EU further extends the scope of sanctions on Belarus to fight circumvention

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

The European Commission welcomes the Council’s adoption of a new set of sanctions against Belarus, in view of its involvement in Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

The close integration of the Russian and Belarusian economies has substantially facilitated the circumvention of existing sanctions against Russia. This new set of sanctions against Belarus mirrors several of the measures already imposed on Russia, making EU sanctions against Russia more effective.

The new measures are tailored in view of the specific characteristics of EU-Belarus trade and affect various sectors of the Belarusian economy, including trade, services and transport. This allows for an effective strategy in combating circumvention, while ensuring that the measures are proportionate to the level of Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The Commission will continue to monitor the possible circumvention of sanctions on Russia via Belarus and stands ready to support further alignment between the two sanctions regimes.

Trade

Export restrictions on dual use and advanced technology goods have been extended and new restrictions have been introduced on goods which could contribute to the enhancement of Belarusian industrial capacities, as well as maritime navigation equipment, oil refining technology and certain luxury goods.

Imports of goods allowing Belarus to diversify its sources of revenue as well as gold and diamonds have been prohibited.

Anti-circumvention

EU operators must from now undertake their best efforts to prevent their foreign subsidiaries from engaging in activities that undermine sanctions.

To reduce the risk of circumvention with regard to sensitive goods, the transit of certain goods (e.g. dual use, advanced technology, firearms, aviation related materials) via Belarus is from now prohibited. Moreover, EU exporters must include a “no-Belarus clause” in new contracts and EU operators trading in battlefield goods must implement due diligence mechanisms.

The package also introduces the possibility for the Council to impose targeted measures against individuals or entities that circumvent the sanctions or that significantly undermine their purpose or effectiveness.

Services

The provision of services to Belarus, its government and related entities is now restricted, including accounting, auditing, engineering and advertising services.

Road transport

Restrictions have been extended to include the use of trailers or semi-trailers registered in Belarus. In addition, the existing prohibition to transport goods by road in the EU, including transit, now also applies to EU companies owned 25% or more by Belarusian persons.

Other

The new measures enable EU operators to claim compensation for damages caused by Belarusian entities linked to sanctions implementation and expropriation.

Background

The sectoral measures against Belarus were last amended in August 2023 to align them further with the sanctions against Russia.