Brussels, June 29 (FN Agency) The Council of the EU adopted a sanctions package against Belarus on Saturday that contains a number of restrictions already imposed against Russia and targets such sectors as trade, services, and the transport of goods to address anti-circumvention. “The Council today adopted restrictive measures targeting the Belarusian economy… These comprehensive measures aim at mirroring several of the restrictive measures already in place against Russia and thereby addressing the issue of circumvention stemming from the high degree of integration existing between the Russian and Belarusian economies,” the statement read. The council has extended the export ban on dual-use and advanced goods and technologies and introduced further export restrictions on goods that “could contribute to the enhancement of Belarusian industrial capacities,” the statement said.
“Regarding imports, it will be prohibited to import directly or indirectly, purchase or transfer, namely, gold and diamonds from Belarus, as well as helium, coal, and mineral products, including crude oil. The latter measure will be complemented by a new export ban on goods and technologies suitable for use in oil refining and the liquefaction of natural gas,” the statement also said. The package also includes restrictions related to the transportation of goods within the bloc by trailers and semi-trailers registered in Belarus, “including when hauled by trucks registered outside Belarus,” the statement read. The new restrictions also oblige EU exporters to contractually prohibit the re-exportation to Belarus or re-exportation for use in Belarus of “sensitive goods and technology, battlefield goods, firearms, and ammunition,” the statement added.