EU expands Russia and Belarus sanctions with new export controls, financial restrictions and energy measures

BRUSSELS, July 23, 2026 — The Council of the European Union adopted Regulations (EU) 2026/1846 and 2026/1848, amending its existing sanctions frameworks against Belarus and Russia, respectively. The measures, which entered into force on July 24, strengthen restrictions on military-related technology, industrial goods and financial services while introducing additional controls targeting Russia's energy revenues.

Under Regulation 2026/1848, the EU added 51 entities to Annex IV of Regulation 833/2014, subjecting them to tighter export restrictions on dual-use goods and technology. The additions include companies operating outside Russia that the EU considers responsible for facilitating sanctions circumvention or supporting Russia's military-industrial complex, particularly through microelectronics, computer numerical control machinery and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The regulation also expands export controls on nickel and beryllium products, aerospace materials, unmanned aerial vehicle components and missile-related technology.

The measures extend into the financial sector, introducing transaction restrictions targeting four financial entities and 14 cryptocurrency service providers, while removing one entity from an existing restricted list. Five additional third-country entities face restrictions linked to activities undermining EU prohibitions. The regulation also strengthens restrictions on Russian involvement in the ownership, control and governance of cryptocurrency service providers established within the EU.

Energy measures include new restrictions on transactions involving refineries processing Russian-origin oil, with one refinery specifically identified, alongside additional vessel-related sanctions and controls on liquefied natural gas tanker sales. The EU also suspended its automatic Russian crude oil price cap adjustment mechanism until July 14, 2027, subject to an interim review, and introduced a temporary exemption permitting certain Russian LNG transfers to third countries under tightly defined contractual and volume conditions. Additional import restrictions cover metals, ores, chemicals, glassware and automotive components.

Separately, Regulation 2026/1846 strengthens the EU's Belarus sanctions framework, adding four entities to restrictions governing exports of dual-use and military-related goods: CHIP AND DIP LLC, OJSC Rogachev Plant Diaprojector, DISPLAY DESIGN BUREAU JSC and CJSC Hull Products Plant. The regulation also expands controlled goods to include advanced telecommunications equipment, drone systems, aerospace components, nickel and beryllium products and other materials potentially supporting Belarusian or Russian military capabilities.

Together, the regulations broaden the EU's efforts to restrict access to military technology, disrupt sanctions circumvention through third countries and limit revenue streams supporting Russia's war against Ukraine. The measures also increase compliance obligations for European exporters, financial institutions, cryptocurrency service providers and energy companies.