ِ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.
There are further restrictions on the transportation of goods within EU borders by cars registered in Belarus.
In order to avoid exporting critical items and technology, such as military materials, EU exporters are recommended to add a "No to Belarus" provision in future contracts.
The restrictions also prohibit the transfer of goods and technology that may support Belarus's defense and security industries or its military and technical advancement.
The EU approved its fourteenth round of sanctions on Russia last week, which includes a prohibition on LNG exports.
Due to the battle with Russia, greater limitations on trade, finance, energy, industry, technology, transportation, dual-use products, luxury items, gold, and diamonds are being targeted. These new measures aim to address legal loopholes in the current sanctions and make circumvention more difficult.
