The European Union has expanded its crypto-related restrictions on Belarus under a broader sanctions framework tied to Belarus’ involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Under Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1847 adopted by the Council of the European Union, Belarusian citizens and residents will be barred from owning, controlling, or managing crypto-asset service providers regulated under the Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation, or MiCA.
The decision takes effect on July 24, while the expanded measures targeting the crypto sector will start on Aug. 25. Under MiCA’s definitions, the affected services include operating crypto trading platforms, crypto-asset exchange, execution and transmission of client orders, crypto-asset issuance services, asset transfer services, investment advice, and portfolio management.
The move comes shortly after MiCA’s transition period ended on July 1. The EU had already required unauthorized crypto firms to stop relevant operations or face enforcement action. The bloc said the broader restrictions form part of its effort to prevent the use of crypto platforms to circumvent sanctions on Russia. Earlier, in its 21st package of sanctions against Russia, the EU expanded transaction bans to 14 crypto-related service platforms outside the EU and created a mechanism to prohibit dealings with foreign crypto providers deemed to be helping Russia evade sanctions.
The European Union has tightened crypto-asset restrictions on Belarus, banning Belarusian citizens and residents from owning, controlling, or managing crypto-asset service providers regulated under the Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation, or MiCA.
According to Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1847 adopted by the Council of the European Union, the measure expands the EU sanctions framework tied to Belarus’ involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The new rules take effect on July 24, while the broader restrictions aimed at the crypto sector will be implemented from Aug. 25.
Services covered under MiCA
Under MiCA’s definitions, the affected activities include operating crypto trading platforms, crypto-asset exchange, executing and transmitting client orders, crypto-asset issuance services, asset transfer services, investment advice, and portfolio management.
Timing and regulatory context
The restriction comes after MiCA’s transition period ended on July 1. The EU had previously required crypto firms without authorization to stop related business activities or face regulatory enforcement.
The EU said the expanded measure is part of its effort to crack down on the use of crypto platforms to bypass sanctions on Russia. Earlier, in its 21st package of sanctions against Russia, the bloc expanded transaction bans to 14 crypto-related service platforms outside the EU and put in place a mechanism allowing future prohibitions on dealing with any foreign crypto service provider found to be helping Russia evade sanctions.
Market participants said that, as the MiCA framework is now fully taking effect, the EU is strengthening its oversight of the crypto industry through both licensing requirements and sanctions tools.
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