BASTUN Trade Unions Discussed Regional Security

On November 24 in Helsinki, a meeting of the Baltic Sea Trade Union Network (BASTUN) was held, dedicated to issues of social, democratic, and defense security in the region. National trade union from Baltic countries, experts, and representatives of international trade unions took part in the discussion. Belarus was also represented at the event.

Lizaveta Merliak, a representative of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP), emphasized that the authoritarian regime of Lukashenko poses a threat not only to its own citizens but also to neighboring states. She reminded colleagues that Belarus is not just a country where independent trade unions and civil society have been destroyed. Today it is a territory actively used by the Kremlin as a platform for foreign aggression.

The invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine from Belarus’s territory demonstrated that the country is effectively integrated into Russia’s military infrastructure, and the regime has become a part of the threat to European security. The artificially created migration crisis on the borders with Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland became an example of a hybrid attack against the entire EU, where people were used as means of leverage.

“This action shows that attacks are carried out not only against society inside Belarus but also beyond its borders,” noted Lizaveta Merliak. “In Belarus, more than 800 NGOs have been liquidated, the independent trade union movement has been completely destroyed, and about 1,300 people remain political prisoners. Today political prisoners have become the new currency of Lukashenko’s regime.”

She also addressed the fates of Aliaksandr Yarashuk and Hennadz Fiadynich – Belarusian trade union leaders whom the authorities forced into exile in Lithuania, without documents or means of subsistence. Lizaveta Merliak thanked the Lithuanian government for granting asylum and support in obtaining documents.

The work of Belarusian independent trade unions within ILO structures, including the appointment of a special ILO envoy for Belarus, was also mentioned in the speech. It was noted that Russia and China continue to support the destructive position of the Belarusian authorities, blocking decisions aimed at restoring labour rights.

“Under the pretext of national security, these states justify the destruction of trade unions and civil freedoms - both in their own countries and in Belarus. As long as there are no free trade unions in Belarus, as long as thousands of people remain in prison, and Lukashenko continues to serve as Putin’s puppet, regional security is under threat. Defending the rights of Belarusian workers is integral to defending Europe,” emphasized the BKDP representative.

Throughout the day, conference participants discussed an expanded concept of Baltic regional security. Trade unions stressed that social justice is an inseparable foundation of national defense: without strong institutions, decent work, trust, and equal access to opportunities, it is impossible to build a sustainable security system.

Against the backdrop of growing threats, BASTUN representatives declared the need for real, not merely formal, involvement of trade unions in planning and monitoring civil protection systems, crisis management, and defense strategies. Trade unions possess infrastructure, experience, and the trust of workers - resources essential for strengthening societal resilience.

Particular focus was also placed on countering disinformation and hybrid threats. Participants emphasized that civic education, social integration, media literacy, and countering radicalization must become part of a broad, multi-level approach to regional security. Economic security was also mentioned as a key component of resilience: the protection of workers’ rights remains the foundation of stability and development.

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