EU Continues to Build on Belarus Sanctions, Bans Trade in Dual-Use Goods
The European Union banned the sale, transfer or export of dual-use goods and technologies for military use to anyone in Belarus, expanding its sanctions regime on the Eastern European nation, the European Council announced in a June 24 news release. Since the forced landing of a Ryanair flight on May 23 and subsequent arrest of journalist Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend, Sofia Sapega, the EU has sanctioned individuals, entities and economic activities in the country (see 2106210023). In this most recent push, the EU also barred the sale, transfer or export of technology intended for use in the “monitoring or interception of the internet and of telephone communications.” Trade in oil products, potassium chloride and goods used in tobacco production are also banned. The European Investment Bank is also instructed to halt any payments under public sector-related agreements with Belarus.
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The decision, according to the release, marks the full implementation of the European Council's May 24 and 25 conclusions over the scope of sanctions on Belarus. A total of 166 individuals, 15 entities and a host of economic activity are now subject to restrictive measures, in response to the escalation of human rights violations in Belarus and the violent repression of its civil society.