EU Slams Door on Belarus Crypto Service Providers Amid Ukraine War Tensions

The European Union has expanded its ban on Belarus nationals owning crypto service providers in the bloc. As part of EU Council decision 2026/1847, the move aims to restrict Belarus' involvement in Russia's war in Ukraine. The new rules take effect on July 24, with the expanded crypto-related provisions applying from August 25.

The amended regulations prohibit Belarus nationals and residents from owning or controlling EU-based crypto service entities. They also cannot hold posts in the firms' governing bodies. This includes operating trading platforms, executing and transmitting client orders, placing cryptocurrencies, providing transfers, investment advice, and portfolio management.

The move comes weeks after the transition period for the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation ended on July 1. Crypto firms that fail to obtain authorization may wind down operations or face enforcement action. The EU has also expanded a transaction ban on 14 non-EU crypto-related service platforms as part of its 21st package of sanctions against Russia.