[EU Expands Crypto Restrictions on Belarus, Bans Its Citizens from Controlling MiCA-Regulated Crypto Service Providers] Odaily Planet Daily News: The European Union has further tightened restrictions on crypto assets related to Belarus, banning Belarusian citizens and residents from owning, controlling, or managing crypto service providers regulated under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). According to Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1847, adopted by the EU Council on July 24, this measure is an extension of the EU's sanctions framework targeting Belarus for its involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The new rules will officially take effect on July 24, with the expanded restrictions on the crypto industry set to be implemented starting August 25. Under the MiCA definition, the affected services include operating crypto trading platforms, crypto asset exchanges, executing and transmitting client orders, crypto asset issuance services, asset transfer services, investment advice, and portfolio management, among others. This restriction comes as the MiCA transition period ended on July 1. The EU had previously required unauthorized crypto businesses to cease related operations or face regulatory enforcement. The EU stated that this expanded restriction is part of its efforts to combat the use of crypto platforms to circumvent sanctions against Russia. Previously, in its 21st round of sanctions against Russia, the EU had extended the trading ban to 14 crypto-related service platforms outside the EU and established a mechanism to allow future bans on transactions with any foreign crypto service providers identified as helping Russia evade sanctions. Market participants have noted that with the full implementation of the MiCA regulatory framework, the EU is further strengthening its regulatory control over the crypto industry through licensing systems and sanction mechanisms. (Cointelegraph)