EU Expands Sanctions Against Belarus to Reflect Measures Against Russia and Prevent Sanctions Evasion

On June 29, the Council of the European Union implemented new economic sanctions against Belarus, aimed at mirroring some of the restrictive measures previously imposed on Russia. This decision was made to address the issue of circumventing existing sanctions.

Expanding Restrictions on Dual-Use and Advanced Technologies

The Council of the EU has extended its prohibition on exporting dual-use goods and technologies as well as advanced technologies. The decision also includes additional restrictions on exporting goods that could potentially strengthen Belarus's industrial capacity.

Additional Export Restrictions

New limitations have been set on exporting maritime navigation technologies and luxury items to Belarus. This move is designed to further isolate the Belarusian economy from receiving goods that could boost its industrial and technological growth.

Import Bans and New Export Prohibitions

Directly or indirectly importing, purchasing, or transferring gold and diamonds from Belarus is now prohibited. Additionally, this ban extends to helium, coal, and mineral products, including crude oil. A new prohibition on exporting goods and technologies used in oil refining and natural gas liquefaction is also in place.

Service Provision Prohibitions

The Council has forbidden the provision of certain services to Belarus, its government, state bodies, corporations, or agencies, as well as any individuals or legal entities acting on their behalf or at their direction. This includes accounting, architectural, and engineering services, as well as advertising and market research services.

Transportation Restrictions

The EU has expanded the ban on transporting goods by road across the EU using trailers and semi-trailers registered in Belarus. This also applies to transport operations using trucks registered outside of Belarus.

Contractual Clause Requirements

Today’s decision mandates that EU exporters must include a "no Belarus clause" in their future contracts. This clause prohibits the re-export to Belarus or the use of important goods and technologies, military items, firearms, and ammunition in Belarus.

Minimizing Sanctions Evasion Risks

To minimize the risk of sanctions evasion, the EU will prohibit the transit through Belarus of dual-use goods and technologies, as well as goods and technologies that could contribute to the military-technical enhancement of Belarus or the development of its defense and security sector. There are also measures to counter the re-export of military items found in Ukraine or critical to the development of Russian military systems. EU operators selling such items to third countries must implement due diligence mechanisms.

Broader Context: The 14th Package of Measures Against Russia

The Council of the EU had previously adopted, on June 24, the 14th package of economic and individual restrictive measures against Russia. For the first time since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, these measures include sanctions against Russian gas. The package also expanded sanctions against various Russian officials, including the mother of Chechnya’s leader Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Russian Navy, and others, as well as against the "Artek" camp and actor Ivan Okhlobystin.

This ongoing expansion of sanctions reflects the EU’s commitment to applying economic pressure on Belarus and Russia, aiming to curb their capacities to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.