Alexandra Matas
MINSK, 29 October (BelTA) – At the panel discussion “Searching for a Security Balance in Eurasia: Promoting Dialogue, Containing the Arms Race, and Managing Military Risks,” held as part of the 3rd Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security, Alexandra Matas, Director of the International Security Dialogue Department at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (Switzerland), outlined her country’s vision for restoring lasting security in Eurasia, BelTA has learned.
“The main question we face today is how to achieve sustainable peace on the European continent and build an order based on peace,” she stated. “It is important to understand how Belarus can contribute to strengthening European and Eurasian security. Although the theme of the conference extends beyond Europe, I believe that lasting security and order in Eurasia are impossible without restoring the minimum foundations of European security.”
According to Alexandra Matas, security in Eurasia will directly depend on the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, though it is not the only one requiring attention. “We identify three main conflict lines affecting the continent’s security: the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the standoff between Europe and Russia, and tensions between the U.S. and Russia,” the expert emphasized. “To achieve peace and security, it is important to work simultaneously on three separate negotiating tracks involving key stakeholders.”
She noted that the European security system currently faces significant terrorist threats, a trend likely to continue in the coming years. “Due to the absence of communication channels between adversaries, uncertainty grows, misunderstandings intensify, and the risk of accidental escalation increases. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain dialogue to mitigate these risks,” Alexandra Matas asserted. “The breakdown of communication is dangerous.”
She outlined several key elements for restoring European security, each requiring dialogue. “First and foremost is restoring trust. In the current situation, this seems like a distant goal, but over time, trust will become a crucial prerequisite for stability. This is only possible through negotiations and a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, not just a ceasefire,” the Swiss expert emphasized. “It is important to conclude a fair peace treaty accepted by all major parties and providing solid security guarantees for Ukraine and Russia.”
Furthermore, Alexandra Matas emphasized the importance of ensuring arms control at the nuclear and conventional levels between Russia, the United States, and Europe. “We also need to rethink the broader conversation about European security. We can’t reinvent the world. The basic principles were laid down 50 years ago, but today we need an inclusive discussion on how to overcome the old contradictions between these principles and find solutions to the challenges of the 21st century,” she said. “A discussion about the status and security guarantees for ‘international countries’ (states geographically and geopolitically located between NATO and Russia) is also important. A neutral status with a guarantee of multilateral security could be the solution for them.”
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