EU extends sanctions against Belarus

European Council today adopted restrictive measures targeting the Belarusian economy, in view of the regime’s involvement in Russia’s illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, Report informs with reference to the council.

These comprehensive measures aim at mirroring several of the restrictive measures already in place against Russia and thereby address the issue of circumvention stemming from the high degree of integration existing between the Russian and Belarusian economies.

The Council is extending the export ban on dual-use/advanced goods and technologies, as well as introducing further export restrictions on goods which could contribute to the enhancement of Belarusian industrial capacities.

Further restrictions are also introduced on exports to Belarus of maritime navigation goods and technologies, and luxury goods.

Regarding imports, it will be prohibited to import directly or indirectly, purchase or transfer namely of gold and diamonds from Belarus, as well as helium, coal, and mineral products including crude oil. The latter measure will be complemented by a new export ban on goods and technologies suitable for use in oil refining and the liquefaction of natural gas.

Also, the Council is broadening the prohibition on the transport of goods by road within the territory of the EU, by trailers and semi-trailers registered in Belarus, including when hauled by trucks registered outside Belarus.