The European Union (EU) has imposed sanctions on several officials in Belarus in response to the country's crackdown on anti-government activists. The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes on 38 officials, including judges, prosecutors, and police officers.

The EU also froze the assets of state oil and chemicals giant Belneftekhim, which it claims benefits from President Alexander Lukashenko's regime's support to lessen the impact of Western sanctions. In addition to targeting individuals, the EU has extended an export ban to include firearms and the aviation and space industries.

This brings the total number of people and entities subject to restrictive measures to over 230 individuals and almost 40 entities since Lukashenko's controversial re-election in 2020. The crackdown on activists and media personnel in Belarus began following the August 2020 election, which led to massive protests against Lukashenko's regime.

Thousands of people have been arrested, beaten while in custody, and numerous non-governmental organizations and independent media outlets have been shut down. The EU's sanctions aim to hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses and to pressure the Belarusian government to respect democratic principles. These measures are part of the EU's ongoing efforts to support democratic values and protect human rights both within and outside its borders.