| Abstract [eng] |
Title of Master's Thesis: "Change in EU Democracy Promotion Policy: Case of Belarus in 2014-2020". The object of the research is the policy pursued by the EU towards Belarus in the period of 2014-2021. The aim of the work is to determine, based on theoretical literature and empirical research, how the EU policy towards Belarus changed before and after the fraudulent elections that led to mass protests in the country. In order to assess the EU's democracy promotion policy in the case of Belarus, three objectives were raised: based on the scientific literature, discuss the most important factors influencing the promotion of democracy, define materialistic and normative theoretical assumptions; after having examined the theories, analyze the democratization policies of the selected Member States vis-à-vis Belarus; reveal the steps taken by the European Council , the European Parliament and the European Commission to promote democracy in Belarus. Hypotheses were raised in the empirical study. Hypothesis 1: Representing the normative power on the international stage, the EU institutions are pursuing a materialist policy of democracy promotion in Belarus, and the protests, as well as human rights violations that have taken place reinforce the negative attitude. Hypothesis 2: Poland and the Baltic States represent a policy based on norms, a normative policy of promoting democracy prevails in Belarus, and the protests and human rights violations that have taken place reinforce the negative attitude. In order to achieve the set goal and objectives, several scientific-type methods will be used in the work. The analysis of documents and content examined the EU, Baltic and Polish democracy promotion policy since 2014 until 2020. This work reveals that there is no consensus in the Union and in the selected Member States on democracy promotion policy towards Belarus before and after the elections. The EU pursues a policy of promoting materialistic democracy towards Belarus. The goal of Lithuania's democracy promotion policy is based more on normative assumptions, including such measures as international monitoring, support, assistance, moral urges, and the use of sanctions and support methods. Estonia pursues a policy based on economic and strategic relations. Latvia is ambiguous in its policy of promoting democracy: little attention and financial support is given to Belarusian civil society, human rights, and material interests are becoming a priority. The analysis of Poland's democracy promotion policy highlighted the goal of developing democratic values that have become a priority. Relations with Belarus are in line with regulatory requirements. |
