Belarus lifts ban on EU agricultural imports

By Alperen Aktas​​​​​​​

ISTANBUL (AA) – Belarus lifted its ban on several agricultural imports from EU countries on Tuesday, following the European Parliament’s recent decision to raise customs duties on Belarusian goods, state media reported.

The Belarusian government removed restrictions on potatoes, onions, fresh white cabbage, and apples from EU member states, according to a newly signed resolution by Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko.

The move comes in response to the May 22 draft resolution by the European Parliament introducing higher tariffs on agricultural imports from Belarus.

Minsk described its step as “a demonstration of openness, peacefulness, and good neighborliness.”

“This decision, just like our earlier visa-free entry policy for citizens of several countries, including EU states, proves that Belarus is not closing itself off, but rather easing measures in the face of growing Western restrictions,” the government said.

Belarus has faced a series of EU sanctions since 2020 over alleged human rights violations and its support for Russia in the Ukraine war. The latest EU measures target Belarusian agricultural exports amid accusations of economic and political alignment with Moscow.