EU Court Dismisses Appeals by Belaruskali and BKK to Lift Sanctions
The Court of Justice of the European Union has upheld the legality of sanctions imposed against Belaruskali, its general director Ivan Halavaty, and Belarusian Potash Company (BKK). The decision was made on June 18. The court dismissed the appeals of the companies and the top manager, upholding the decisions of the EU General Court from September 2024, Reform.news writes .
The court decision states that Belaruskali is one of the world's largest producers of potash fertilizers and an important source of income and foreign exchange earnings for the Belarusian state.
The Court agreed with the conclusions of the Council of the EU that the enterprise supports the Lukashenka regime, including through the payment of dividends to the state.
The Court also indicated that employees of Belaruskali who participated in strikes and peaceful protest actions after the August 2020 elections were subjected to pressure and dismissals.
The document notes that participants in the protests were deprived of bonuses, and Lukashenka publicly threatened to replace striking miners with workers from Ukraine.
The Court classified these actions as suppression of civil society.
Regarding Ivan Halavaty, the court stated that he held a leadership position in a company strategically important to the Belarusian economy, and was also a member of the Council of the Republic and held other state positions.
According to the court, this indicates his proximity to the authorities and support for the regime.
Belarusian Potash Company (BKK), which acts as Belaruskali's export operator, according to the court's assessment, enjoyed preferences from the state and facilitated the generation of income from potash fertilizer exports.
The Court also rejected the applicants' arguments that the concept of the "Lukashenka regime" is legally undefined. The decision emphasizes that this term is sufficiently clear and allows for establishing a connection between the companies' actions and their support for the Belarusian authorities.
Furthermore, the Court found no violations of the principles of legal certainty and proportionality, indicating that the restrictive measures are aimed at increasing pressure on the Belarusian authorities in connection with human rights violations and support for Russia's war against Ukraine.
The appellants have been ordered to cover the legal costs of the Council of the EU.