EU to impose heavy sanctions on Belarus over Russian support

Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya gives a speech during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, on September 13, 2023. (Photo by FREDERICK FLORIN / AFP)

ِALBAWABA - Belarus's economy is the focus of additional sanctions that the EU Council has declared in response to Belarus's backing of Russia in the conflict with Ukraine.

By addressing legal gaps created by the high degree of economic integration between Belarus and Russia, the proposals seek to circumvent the sanctions that are now in place.

Belarus is no longer allowed to receive innovative dual-use items and technology from both the military and the civilian sectors. There are now further limitations on exports that support Belarus's industrial capability.

Additional limitations include exports of luxury items, technology, and products related to marine navigation to Belarus. It is forbidden to import, buy, or transfer any kind of Belarusian mineral product, including coal, crude oil, helium, gold, diamonds, or coal in direct or indirect ways.

Furthermore, it is forbidden to provide consulting services to Belarus in the fields of accounting, auditing, engineering, architecture, and public relations.