Belarus declares "extremist" platforms and programs supported by the EU, and Brussels demands the annulment of the decision.

The authorities in Belarus have designated the websites and social media channels of EUvsDisinfo, the SALT programs, and "Education for Belarusians," as "extremist information resources," as well as the Central Project Management Agency from Lithuania, CPVA. The European Union condemned the decision and stated that it is part of a broader effort to restrict fundamental freedoms, civic space, and access to independent information.

In short, Belarus has designated the online platforms of EUvsDisinfo, SALT, "Education for Belarusians," and CPVA from Lithuania as "extremist information resources." The EU states that the measure aims to reduce the population's access to independent information and opportunities for study and research. EUvsDisinfo is an initiative aimed at raising awareness about disinformation and information manipulation. The SALT programs and "Education for Belarusians" have allowed Belarusian students and researchers to study and continue their activities in Europe. Brussels calls on the Belarusian authorities to withdraw the decision and states that it will continue to support Belarusian access to impartial information and academic freedom.

The decision announced by the authorities in Minsk targets several initiatives directly or indirectly associated with the European Union and treats their online presence as extremist content. Included in the targeted category are EUvsDisinfo, two EU-supported educational programs, and the Lithuanian agency CPVA, which manages projects and cooperation programs.

The European External Action Service states that the measure is not an isolated episode but continues a trend of restricting civic space and fundamental freedoms in Belarus. Brussels links the decision to limiting access to independent information sources and reducing opportunities available for students and researchers.

EUvsDisinfo is presented by the EU as a tool for identifying and explaining disinformation and information manipulation campaigns. Its purpose is to raise awareness about how information can be distorted or used to influence the public.

The SALT programs and "Education for Belarusians" serve a different function. They have provided Belarusian students and researchers the opportunity to study or continue their academic activities in Europe, which the EU describes as part of the support given to the Belarusian population and maintaining direct contacts between people.

By designating the online channels of these programs as "extremist information resources," the Belarusian authorities extend restrictions to the educational and informational space associated with European initiatives. The EU statement does not describe any potential sanctions applicable to users or administrators of these pages and does not detail the internal procedure through which the designation was made.

Brussels insists that the intended effect is to reduce access to independent content and educational opportunities. The EU states that such measures limit citizens' ability to consult alternative information sources and participate in programs that offer them access to study, research, and professional development.

The European position also connects to academic freedom. The Union asserts that it will continue to support the right of Belarusians to study, learn, and work in an environment where research and education can be conducted without political pressure.

The statement does not announce new sanctions or other punitive measures from the EU in response to this decision. The message is primarily political: Brussels calls for the immediate cancellation of the designation and the cessation of repression against the population.

The EU also reaffirms its support for maintaining direct contacts with Belarusian society. This includes access to independent information and educational opportunities abroad, even though political relations with the authorities in Minsk remain tense.

The relationship between the EU and the Belarusian authorities is marked by profound divergences regarding fundamental rights, civic space, and the treatment of the opposition and civil society. In this context, Brussels consistently supports initiatives aimed at the Belarusian population and seeks to maintain channels of information, education, and direct cooperation.

The decision of August 25 extends pressure on projects that do not have a direct political function but rather an informational and educational one. For the EU, this is precisely the main stake of the case: restricting access to independent sources and academic opportunities.

Brussels calls for the withdrawal of the decision and states that it will continue to support the right of Belarusians to non-partisan information, study, research, and academic freedom.