EU arms embargo on Belarus

In June 2011 the European Union imposed an arms embargo on Belarus to strengthen its existing sanctions on the leadership of the country in response to the deteriorating human rights, democracy and rule-of-law situation in Belarus. Council Decision 2011/357/CFSP part of which is an arms embargo is implemented by Council Regulation (EU) No 588/2011.

The embargo prohibits any involvement in the supply of arms, military equipment and materials that might be used for internal repression.

The sanctions also include a freeze on funds and economic resources controlled by Vladimir Peftiev within the territory of the EU, because Peftiev is a close associate of the Belarusian President Lukashenko and key financial sponsor of the Belarussian regime, This freeze includes Beltechexport, the largest export/import company of military products in Belarus, which is controlled by Peftiev.

Last updated on 3 May 2012.