The European Union, speaking at the International Labour Conference in Geneva on 6 June 2026, called on Belarus to fully implement ILO recommendations on freedom of association and collective bargaining, citing persistent violations of Conventions 87 and 98. The EU statement, delivered during the Committee on Application of Standards, condemned the continued criminal prosecution of trade unionists, the dissolution of independent unions such as the BKDP, and restrictions on civil liberties, including peaceful assembly and industrial action.
The statement noted that nearly 850 individuals remain in detention on politically motivated grounds, many held in inhumane conditions. While acknowledging the recent release of 250 political prisoners as a positive signal, the EU demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, full restoration of their civil and political rights, and the dismissal of all charges. It also urged Belarus to restore the legal functioning of independent trade unions and to ensure that legitimate trade union activities are not designated as extremist.
The EU reiterated its call on Belarus to engage constructively with the ILO, including accepting humanitarian and tripartite missions and granting full access to the ILO Special Envoy. It expressed deep concern over the exclusion of independent trade unions from social dialogue and increasing state control over the official trade union federation, FPB.
In line with the Article 33 Resolution adopted by the ILO in 2024, the EU called on all international organizations to discontinue activities that might justify inaction on trade union rights violations in Belarus. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to take measures under the resolution until tangible progress is made.
The statement also urged Belarus to cease its involvement in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and to respect international law and human rights obligations.
North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Iceland, and Norway aligned themselves with the EU statement.