Decision (CFSP) 2025/2040 expands the EU’s restrictive measures against Belarus in response to its continued involvement in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The decision broadens the list of items that could enhance Belarus’s military or technological capabilities, now including materials such as electronic components, rangefinders, chemicals for propellants, and additional metals and alloys used in military production. It also widens export restrictions to cover more industrial goods like salts, ores, rubber articles, tyres, millstones, and construction materials.
Further restrictions are introduced on the supply of software and high-tech services to Belarus, including those related to artificial intelligence, quantum and high-performance computing, and commercial space-based services. The scope of service restrictions is expanded to cover additional technical and engineering consulting activities under the UN Central Product Classification group 867.
The decision also requires prior authorisation from national authorities for any service provided to Belarusian public bodies or entities not already covered by sanctions, to prevent contributions to Belarus’s military or industrial capacity. New restrictions are imposed on the provision of crypto-asset and certain payment services, as well as on the issuance of electronic money to Belarusian nationals and entities, due to their potential use in evading sanctions.
Humanitarian exemptions are added to allow the export of medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food products, and to ensure access to judicial or arbitration proceedings in EU Member States. To further reduce Belarus’s revenue sources, the ban on purchasing, importing, or transferring certain goods is extended to all acyclic hydrocarbons. Finally, technical amendments are made to Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 to improve clarity and accuracy.