EU expands Belarus crypto restrictions, banning its citizens from controlling all crypto service providers regulated under MiCA

Odaily Planet Daily News The EU has further tightened restrictions on crypto assets targeting Belarus, banning Belarusian citizens and residents from owning, controlling, or managing crypto service providers regulated under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).

According to Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1847, adopted by the Council of the European Union on July 24, the measure is an extension of the EU's sanctions framework related to Belarus's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The new rules will take effect on July 24, with the expanded restrictions on the crypto industry to be implemented starting August 25.

As defined by MiCA, the affected services include operating crypto trading platforms, exchanging crypto assets, executing and transmitting client orders, crypto asset issuance services, asset transfer services, investment advisory, and portfolio management. These restrictions come as the MiCA transition period ended on July 1. The EU previously required unauthorized crypto companies to cease related operations or face regulatory enforcement.

The EU stated that this expansion of restrictions is part of its efforts to combat the use of crypto platforms to evade sanctions against Russia. Earlier, in the 21st round of sanctions against Russia, the EU had expanded the trading ban to include 14 crypto-related service platforms outside the bloc and established a mechanism to allow future bans on transactions with any foreign crypto service providers identified as helping Russia circumvent sanctions.

Market observers point out that with the full implementation of the MiCA regulatory framework, the EU is further strengthening its regulatory control over the crypto industry through licensing systems and sanction mechanisms. (Cointelegraph)