Estonia · Belarusian Diaspora · Democracy · Civil Society

Supporting democratic Belarus and its diaspora in Europe.

For a free, independent and European Belarus—and for strong, connected and resilient Belarusian communities in Estonia and across the European Union.

  • Human rights
  • Political prisoners
  • Culture in exile
  • Belarusian democratic forces
  • Estonia–Belarus cooperation
valgevene.eu
Abstract civic network illustration
About us

One of Estonia’s longest-standing Belarusian pro-democracy organisations

Valgevene Uus Tee MTÜ is an Estonia-based nonprofit organisation established on 27 December 2006 by Belarusian dissidents living in exile and a group of engaged Estonian civil society activists, with support from Estonian civil society and the Open Estonia Foundation.

For nearly two decades, the organisation has worked systematically on Belarus, democratic development, human rights, political exile, independent culture, and the integration and representation of Belarusian diaspora communities in Estonia and across the European Union.

Our work connects Belarusian democratic actors, diaspora organisations, European civil society institutions, policymakers, researchers, artists, journalists and human rights defenders. We combine historical experience with new approaches to community resilience, coalition building, civic education and public-benefit technology.

Our mission

To support a democratic, independent and European future for Belarus.

We strengthen the capacity, visibility and cooperation of Belarusian civil society and diaspora communities through advocacy, culture, dialogue, networking and practical civic initiatives.

Our work

Democracy, culture and community across borders

Our activities bring together civic participation, international advocacy, cultural memory, diaspora cooperation and responsible technology.

Diaspora Networks

Connecting Belarusian communities in Estonia, Europe and the United States and creating spaces for long-term cooperation.

Democratic Advocacy

Supporting human rights, political prisoners, democratic forces and international awareness around democratic change in Belarus.

Culture & Memory

Preserving independent Belarusian culture, supporting cultural professionals in exile and presenting Belarusian experience internationally.

Conferences & Dialogue

Convening experts, democratic actors, diplomats, researchers, journalists and civil society leaders for informed exchange.

Community Resilience

Strengthening organisations, coalitions, volunteers and communities supporting political exiles and vulnerable diaspora groups.

Web3 & AI Literacy

Developing public-benefit knowledge and tools for secure, transparent and responsible civic cooperation.

Priorities 2026–2028

Focused on communities that need durable support

Our current priorities reflect the changing needs of Belarusian civil society and communities in exile.

  1. Belarusian diaspora in Estonia
  2. Coalition building
  3. Culture in exile
  4. Support for political exiles
  5. Community resilience
  6. Web3 for civil society
  7. AI and Web3 literacy
  8. Democratic advocacy
Security and confidentiality

Some of our current work cannot be described publicly.

Current projects

To protect participants, beneficiaries and implementation partners, we do not publish operational details of current projects. Relevant information may be shared directly with trusted institutions when appropriate and subject to confidentiality requirements.

Current partners

For privacy and security reasons, we do not publish a list of current partners. This protects organisations and individuals working in politically sensitive and high-risk environments.

Our journey

Two decades of service, solidarity and international cooperation

Selected milestones from the organisation’s institutional history.

  1. 2006

    Organisation established

    Valgevene Uus Tee was founded in Estonia by Belarusian dissidents in exile and Estonian civil society activists.

  2. 2006–2013

    Diaspora network and congress

    The organisation helped build a network of pro-democracy diaspora groups and convened the Congress of the New Belarusian Diaspora of Europe and the United States together with democratic actors in Belarus.

  3. 2007–2009

    Art Against Dictatorship

    The international exhibition of Belarusian dissident artists was presented at the Parliament of Estonia, the United States Congress, Oslo City Hall and other venues.

  4. 2007–2008

    Show Belarus – Show Europe

    An international cultural project connected Belarus with Sweden, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Portugal.

  5. 2011–2020

    RUBYCON conference

    An international conference in Estonia bringing together leading experts on Belarus, democratic forces, diplomats, researchers, journalists and civil society leaders.

  6. 2020–2025

    Zgurtavanne coalition

    Valgevene Uus Tee played a leading role in the Estonian Belarusian NGO coalition “Zgurtavanne”.

  7. 2026+

    Web3 for civil society

    A new direction for civil society, culture and vulnerable communities in exile, focused on secure and participatory digital infrastructure.

Abstract cultural heritage illustration
Culture as democratic memory

Independent culture preserves dignity, identity and historical truth.

The organisation has consistently treated culture as an essential part of democratic resilience. Exhibitions, public discussions and international presentations have created space for Belarusian artists and civic voices that authoritarian institutions attempted to marginalise or silence.

Our cultural work connects memory with the future: it preserves independent Belarusian experience while supporting new forms of cooperation for artists and cultural professionals in exile.

A new direction

Web3 technologies for resilient civil society

Valgevene Uus Tee is exploring how Ethereum, DAO models, digital identity, blockchain registries and transparent resource-distribution tools may improve secure international cooperation, community participation and institutional resilience.

This work is focused on public benefit and is not connected with speculative cryptocurrency activity. Operational concepts and projects are not described publicly for privacy and security reasons.

  • Ethereum-based public-benefit infrastructure
  • DAO and community governance
  • Privacy-aware digital identity
  • Blockchain registries
  • Transparent resource distribution
  • Cross-border community cooperation

Technology cooperation

The organisation develops this direction in cooperation with TIIM Web3 Social Hub, an Estonia-based nonprofit focused on digital infrastructure for civil society and cultural communities in exile.

Visit web3social.eu →

Democracy, culture and community across borders

Diaspora Networks

Connecting Belarusian communities in Estonia, Europe and the United States and creating spaces for long-term cooperation.

Democratic Advocacy

Supporting human rights, political prisoners, democratic forces and international awareness around democratic change in Belarus.

Culture & Memory

Preserving independent Belarusian culture, supporting cultural professionals in exile and presenting Belarusian experience internationally.

Community Resilience

Strengthening organisations, coalitions, volunteers and communities supporting political exiles and vulnerable diaspora groups.

Previous institutional support

Projects developed with European and international support

The organisations below supported projects during the periods shown. Names are presented as text; no current relationship is implied.

European Commission — Culture ProgrammePredecessor to Creative Europe
2007–2008
Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2020–2025
National Endowment for Democracy
2014–2021
German Marshall Fund of the United States
2007–2013
Open Estonia Foundation
2007–2008
Nordic foundations and programmes
2007–2008

Reference to previous support does not imply an ongoing funding relationship or endorsement of all current activities.

Governance

Responsible nonprofit management

Valgevene Uus Tee MTÜ is governed by its Management Board. The Board is elected by the General Meeting and acts in accordance with the organisation’s Articles of Association, procedures adopted by the General Meeting, and the laws of the Republic of Estonia.

The organisation is committed to responsible governance, transparent decision-making, proper financial management and accountability to members, partners, donors and the communities it serves.

Governance documents

The following organisational documents will be published in PDF format when the final approved files are supplied. They are available upon request in the meantime.

Articles of Associationstatute_VUT.pdf
PDF publication pending
Financial Policyfinpolicy_VUT.pdf
PDF publication pending
Code of Ethicscodeofethics_VUT.pdf
PDF publication pending
Conflict-of-Interest Policyconflict-of-interest_VUT.pdf
PDF publication pending
AML/ATF PolicyAML_ATF_VUT.pdf
PDF publication pending
Request by email →
Legal name
Valgevene Uus Tee MTÜ
Registry code
80246330
Registered
27 December 2006
Public location
Tallinn, Estonia
Country of registration
Estonia
VAT status
Not registered as a VAT payer
Management Board
Names are not published for privacy and security reasons
Contact

Cooperation for a democratic Belarus and a resilient diaspora.

We welcome dialogue with civil society organisations, researchers, cultural institutions, public bodies, independent media, technology partners, foundations and donors.

Get in touch

Location
Tallinn, Estonia
Website
valgevene.eu
Social media
No public profiles at launch

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