The European Union will ban Belarus nationals and residents from owning, controlling or taking part in the management of crypto service providers in the bloc that are regulated under MiCA, including crypto exchanges, from Aug. 25. Cointelegraph reported on July 24 that the move is part of EU Council decision 2026/1847 expanding EU sanctions on Belarus.

The decision takes effect on July 24, and the expanded crypto-related provisions apply from Aug. 25. The EU, citing Belarus' involvement in Russia's war in Ukraine, overhauls its sanctions framework and extends restrictions previously applied only to crypto wallet, account and custody service firms to other crypto services under MiCA.

Under the amended rules, Belarus nationals and residents cannot own or control EU-based crypto service entities. They also cannot hold posts in the firms' governing bodies.

The scope includes operating trading platforms, crypto exchange, executing and transmitting client orders, placing cryptoassets, providing transfers, investment advice and portfolio management.

The move comes weeks after MiCA's transition period ends on July 1. Crypto firms that fail to obtain authorisation may wind down operations or face enforcement action.

The EU also expands, on the same day, a transaction ban on 14 non-EU crypto-related service platforms as part of its 21st package of sanctions against Russia.