OREANDA-NEWS. The European Commission approved the allocation of 24 million euros of the previously promised sum of 53 million to provide direct support to civil society and the people of Belarus.

“Today, the European Commission adopted a €24 million assistance package, which will benefit directly the Belarusian people, in particular civil society, youth and small and medium-sized enterprises, and improve health capacities,” the Commission’s website says.

In August, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that the institution would send 53 million euros to the most vulnerable people and civil society of Belarus, bypassing the country’s authorities. 1 million was planned to be allocated to support civil society and independent media, 2 million to support victims of repression and unacceptable state violence. The remaining 50 million euros should be sent to support hospitals and small and medium-sized businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.