The European Union has extended part of the anti-Russian sanctions to Belarus

In early June, the European Union announced the 14th package of sanctions against Russia, which affected, in particular, the national analogue of SWIFT, the financial message transmission system.

Now EU authorities have decided to close “the biggest loophole in our sanctions regime” and have extended some of the restrictions to Belarus.

In particular, it is prohibited to supply dual-use goods and technologies, luxury goods and maritime navigation technologies.

The import of gold and diamonds is also prohibited and the import of crude oil, helium and coal is limited. The export of goods and technologies intended for oil refining and natural gas liquefaction is being prohibited.

In addition, the provision of marketing, consulting and auditing services is prohibited. Restrictions have been introduced on market research services, sociological surveys and product testing. The provision of architectural and engineering services is prohibited.

The new measures also contain logistical restrictions. It is no longer possible to transport goods throughout the EU in trailers or semi-trailers with Belarusian registration. In addition, the European Union has imposed a ban on operating as transport companies and transporting goods to the EU (including transit) on companies that are at least 25% owned by Belarusian citizens or legal entities.

Now exporters of goods will have to include clauses in agreements prohibiting the re-export of weapons and ammunition to Belarus.