Paul Donnelly
Ceist:50. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will seek another round of tough EU sanctions to be applied to Belarus. [1417/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 22 January 2025
Ceisteanna (50)
Freagraí scríofa
In response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the EU has adopted a wide range of sanctions targeting both Russia and Belarus. These are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history, with over 2,000 individuals and entities now subject to EU restrictive measures.
The current measures targeting Belarus build on the restrictive measures first introduced by the EU following the presidential elections in Belarus in August 2020 and the crackdown on peaceful protesters, democratic opposition and journalists that followed. The measures against Belarus in large part mirror the restrictions introduced against Russia, following its invasion of Ukraine. Restrictions have been placed on trade between the EU and Belarus, and on exports to Belarus of dual-use goods and technology. A range of measures have been introduced targeting the Belarusian financial sector and asset freezes and travel bans have been placed against Belarusian military personnel, state officials, members of the judiciary, and businesspeople.
On 29 June 2024, the EU adopted further measures against Belarus, in view of its involvement in Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, with the aim of further aligning with the Russia regime and combatting circumvention. A ‘no-Belarus clause’ prohibits the re-exportation to Belarus or re-exportation for use in Belarus of sensitive goods and technology, battlefield goods, firearms and ammunition. There is also a requirement that EU parent companies perform their due diligence on third-country subsidiaries to prevent circumvention. Ireland will continue to support measures to combat circumvention and maintain pressure on Russia, including by limiting its access to sensitive items and battlefield goods.
In December 2024, the Foreign Affairs Council agreed proposals to add further listings to the list of persons subject to EU restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Ireland continues to support strong coordinated EU sanctions and other measures, including action at the UN, to hold Belarus accountable for its violations of human rights and the rule of law, and its complicity in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The possibility of adopting further sanctions against Belarus at EU level remains under continual review.