EU Sanctions Against Belarus — Parallel Measures in 20th Russia Package (April 2026)

On 23 April 2026, the European Union adopted its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which simultaneously included a parallel set of new restrictive measures against Belarus. The joint package reflected the EU's assessment of Belarus as an integrated participant in Russia's war economy and military effort.

Structure of the 20th Package

The April 2026 package covered both Russia and Belarus under a coordinated framework. For Belarus specifically, the measures amended Council Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 and introduced:

• New export restrictions on laboratory glassware and specialised scientific equipment capable of military applications
• Ban on high-performance lubricants, additives and specialised chemicals used in weapons systems maintenance
• Additional restrictions on industrial machinery, steel articles, metal production tools and industrial tractors
• Expanded import bans on raw materials, metals, minerals, metal scrap, chemicals, rubber articles and furskins
• Prohibition on managed security services and tourism-related services to state entities

Financial and Digital Measures

• Ban on transactions involving central bank digital currency (CBDC) issued by or on behalf of the Belarusian central bank
• Sectoral ban on services to crypto asset transfer platforms based in or operating from Belarus

Transit Controls

The twentieth package broadened existing restrictions on the transit of sanctioned goods through Belarusian territory — a critical circumvention route through which Russia-bound goods had been routed to evade EU sanctions. Enhanced monitoring and reporting obligations were imposed on EU operators.

New Entity Listings

Three legal persons were added to the Belarus sanctions list in the context of this package, including a Chinese state-owned entity identified as facilitating the supply of components to Belarusian and Russian defence industries.

Context: Belarus in 2026

By April 2026, Alexander Lukashenko had been in power for 32 years. The political situation inside Belarus remained unchanged: an estimated 1,000–1,200 political prisoners were held in penal colonies, all independent media had been shut down or forced into exile, and the political opposition continued to operate exclusively from abroad. Belarus remained militarily integrated with Russia, with Russian tactical nuclear weapons stationed on Belarusian territory since 2023. The April 2026 measures brought the total scope of EU sanctions against Belarus to the broadest level in the regime's history, covering individuals, entities, financial institutions, entire economic sectors, transport, digital assets and services.