The Status of Media and Volunteers in The EAEU: A View from Belarus

Abstract

In this article the authors address the problem of a declining level of public support for the Eurasian integration processes in Belarus — the country that has assumed the chairmanship in the Eurasian Economic Union (EUAU) in February 2020. Among external reasons for this, the activity of Western non-profi t organizations and think-tanks is cited. Domestic reasons include an insuffi cient presence of a pro-Eurasian agenda in the Belarusian media and the small number of pro- Eurasian non-profi t organizations that popularize integration processes at the level of civil society. The authors compare the work of non-profi t organizations in the EAEU countries, coming to the conclusion that in Belarus the situation is complicated by the uncertain legal status of volunteers. In conclusion, the article off ers recommendations for raising public support for Eurasian integration. For example, an increase in the number of non-profi t organizations and foundations to promote Eurasian integration could contribute to a positive attitude towards the EAEU in Belarus. In addition, the authors maintain, the necessity of adopting a law on the status of volunteers in the Republic of Belarus is well-founded.

References

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