Belarus: EU prolongs restrictive measures for a year

The Council decided to prolong for another year the restrictive measures linked to internal repression in Belarus and regime’s support for the war against Ukraine. The decision was taken on the basis of the annual review and considering the persistent gravity of the domestic situation in the country and Belarus’ ongoing involvement in the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The measures now apply until 28 February 2024.

Since August 2020, the EU has imposed successive rounds of sanctions, against those responsible for internal repression and human rights abuses in Belarus and in the context of Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine, thereby signalling to the political and economic actors responsible that their actions and support for the regime and to the Russian Federation came at a cost.

The restrictive measures consist of a ban on travel to the EU and an asset freeze for listed persons – currently 195 individuals, including Alexandr Lukashenko – and an asset freeze applicable to 34 entities. In addition, EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to those listed, either directly or indirectly.

Belarus also remains subject to targeted economic sanctions, including restrictions in the financial sector, trade, dual-use goods, technology and telecommunication, energy, transport and others.

The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. Moreover, the EU is determined to address the human rights situation in the country and will continue to support the Belarusian people in their legitimate request for democracy, including through support to civil society and independent media.

Council of the European Union Press Release