Germany and France are opposing EU efforts to close a loophole allowing luxury cars and high-end goods to reach Russia via Belarus.

Imports of cars from the EU to Belarus surged more than fourfold from 2021 to two point six billion dollars in 2022, with luxury cars accounting for one point four billion dollars of that increase.

Both nations advocate focusing on goods that serve Russian military efforts rather than luxury items.

The EU is preparing new restrictions to prevent Russia from bypassing Western sanctions through Belarus.

Current sanctions on Minsk are less stringent compared to Moscow, enabling transit of sanctioned goods between the two closely integrated countries.

This debate is happening as the EU plans to introduce further sanctions before the G7 summit in Italy on June 13-15.

New measures may include bans on re-loading and transshipment services for Russian LNG destined for third countries.