Following the unprecedented wave of political repression after 2020, thousands of Belarusians were forced into exile. Students suddenly lost access to universities, academics were removed from their posts, and researchers saw their work abruptly suspended. What began as a profound disruption to academic life has been transformed into a coordinated European effort to restore continuity, dignity, and opportunity.
SALT I – the first pillar of the broader “Education for Belarusians” programme – has now been successfully completed. Implemented in close cooperation with Belarusian democratic organisations and leading European academic institutions, the initiative ensured that displaced Belarusians could continue their studies, rebuild their professions, and remain engaged within the academic sphere.
Restoring Educational Pathways
Through scholarship support, 108 Belarusian students successfully completed their study programmes across European universities, while an additional 29 students continue their education in Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Beyond financial support, SALT I provided the stability needed for students to focus on academic growth, develop critical competencies, and advance toward future careers without the threat of interrupted education.
Protecting Academic Talent and Research Continuity
To safeguard Belarusian intellectual potential, SALT I offered 84 fellowships to academics, enabling them to resume research and teaching in safe, well-resourced European institutions. These fellowships restored access to laboratories, libraries, and international networks – essential elements for rebuilding careers disrupted by the regime. The programme ensured the preservation of academic expertise and contributed to the continuity of Belarusian scholarly work.
Rebuilding a Displaced Academic Community
Recognising that exile fragments professional networks, the programme funded 15 community-building initiatives aimed at restoring Belarusian academic and civic connections. These projects fostered collaboration, dialogue, and peer support, creating secure spaces where professionals could jointly explore new ideas, implement projects, and strengthen transnational ties within the Belarusian knowledge community.
Targeted Support for Victims of Repression
Since its launch, SALT I provided tailored support to 123 professionals directly affected by political repression. Through access to online courses, language training, and reskilling opportunities, participants were able to reconstruct their professional trajectories, integrate into European labour markets, or – when circumstances constrained them to remain inside Belarus – reorient their careers safely within the country.
Measurable, Independent Impact
An external evaluation conducted in 2025 confirmed the programme’s strong performance and relevance:
- 89% of participants rated their experience positively, and
- nearly three quarters reported a significant impact on their professional development.
Participants emphasised expanded international experience, improved academic and professional connections, and strengthened career prospects. SALT I did more than meet expectations — it offered a lifeline at a moment of profound vulnerability.
A Strategic Investment in People and Democratic Futures
SALT I demonstrates that supporting education during crisis is not only humanitarian assistance but a long-term investment in resilience, democratic development, and human capital. By enabling Belarusians to study, conduct research, and grow professionally within European academic environments, the programme turned disruption into opportunity. Participants gained access to modern educational resources, democratic academic practices, and extensive professional networks – all of which contribute to the future civic and intellectual leadership of Belarus.
“Education for Belarusians” SALT I, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Central Project Management Agency in cooperation with Belarusian democratic organisations and European partners, remains a vital mechanism for supporting Belarusian students, academics, and professionals affected by the political situation in Belarus. It stands as a testament to the EU’s commitment to safeguarding education, preserving intellectual potential, and strengthening the resilience of Belarusian society.
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