acute threats to border security.

The Belarusian government has approved the Concept of ensuring border security until 2022. The document assesses the overall state of border security as stable, lists current risks and challenges, and outlines probable threats, which occur from the assumption that current risks retain and exacerbate. The concept is a programme document, which replaces the previous border security concept until 2017.

It should be noted that expanding international cooperation is among the priorities of the Belarusian border security policy, including international assistance in ensuring and strengthening border security and border management. Simultaneously, reduced opportunities for such support are listed as a likely threat.

It stands to reason that the Belarusian authorities seriously consider external funding to maintain and strengthen border security. Moreover, such funding is equally welcomed from both, the EU and Russia within the framework of the Union State of Belarus and Russia.

Previously, Minsk repeatedly voiced its expectations of significant financial assistance from Europe, including as an ultimatum. President Lukashenka himself outlined Belarus’ interest in European funds for border security purposes as a priority for the State Border Committee’s activities. This is a manifestation the Belarusian leadership’s ultimate confidence in Belarus’ significant role in ensuring security in the EU. To this end, according to Minsk, Brussels should be generous, much more generous than before.