"recognise and respect unconditionally the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Belarus, as well as the Belarusian nation's aspiration for a democratic future and European choice."
The requirement to recognise Belarus's sovereignty and territorial integrity is consistent with the principles of the Council of Europe and mirrors the conditions already applied in relation to Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia. It prevents any ambiguity in co-operation with the Russian democratic opposition and safeguards against narratives or initiatives that could undermine Belarus's independence, as well as the right of the Belarusian people to an independent and democratic future and geopolitical choice.