Teetering between Russia and the EU, Belarus is poised to gain more political support from the latter and keen on becoming less economically reliant on the former. After the initial rapprochement of late 2008 with the former Soviet Republic, Brussels wants deeper involvement from Belarus' President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, firmly in power since 1994.

A study trip to Minsk will give 15 EU journalists the opportunity to explore how Belarus' crucial democratic reforms might influence the country’s political life and relations with its immediate neighbours.

This briefing is part of a European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) series of eight events organised with the financial support of European Commission’s DG External Relations.

Developed in 2004, the ENP provides a framework for the EU to work with neighbouring countries by offering support and financial assistance in exchange for the undertaking of reforms in line with European values. The hope is that these reforms lead to closer political and economic integration between the neighbouring state and the EU, contributing to a safe and stable European neighbourhood.

This workshop includes a one-day programme in Brussels followed by an intensive study tour to Belarus. The briefing will examine the ENP’s state of play, the EU’s relations with Belarus, as well as its political and economic dynamics through meetings, panel discussions, lectures and field visits. Participating reporters will be briefed by a wide range of sources featuring EU officials, diplomats, local authorities, civil society organisations, independent experts, NGOs and journalists.

Applications are open to EU professional working journalists

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