EU imposes sanctions targeting Belarusian economy

Viewpoints
July 30, 2021
1 minutes

In addition to designating military and government individuals, at the end of June, the EU implemented sanctions targeting certain sectors of the Belarus economy known to benefit the government including potash, tobacco, and petroleum. 

The new sanctions also target access of the Belarusian government to EU capital markets and prohibit providing insurance and re-insurance to the Belarusian government and Belarusian public bodies and agencies. Finally, the EU sanctions prohibit the export of technology for use in monitoring or interception by Belarusian authorities of communications, and prohibit export of dual use goods to specified persons or for military use.

The UK has stated that it will impose similar sanctions, but it is not clear when this will happen. Most recently, OFSI issued a General Licence permitting air carriers or aircraft operators to make payments directly or via a relevant institution or Eurocontrol to Belaeronavigatsia for air traffic services provided in an emergency situation. Both the US and UK impose also list-based sanctions against members of the Belarussian government and military involved in human rights abuses and connected to the government. For example, the US reimposed sanctions (which had previously been lifted by general license) on state-owned oil companies. Other listed persons include a tyre company, paint manufacturer and fertilizer plant – similarly demonstrating a focus on industries or companies which benefit the state.