European Union extends sanctions against Belarus

On 26 February, the Council of the European Union decided to extend the sanctions against Belarus for another year. The restrictive measures will remain in force to the same extent as until now, with no changes.

Sanctions against Lukashenka are linked to internal repression in Belarus, active support for Russia in its war against Ukraine, and hybrid attacks against European Union member states.

"The Belarusian government's policy remains unchanged: civil society continues to be persecuted, Belarusian and foreign citizens are being held hostage and jailed for absurd reasons, and new hybrid attacks are being launched against us and our partners. The territory of Belarus is used for military purposes - Russian soldiers are treated there, children abducted from Ukraine are indoctrinated, and military infrastructure is used to circumvent Ukraine's air defences. We welcome the collective agreement of EU countries to maintain pressure on the regime responsible for serious international crimes," emphasized the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Kęstutis Budrys.

Currently, 312 Belarusian citizens and 57 entities and organisations are subject to sanctions. Their assets in the European Union are frozen, EU citizens and companies are prohibited from carrying out financial operations with them, and individuals on sanctions lists are prohibited from entering the EU territory. In addition, economic sanctions target Belarus' financial, trade, energy, transport, and other sectors - aiming to reduce the regime's revenue and prevent the cicumvention of sanctions.

This Council decision will remain in force until 28 February 2027, with the possibility of extension.