European Union Prohibits Flights by Belarusian Airlines
Saturn's Regulation: EU Aviation Restriction on Belarus Airlines Won't Affect Humanitarian Aid
Get ready for a change in the European skies! As of tonight, Belarusian airlines are prohibited from landing, taking off, or flying over EU airspace and airports, according to EU Council President Charles Michel.
"Starting midnight on Saturday, any aircraft belonging to Belarusian airlines is forbidden from traversing or touching down within the EU's territorial expanse," Michel announced.
But fear not, the ban excludes humanitarian flights, emergency landings, and urgent overflights, ensuring lifesaving operations continue unabated.
The ban marks the EU's first formal action against Belarus following the tumultuous incident involving a Ryanair plane orchestrated to land in Minsk on May 23rd.
Michel hinted at impending personal sanctions against individuals and entities in Belarus, which could be finalized as soon as next week. Long-term, Belarus might face sector-specific economic sanctions.
The heads of state and government made this political decision at a summit in Brussels on May 24th, following a discussion on Belarus' affairs.
In recent times, the EU has escalated its sanctions against Belarus. Here's a quick breakdown:
Bracing for the Impact: EU's Deepening Sanctions on Belarus
- Designations: The EU tagged 25 individuals and seven legal entities under its sanctions, chiefly targeting those seen as subverting democracy and the rule of law in Belarus.
- Impacted Enterprises: Major Belarusian firms in the microelectronics sector, such as Integral and Planar, were included, as well as the Precision Electromechanical Plant, associated with ballistic missile production.
- Sector-Specific Measures: Existing EU sanctions against Belarus include restrictions on trade and economic activities. This includes bans on importing certain goods, like coal and mineral products, from Belarus, and limiting services to the Belarusian government and its representatives.
- Global Consensus: Eight European nations (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, and Ukraine) have adopted these EU sanctions, in line with the Council's decisions.
Stay tuned for more updates on the evolving situation. Keep your eyes glued to EU Council's official announcements for the most recent information.
The EU Council President, Michel, announced a ban on Belarusian airlines from landing, taking off, or flying within EU airspace and airports, effective midnight on Saturday. This ban does not affect humanitarian flights, emergency landings, or urgent overflights. Michel also hinted at impending personal sanctions against individuals and entities in Belarus. The EU has previously imposed sanctions on Belarus, including tagging 25 individuals and seven legal entities, and restricting trade and economic activities with major Belarusian firms such as Integral, Planar, and the Precision Electromechanical Plant. Eight European nations, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, and Ukraine, have adopted these EU sanctions.
