Due to a limited success of conditionality in non-accession states, the EU has been shifting its cooperation modes from hierarchical governance to a more network-based approach. Drawing on this change, this paper primarily seeks to scrutinize the gap between security interests and development aid based on the conditionality principle. Secondly, against the backdrop of restrictive measures imposed on Belarusian officials in response to human rights violations, this paper investigates whether a partnership on equal terms in key policy areas such as border management is consistent with the EU´s objective to promote human rights in Belarus.
