EU Council introduces new sanctions against Belarus for its involvement in Ukraine war

The Council of the European Union has introduced new 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.

That's according to a press release posted on the website of the Council of the EU, Ukrinform reports.

In particular, 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," the press release states.

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.

At the same time, the Council is prohibiting the provision of certain services to Belarus, its government, public bodies, corporations or agencies and to any natural or legal person acting on behalf or at their direction. This will concern accounting services, auditing services, including statutory audit, bookkeeping services, tax consulting services, business and management consulting services, and public relations services; architectural and engineering services, as well as IT consultancy services and legal advisory services; advertising, market research and public opinion polling services, as well as product testing and technical inspection services.

The Council is also 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.

In order to minimize the risk of circumvention, the EU will prohibit the transit via the territory of Belarus of dual-use goods and technologies, goods and technologies which might contribute to Belarus’s military and technological enhancement or to the development of its defense and security sector, goods which could contribute to the enhancement of Belarusian industrial capacities, goods and technologies for use in the aviation or space industry, as well as arms exported from the EU.

The Council of the European Union approved the 14th package of sanctions against Russia on June 24.