20/05/2020 (Agence Europe) – Neighbourhood and Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi said, on Tuesday 19 May, that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought Belarus closer to the EU. “There is a unique opportunity now in Belarus (...) Because of Covid-19, we see a completely different approach emerging from the country towards the EU, the government is engaging with us, we have had several contacts with them”, he explained to the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs. According to Várhelyi, Minsk has requested macro-financial assistance from the EU. This will only be possible once the country has obtained assistance from the International Monetary Fund. Then, and according to the conditions defined, “of course, we will immediately provide” a macrofinancial assistance, the Commissioner promised. “We have an historic opportunity to turn the tide and try to build a positive momentum in our relations”, he insisted. (CG)