President expands powers of regional and Minsk city executives in construction

Alexander Lukashenko has signed a decree expanding the powers of regional executive committees and the Minsk city executive committee regarding the design and construction of projects of primary importance for regional socio-economic development. The document amends Decree No. 266 of July 2, 2025. Regional and Minsk city executives are now authorized to permit single-source procurement from state organizations using both budgetary and own funds. They can also approve tree and shrub vegetation removal, sale of harvested wood, and construction of facilities deviating from approved detailed planning projects. Additionally, they may allow developers to independently obtain technical conditions for engineering support and to use factory-made modular structures without developing full project documentation. They are empowered to designate mineral deposits (sand, gravel) for construction use and simultaneously process land allocation documents. They can also appoint clients who will develop detailed planning projects at their own expense, which was previously done solely with budget funds. To shorten decision-making timelines, approval by the Council of Ministers is no longer required for such decisions. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2027.