On December 1, BPN reports, the official took part in an online discussion on the sustainability of Belarusian civil society, organized by the office of democratic leader

and the Oxford Observatory on Belarus.

According to Willems, the EU considers it important to "invest in people in order to create a stable civil society", as well as "support independent media".

The representative of the European Commission noted that in 2021 the support of the Belarusian civil society was increased.

At the same time, "there is a desire to provide more sustainable support to organizations and people so that they continue their activities."

He also emphasized the importance of supporting various sectors, including business in exile, culture and development of Belarusian national identity, and education.