Сontext: The 62nd Munich Security Conference was hosted by Germany from 13 to 15 February. For the first time, a discussion about Belarus was organised at the event, focusing on sanctions and other ways the EU can influence the Belarusian government.
On 18 February 2026, the talk show Budni on Alpha Radio and SBTV featured a discussion of the “economic problems of the Old World” between host Polina Konoga and the programme’s guest, MP Aliaksandr Shpakouski. Since 2019, German industry has seen the loss of up to 200,000 jobs, according to the parliamentarian.
“The industry affected the most is the automobile industry. The quality of the renowned German car industry is deteriorating.<...> The Chinese car industry has completely taken over our market. Fortunately, we partnered with the People’s Republic of China in time to set up production together. So, Belgee is, in a way, our brand, too. That’s why our consumers choose Belgee. In Russia, many people also choose the brand. The Chinese car industry has been steadily taking leading positions in Europe as well,” said Shpakouski.
The majority of cars sold in Belarus are indeed Chinese brands. The most popular among them is Belgee. It accounts for almost a third of the domestic new car market. However, Aliaksandr Shpakouski failed to mention the real reason for the decline in sales of European cars in Belarus. Following the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops, major manufacturers announced that they would cease production of Western brands in Russia and stop supplying cars to the Russian market. Belarusians used to get new foreign cars from there.
In 2024, the EU banned the supply of cars with an engine capacity of over 1.9 litres, as well as electric and hybrid cars produced in the EU, to Belarus.
The Chinese car industry is not leading the way in Europe. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), the top-selling cars in 2024 and 2025 were produced by European and Japanese brands. Volkswagen ranked first, Toyota came second, and Škoda took third place. BMW, Renault, and Mercedes followed them. China’s SAIC Motor came 16th, and BYD came 22nd.
