Timeline - EU sanctions against Belarus

• Council implementing regulation on restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine (EU Official Journal)

The Council introduced a new criterion for the listing of individuals, entities and bodies benefiting from, involved in or facilitating actions or policies attributable to the Republic of Belarus which undermine or threaten democracy, the rule of law, stability or security in the EU and its member states.

This decision follows the recent meteorological balloon incursions into Lithuania’s airspace.

• Belarus: Council broadens scope of sanctions regime to cover hybrid activities against EU member states (press release, 15 December 2025)

The Council adopted the 19th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes some measures in view of Belarus' complicity in Russia's war of aggression:

• five additional individuals sanctioned
• further sanctions mirroring the trade-related sanctions against Russia

• 19th package of sanctions against Russia: EU targets Russian energy, third-country banks and crypto providers (press release, 23 October 2025)

The Council adopted the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes some measures in view of Belarus' complicity in Russia's war of aggression:

• upgrading the ban on providing EU-based specialised financial messaging services to Belarusian banks to a full transaction ban
• an embargo on imports of arms from Belarus
• sanctions on eight companies operating in the Belarusian military-industrial complex
• further sanctions mirroring the trade-related sanctions against Russia

• Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: EU adopts 18th package of economic and individual measures (press release, 18 July 2025)

The Council has adopted a regulation that will impose new tariffs on agricultural products and certain fertilisers from Russia and Belarus that were not yet subject to extra customs duties.

The tariffs are expected to reduce Russia's export revenues and limit its ability to finance its war against Ukraine.

• Trade: the EU adopts new tariffs on Russian and Belarussian agricultural goods and fertilisers (press release, 12 June 2025)

The Council decided to impose sanctions on an additional 25 individuals and 7 entities in the wake of the recent so-called elections. They are responsible for supporting the repressive regime of Lukashenka and contributing to the internal repression and human rights abuses in Belarus.

Those sanctioned include the Central Election Commission, its deputy chairperson, secretary, and members, Aleh Ramanau, who is the chairperson of the majority political party in the Belarusian parliament, several judges, and members of the President Property Management Directorate.

• Belarus: EU lists further 25 individuals and 7 entities in the context of the so-called presidential election and for supporting the repressive regime of Lukashenka (press release, 27 March 2025)

The Council adopted its position, in view of negotiations with the European Parliament, on a regulation that will impose tariffs on the remaining agricultural products from Russia and Belarus, as well as certain nitrogen-based fertilisers.

The tariffs are expected to reduce Russian export revenues, thereby limiting Russia’s ability to finance its war of aggression against Ukraine.

• Trade: Council adopts negotiating position on tariffs for a number of agricultural products and fertilisers from Russia and Belarus (press release, 14 March 2025)

The Council adopted the 16th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes some measures in view of Belarus' complicity in Russia's war of aggression:

• further sanctions mirroring the trade-related sanctions against Russia
• restrictions on the sale or provision of services and software, deposits and crypto-asset wallets, and transports

In addition, the Council prolonged the sanctions regime against Belarus until 28 February 2026.

• Three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine: EU adopts its 16th package of economic and individual measures (press release, 24 February 2025)

The Council decided to impose restrictive measures on an additional 26 individuals and 2 entities from Belarus, in view of the situation in the country.

The new restrictive measures target various members of the judiciary, the heads and deputy heads of various correctional institutions,  business owners, part-owners, associates, or members of boards of directors benefitting from the Lukashenka regime, a transport and storage company and a company which benefits from the regime and facilitates the circumvention of EU sanctions.

• Belarus: EU lists 26 individuals and 2 entities in view of the situation in the country (press release, 16 December 2024)

The Council imposed sanctions on a further 28 individuals responsible for the ongoing internal repression and human rights abuses in Belarus.

Those sanctioned include members of the department for combating organised crime and corruption (HUBAZiK) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. They also include members of the judiciary, heads of correctional institutions and regime propagandists.

These sanctions have been adopted ahead of the fourth anniversary of the fraudulent presidential elections of August 2020. 

• Belarus: EU lists further 28 individuals for participation in internal repression (press release, 5 August 2024)

The Council adopted sanctions targeting the Belarusian economy, in view of the regime’s involvement in Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine.

These sanctions aim to mirror several of the restrictive measures already in place against Russia, and include:

• a ban on the export of dual-use goods and technologies, maritime navigation goods and luxury goods to Belarus
• a ban on the import of gold, diamonds, helium, coal and mineral products, including crude oil, from Belarus
• a ban on the provision of certain services
• a broader ban on the transport of goods by road within the EU territory
• a requirement for EU exporters to insert the so-called 'no-Belarus clause' in future contracts
• further anti-circumvention measures

• Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: new EU restrictive measures target trade, services, transport and anti-circumvention (press release, 29 June 2024)

The Council has decided to prolong the restrictive measures linked to internal repression in Belarus and regime’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine for another year, until 28 February 2025. 

Since August 2020, the EU has imposed several successive rounds of individual and sectoral 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. With these measures, the EU is signalling to the political and economic actors responsible that their actions and support for the regime and to Russia come at a cost.

• Belarus: EU prolongs restrictive measures for another year (press release, 26 February 2024)

The Council approved conclusions reaffirming its unwavering support for the Belarusian people’s quest for a free, democratic, sovereign and independent Belarus as part of a peaceful and prosperous Europe.

In its conclusions, the Council expresses its continued and deep concern about the deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus and strongly condemns the continued support provided by the Belarusian regime to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The EU has imposed targeted sanctions against the Lukashenka regime, and stands ready to take further restrictive and targeted measures as long as the Belarusian authorities continue their actions.

• Belarus: Council conclusions confirm EU’s unwavering support for democracy and human rights (press release, 19 February 2024)

The Council imposed sanctions on an additional 38 individuals and 3 entities over continued human rights abuses. It also imposed further targeted measures in response to involvement in Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, extending export bans to firearms, aviation and space industry.

• EU adopts new round of individual sanctions over continued human rights abuses and imposes further targeted measures (press release, 3 August 2023)

The Council decided to extend 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 situation in the country and country’s involvement in the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The measures now apply until 28 February 2024.

Targeted restrictive measures were adopted in response to the fraudulent nature of the August 2020 presidential elections in Belarus, and the intimidation and violent repression of peaceful protesters, opposition members and journalists. They were further expanded in response to Belarus’ involvement in the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and currently apply to 195 individuals and 34 entities.

• Belarus: EU prolongs restrictive measures for a year (press release, 27 February 2023)
• Council decision concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus (EU official journal)

The Council today decided to impose restrictive measures on an additional 12 individuals and 8 entities for their role in the ongoing internal repression and human rights abuses in Belarus.

The listed individuals responsible for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, or benefit from and support the Lukashenko regime. The new listings include high-ranking state officials, businesspeople and their families, members of the judicial sector, and prominent propagandists.

• Belarus: EU adopts new round of restrictive measures over internal repression (press release, 3 June 2022)

In response to the involvement of Belarus in the unjustified and unprovoked Russian military aggression against Ukraine, the Council has adopted additional measures targeting the Belarusian financial sector.

The agreed measures will:

• restrict the provision of specialised financial messaging services (SWIFT) to three Belarusian banks
• prohibit transactions with the Central Bank of Belarus 
• prohibit the listing and provision of services in relation to shares of Belarusian state-owned entities on EU trading venues
• significantly limit the financial inflows from Belarus to the EU
• prohibit the provision of euro-denominated banknotes to Belarus

• Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine: EU agrees new sectoral measures targeting Belarus and Russia (press release, 9 March 2022)

The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms Belarus' involvement in Russia's unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of Ukraine. In response to Belarus' actions, the EU has issued a package of individual and economic sanctions targeting 22 people and further restrictions on trade.

• Belarus' role in the Russian military aggression of Ukraine: Council imposes sanctions on additional 22 individuals and further restrictions on trade (press release, 02 March 2022)

The Council decided to extend the restrictive measures for another year in view of the situation in Belarus. The decision was taken on the basis of the annual review and considering the persistent gravity of the situation in the country. The measures now apply until 28 February 2023.

Targeted restrictive measures were adopted in response to the fraudulent nature of the August 2020 presidential elections in Belarus, and the intimidation and violent repression of peaceful protesters, opposition members and journalists. They were further expanded in response to continued repression, human rights abuses and the instrumentalisation of migrants and currently apply to 183 individuals and 26 entities.

• Council decision concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus (EU official journal)

On 2 December 2021, the Council imposed restrictive measures on an additional 17 individuals and 11 entities.

The measures target prominent members of the judicial branch and propaganda outlets that contribute to the continued repression of civil society, democratic opposition, independent media outlets and journalists.

The measures also targets high-ranking political officials of the Lukashenko regime, as well as companies (such as Belavia Airlines), tour operators and hotels that have helped incite and organise illegal border crossings through Belarus to the EU, and in this way participated in the instrumentalisation of migration for political purposes.

• Belarus: EU adopts 5th package of sanctions over continued human rights abuses and the instrumentalisation of migrants (press release, 2 December 2021)

On 15 November, the Council amended its sanctions regime in view of the situation at the EU’s border with Belarus, so as to be able to respond to the instrumentalisation of human beings carried out by the Belarus regime for political purposes.

The sanctions regime was amended by way of a Council decision and a Council regulation, which broaden the listing criteria on which specific designations can be based . The EU will now be able to target individuals and entities organising or contributing to activities by the Lukashenko regime that facilitate illegal crossing of the EU's external borders.

• Belarus: EU broadens scope for sanctions to tackle hybrid attacks and instrumentalisation of migrants (press release, 15 November 2021)

On 21 June, the Council decided to impose restrictive measures against 78 Belarusian individuals and eight entities. This decision was made in view of the escalation of serious human rights violations in Belarus and the violent repression of civil society, democratic opposition and journalists.

Moreover, seven individuals and one entity subject to this new round of restrictive measures were designated in connection to the forced and unlawful landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk, Belarus, on 23 May 2021.

EU restrictive measures on Belarus now apply to a total of 166 persons and 15 entities. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to those listed.

• Belarus: fourth package of EU sanctions over enduring repression and the forced landing of a Ryanair flight (Press release, 21 June 2021)

The Council Decision decided to strengthen the existing restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus by introducing a ban on the overflight of EU airspace and on access to EU airports by Belarusian carriers of all kinds.

The Candidate Countries the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, and the members of the European Economic Area (EEA), align themselves with this Council Decision.

• Candidate and EEA countries align with Belarus restrictive measures (press release, 21 June 2021)

The Council decided on 4 June to strengthen the existing restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus by introducing a ban on the overflight of EU airspace and on access to EU airports by Belarusian carriers of all kinds.

EU member states will therefore be required to deny permission to land in, take off from or overfly their territories to any aircraft operated by Belarusian air carriers, including as a marketing carrier.

• EU bans Belarusian carriers from its airspace and airports (press release, 4 June 2021)

The European Council strongly condemns the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk, Belarus, on 23 May 2021 endangering aviation safety, and the detention by Belarusian authorities of journalist Raman Pratasevich and Sofia Sapega.

EU leaders invited the Council to adopt relevant sanctions concerning persons and entities as soon as possible

• European Council conclusions on Belarus (Press release, 24 May 2021)

In response to the brutality of the Belarusian authorities and in support of the democratic rights of the Belarusian people, the Council decided to adopt 36 additional designations. These sanctions target high-level officials responsible for the ongoing violent repression and intimidation of peaceful demonstrators, opposition members and journalists, among others. They also target economic actors, prominent businessmen and companies benefiting from and/or supporting the regime of Aleksandr Lukashenko.

• Belarus: EU imposes third round of sanctions over ongoing repression (press release, 17 December 2020)

The Council added 15 members of the Belarusian authorities, including Alexandr Lukashenko as well as his son and National Security Adviser Viktor Lukashenko, to the list of individuals sanctioned in relation to the violent repression and intimidation of peaceful demonstrators, opposition members and journalists after the 2020 presidential election in Belarus.

• Belarus: Alexandr Lukashenko and 14 other officials sanctioned over ongoing repression (press release, 15 November 2020)

The Council imposed restrictive measures against 40 individuals identified as responsible for repression and intimidation against peaceful demonstrators, opposition members and journalists in the wake of the 2020 presidential election in Belarus, as well as for misconduct of the electoral process.

Restrictive measures include a travel ban and an asset freeze. The travel ban impedes the listed people from entering or transiting through EU territories, while the asset freeze is used against the funds or economic resources of the listed persons. In addition, EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to those listed.

• Belarus: EU imposes sanctions for repression and election falsification (press release, 2 October 2020)

The EU foreign ministers address 2020 Belarusian presidential elections

Ministers reiterated their repeated call to the Belarusian authorities to stop the disproportionate and unacceptable violence against peaceful protesters and to release those detained. During their discussions, the ministers sent a strong signal of the EU’s support to the Belarusian population in their desire for democratic change. 

• Video conference of foreign affairs ministers, 14 August 2020

EU leaders called on the Belarusian authorities to end violence and repression, release all detainees and political prisoners, respect media freedom and civil society, and start an inclusive national dialogue. They agreed that restrictive measures should be imposed and called on the Council to adopt the decision without delay. The European Council also encouraged the European Commission to prepare a plan of economic support for democratic Belarus.

• Special European Council, 1-2 October 2020

As the elections in Belarus were neither free nor fair, and did not meet international standards, the EU does not recognise the results presented by the Belarus authorities. Leaders condemned the violence against peaceful protesters. They affirmed the EU expects a complete and transparent investigation into all alleged abuses, and that civil society and opposition actors must be protected from arbitrary arrests and violence.

• Video conference of the members of the European Council, 19 August 2020